Recent advancements in wearable technologies have opened multiple avenues for innovation. The smart watch, in particular, which monitors users’ health and mental state and allows them to keep track of and maintain their fitness, is in use extensively. The oil and gas industry can use this technology to monitor the health of oilfield workers. Such a fitness tool can enhance employee safety by monitoring workers’ stress levels and by alerting workers to occupational hazards. Keeping regular track of worker health will enhance workplace efficiency, which will lead to reduced downtime and enhanced workplace safety.
This technology can be implemented easily in the oil and gas industry with minimal cost, enhancing the health and safety of the workplace by several times. The gadgets, however, must be suitable for rugged environments, which present additional challenges. The gadgets not only should be resistant to harsh environments, such as high temperatures, drilling-fluid interference, and brash operational conditions, but also should be able to measure and transmit data accurately.
This paper presents the advantages of using such devices in the oil and gas industry, addresses various challenges faced in the oil fields, and discusses necessary modifications and enhancement.