Exoskeletons And Workers’ Comp: How The Insurance Industry Can Lead The Way

The next frontier of injury prevention is occupational exoskeletons — wearable devices that physically assist, augment and support workers and help bolster workplace safety when traditional ergonomic controls are not feasible.

The industry is pushing for more standards to expedite technology adoption, researchers are rapidly accruing evidence of device efficacy, and exoskeleton manufacturers are broadening their product offerings.

However, it is the insurance industry that is uniquely positioned to catalyze this growing field of occupational exoskeletons.

Greater collaboration between the exoskeleton, industrial, research and insurance communities has the potential to usher in transformational changes in how the current and future generations of workers are supported and protected.

Work related injuries have been on the decline for well over a decade thanks to advances in technology and the implementation of ergonomics programs.