Week 4 (Mar 10 - Mar 16)

Throughout this week, we analyzed the responses obtained from interviews conducted with various professionals from the companies we contacted. These professionals hold positions such as Occupational Noise Measurement Specialist, Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE) Manager, Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE) Director in Construction, Integrated Management Systems Director, and Quality, Environment, Safety, and Health (QESH) Director in Industrial Environments. These interviews were conducted with the aim of evaluating which of the options that got out of the brainstorming phase would be useful and innovative in the eyes of professionals with experience in occupational health and safety.

The options in question include a portable safety device worn by the worker that measures noise levels and provides real-time alerts when it is necessary to use personal protective equipment (PPE). The second solution consists of a static device that measures noise and uses a lighting system to warn workers within a specific area about the noise hazard level they are exposed to.

After analyzing the information obtained from the interviews, we realized that all the professionals we spoke with emphasized the importance of ensuring that the device we are developing complies with the safety requirements specified in Decree-Law No. 182/2006 and the NP EN ISO 9612:2011 and EN 458:2016 standards. Additionally, many of these professionals showed a greater interest in a portable device, given the dynamic nature of the companies in question, as well as the device’s ability to alert the worker in real-time when PPE is required. Furthermore, several professionals highlighted the importance of this device generating periodic reports on the noise exposure levels of workers, as a way to facilitate the work of safety managers and to legally safeguard the company.

As a result, the team has decided to proceed with the development of a portable device and is currently searching for suitable components to support its development, as well as discussing possible modifications to the initial concept. So far, an RP2040 board has been requested, and part of the team has started working on the system that will power the portable device.

Interview Results

Interview 1:

Occupational Noise Measurement Specialist
Conclusions:

• The team should base their work on relevant standards and legislation, such as Decree-Law No. 182/2006 and the NP EN ISO 9612:2011 and EN 458:2016 standards.
• Both portable and static devices are useful, depending on the application context.

Interview 2:

Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE) Manager
Conclusions:

• Portable devices are more suitable for dynamic environments (e.g., construction sites), while static devices work better in controlled environments (e.g., factories).

Interview 3:

Quality, Safety, and Environment (QSE) Director in Construction
Conclusions:

• Portable devices are more effective in dynamic environments, while static devices may be useful in areas with many people.

Interview 4:

Integrated Management Systems Director
Conclusions:

• The solution must be low-cost and widely adopted, with a focus on legally protecting the company as well as safeguarding workers.

Interview 5:

Quality, Environment, Safety, and Health (QESH) Director in Industrial Environments
Conclusions:

• Portable devices are more versatile, while static devices are suitable for fixed areas.

General Conclusions from the Interviews:

Problem confirmed:

• Negligence in using PPE in noisy environments is a real issue, especially in sectors like construction and industry.

Proposed solutions:

• Portable devices are preferred for dynamic environments.
• Static devices are suitable for controlled environments.

Priority features:

• Real-time alerts.
• Verification of correct PPE usage.
• Daily reports for monitoring and awareness.
• Affordable cost and ease of use.

Standards and legislation:

The solution must comply with applicable standards and legislation, such as Decree-Law No. 182/2006 and the NP EN ISO 9612:2011 and EN 458:2016 standards.