Coaching, Hazardous Movements, and How SoterCoach Helps

Understanding Haptic Feedback

SoterCoach uses gentle, real-time haptic feedback (vibrations and beeps) to alert workers when they perform movements that place them at risk for injury. This immediate notification empowers workers to correct their posture or technique on the spot, helping to prevent long-term musculoskeletal injuries.

How Haptic Feedback Works

1. Detection: The wearable sensor continuously monitors movement and posture.
2. Alert: When the device detects a hazardous movement (e.g., bending beyond a safe threshold), it delivers a brief vibration and/or beep.
3. Correction: The worker receives the feedback instantly and can adjust their technique before strain or injury occurs.
4. Learning: Over time, this feedback loop encourages workers to adopt safer movement habits.

Coaching, Hazardous Movements, and Use Cases

Types of Hazardous Movements Detected

The device monitors several categories of risk, including:

• Spine Hazards: Excessive bending, awkward static postures, twisting, high-intensity movements, and repetitive bending.
• Shoulder Hazards: Arm elevation above 90°, static arm elevation, repetitive arm movements, and overhead reaching.

Each hazard type is tied to ergonomic research and industry-standard risk thresholds.

When and Why Feedback Occurs

• Immediate Response: Haptic feedback is triggered in real time — the moment a risky movement is detected.
• Threshold-Based: Alerts are calibrated to scientifically backed thresholds (e.g., bending more than 90° or holding an awkward posture for more than 20 seconds).
• Consistency: The device delivers feedback consistently, ensuring workers are alerted every time they exceed safe movement limits.

Use Cases

SoterCoach is used across various industries and job roles to reduce injury risk, including:

• Warehousing and Logistics: Workers lifting, bending, and moving packages frequently.
• Manufacturing: Assembly line workers performing repetitive tasks or maintaining awkward postures.
• Construction: Workers engaged in overhead work, heavy lifting, and prolonged bending.
• Healthcare: Nurses and caregivers assisting patients with transfers and repositioning.
• Retail and Hospitality: Staff stocking shelves, carrying trays, or performing repetitive motions.

Best Practices for Workers Using the Device

• Stay Aware: Pay attention to the feedback and adjust your posture or technique immediately.
• Use as a Learning Tool: Over the course of the coaching period, you'll begin to recognize which movements trigger alerts — and you'll naturally adjust.
• Communicate: If you believe a certain movement is unavoidable or the feedback seems inappropriate, discuss it with your supervisor or safety coordinator.
• Be Patient: Behavioral change takes time. The goal is gradual improvement, not perfection.

Benefits of Haptic Feedback Coaching

• Injury Prevention: Reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by encouraging safe movement habits.
• Real-Time Learning: Workers receive instant feedback, making it easier to correct harmful behaviors immediately.
• Data-Driven Insights: The data collected helps safety teams identify high-risk tasks and target interventions effectively.
• Sustainable Behavior Change: Consistent coaching over time leads to lasting improvements in movement quality.

Related Articles

• Daily Workflow and Device Return Process
• Understanding the Dashboard
• Hazard Definitions: What the Device Detects