From conducting safety drills to using the appropriate safety equipment, several measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of construction workers. However, the construction industry is still one of the most dangerous industries for workers. Companies are constantly looking for ways to solve safety problems for construction workers, and most of them turn to technology for new safety solutions.
From wearable devices and drones to fleet dashboard cameras , many new technologies can help improve safety levels in the construction industry. Investing in these technologies can save you a lot of money from injuries and downtime caused by accidents. In this article, we'll look at the key ways technology is making the construction sector a safer place to work:
1. Digitize security processes
In the past, company safety processes were typically paper-based and manual, meaning someone needed to physically monitor and document operations to prevent accidents. Improving on-site security can be incredibly difficult without critical insights into security performance. These programs also do not provide real-time notifications about potentially unsafe or risky conditions before accidents happen.
Today, process digitalization has made construction safety simpler and more attainable. Mobile apps enable remote monitoring, allowing you to manage construction and ensure worker safety without being physically present on site. Workers also have everything they need to perform tasks correctly, such as safety clearances, checklists, plans, schedules and instructions.
Mobile apps eliminate the need to carry a stack of papers, so employees can complete reports and other documents via cell phones in real time. As a result, this reduces the chance of making mistakes that could lead to injury. You can also digitally share any information collected with management and other workers for real-time detection of conflicts in operations.
2. Construction wearables for worker safety
Wearables are transforming the construction industry, eliminating on-site deaths and injuries. These wearables include smartwatches that monitor real-time vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate and skin temperature. They can also include smart clothing such as a helmet and safety vest designed with sensors, real-time location systems and GPS technology.
Data collected from these wearables can be accessed via a mobile app in real time, helping you keep an eye on workers on site. These devices can also help you track a worker's movement, monitor their posture, and determine whether they are intoxicated or suffering from fatigue. These insights can help you identify a potential hazard before it occurs. Through sensors, you can detect dangerous toxins in the air like carbon monoxide and react quickly enough before causing any serious harm to workers.
GPS capabilities in wearable devices play a crucial role in immediate local crisis management . This can help you quickly locate accident victims and apply emergency procedures before injuries worsen. This helps save many lives in a potentially fatal situation on site.
3. Anticipate the future with data
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another powerful technology that is revolutionizing the construction industry. AI helps analyze vast amounts of past safety data in real time to anticipate anything that could be dangerous on construction sites. Using attributes such as site conditions, construction project size, equipment in use, and worker experience, AI can help you predict the likelihood of a construction incident. With this insight, you can implement the necessary preventative measures before an incident occurs, helping to improve worker safety.
Along with analytics and IoT, artificial intelligence can also make using equipment safer for workers. AI-enabled equipment collects large amounts of data about safe use, so you are notified when malfunctions or incorrect settings are used. This can help prevent damage to your expensive construction equipment and save the lives of those operating the machine. AI-supported cameras provide real-time video and analyze all input data related to the workplace. The data collected provides insights into locations to anticipate any potential hazards, allowing you to make better decisions regarding employee safety.
4. Ensure workplace safety using drones
Drone technology is revolutionizing the way inspections are carried out. Most inspections are carried out at great heights, putting workers at risk. Drones make construction site inspections safer as they can be carried out remotely while the worker remains safe on the ground. This is because drones can climb extremely high and even navigate in tight spots to give you high-quality aerial images and videos helping you inspect the progress of your project and the quality of the work.
In addition to inspecting the quality of work on site, you can also use drones to inspect large construction sites for risk factors to ensure safe working environments for workers. For example, drones equipped with sensors can detect and notify workers about gas leaks and other harmful chemicals on site.
Drones are also being used to monitor workers as they work to ensure everyone is working and dressed safely. Combined with AI-powered 3D imaging software, drones can provide valuable information to optimize transparency and increase workplace safety. Some companies are even evaluating the effectiveness of using drones to transport equipment and tools on large construction sites. This will help the construction team work faster, reduce heavy lifting, back injuries and improve job safety.
5. Simplify on-site training
Many workplace accidents happen due to inexperience, especially for those new to the industry, or complacency. That's why workers need to have the right skills before they even enter the site. Technology can help streamline on-site safety training by providing a consistent and effective way to impart knowledge and raise awareness.
For example, virtual and augmented reality devices can help you improve staff training by simulating deadly workplace hazards and mistakes. This provides your employees with an invaluable learning experience. Augmented reality facilitates more detailed training on heavy equipment in real locations with different virtual challenges. This equips all workers with the appropriate skills to operate heavy equipment specific to their jobs without putting others at risk.
Final grade
Technology plays a crucial role in improving worker safety in the construction sector. As construction safety technology continues to improve, serious injuries and accidents on the job site could soon be a thing of the past. For example, you can now use a drone to perform workplace inspections instead of putting your worker at risk.
In addition to improving worker safety, implementing technology can also increase worker productivity. Be sure to check out your most recent safety assessment to help you strategically adopt and implement technology solutions that can ensure worker safety and improve the efficiency of your construction business.
