Amey has boosted the safety of highways workers by unveiling new technology which helps to reduce the risks of accidents for both drivers and lone engineers.

The wearable technology contains biometric and location devices, including a collar drowsiness detector and ear clip measuring changes in blood flow which are indicators of attention loss and an initial sign of fatigue.

Other features include a ruggedised wrist-worn vital band which monitors vital signs and environmental factors to alert employees to signs of heat stress, as well as providing other information such as a sudden change in posture indicating a trip or fall, and the wearer's exertion level.

The wearer can also activate a location badge which sends an instant alert in the event of a threat or injury.

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The technology, provided by Fujitsu, was piloted by Amey during an eight-week trial on Highways England's North East Regional Technology Maintenance Contract.

The company said it is now considering a detailed report on the tech's capabilities for improving staff safety across its business and plans to evaluate other devices and suppliers

Principal engineer for intelligent transport systems, Mike Kehoe, said: "We are always looking for ways to increase worker safety and wearable safety technology has huge possibilities.

"Our eight week trial on Highways England's North East Regional Technology Maintenance Contract really put it through its paces. Every member of staff on that contract drives a vehicle and can be out at any time of the day or night, in all weathers or in locations like embankments and next to live traffic.

"We found that the tech is transferable to other situations and could potentially provide a wealth of data about the wellbeing of our people which will help us improve general safety.

"We have more work to do to evaluate the market and look at ways to make the tech useable every day for our people.

"It's definitely the future, and many organisations, including Highways England, are looking at the concept. By putting our workers first we are on the way to making it a reality."

(LM)