Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with a worker. The article of PPE includes at least one sensor configured to generate signals indicative of a sensed variable related to at least one of the worker and the work environment. The article of PPE further includes a processor communicably coupled to the at least one sensor and at least one other article of PPE associated with one other worker. The processor is configured to receive the signals from the at least one sensor. The processor is further configured to determine one or more messages corresponding to the signals. The processor is further configured to transmit the one or more messages directly to the at least one other article of PPE based on at least one of a push communication protocol, a pull communication protocol, and a continuous communication protocol.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for a wearable proximity detection system. In one embodiment, a wearable device configured to be worn by a wearer includes a first energy source configured to transmit energy; a sensor configured to detect energy from a proximate, second energy source of a compatible, second wearable device; and processing circuitry in communication with the first energy source and the sensor, the processing circuitry configured to use the energy detected by the sensor to determine a predetermined identifying characteristic associated to a second wearer of the second wearable device. In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting, via a first energy source, energy; detecting, via a sensor, energy from a proximate, second energy source of a compatible, second wearable device; and using, via processing circuitry, the energy detected by the sensor to determine a predetermined identifying characteristic associated to a second wearer of the second wearable device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for a wearable proximity detection system. In one embodiment, a wearable device configured to be worn by a wearer includes a first energy source configured to transmit energy; a sensor configured to detect energy from a proximate, second energy source of a compatible, second wearable device; and processing circuitry in communication with the first energy source and the sensor, the processing circuitry configured to use the energy detected by the sensor to determine a predetermined identifying characteristic associated to a second wearer of the second wearable device. In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting, via a first energy source, energy; detecting, via a sensor, energy from a proximate, second energy source of a compatible, second wearable device; and using, via processing circuitry, the energy detected by the sensor to determine a predetermined identifying characteristic associated to a second wearer of the second wearable device.