Construction sites are dangerous work zones, and construction work is among one of the 25 most dangerous jobs out there. So improving construction site safety is always a priority for site managers. Fortunately, there have been considerable developments in technology designed to make sure construction workers and construction sites remain safe.
Table of contents
1. How can digitization improve construction safety
1.1. Easier reporting
1.2. Site visibility
1.3. Better communication
1.4. Ensuring compliance
1.5. Improved reputation
2. Which construction safety tools are there?
2.1. Automation
2.2. AI
2.3. Safety apps
How can digitization improve construction safety?
Digitizing and automating construction site management improves the accuracy of your site inspections, saves you time during routine processes, and helps boost productivity in the process. When your workers can do their jobs safely, they do their jobs more effectively.
Using technology in your work zone not only streamlines site safety improvements, it empowers individual workers to take a more active hand in improving working conditions. Here are some ways that digital solutions improve construction safety.
Easier reporting
Digital reporting tools make collecting data about construction work zones easier. By using a digital platform to report construction hazards as soon as you find them, your team can use that real-time data to address the problem.
In case there is an accident on site, it helps to have a fully mobile means of reporting it. That way, you can detail exactly what caused the accident and determine the best way to prevent similar occurrences. Incident reporting is a crucial element of any effort to improve construction safety.
Site visibility
When you switch to digital reporting, you’re able to make observations and track progress in real time. And all the data you collect can be stored for use later on in the project or during future projects. This sort of record keeping allows you to introduce improved safety protocols.
By giving workers access to these digital tools, you don’t just provide them with information. You also allow them to perform safety audits themselves. Having more eyes and sources of data leads to a more robust site safety plan that takes a diverse range of situations into account.
Better communication
Real-time data collection improves communication and teamwork on construction sites. By establishing a shared pool of data, you give everyone access to the same information and cut down on response time.
Effective communication isn’t only about construction safety. When everyone is aware of construction hazards, they can collaborate more effectively to avoid or repair them, saving time in the process. Real-time knowledge sharing makes clarifying workers’ roles easier and helps plan day-to-day operations.
Ensuring compliance
Staying on top of your reporting, in addition to keeping your workers safe, helps you adhere to government-set workplace safety standards. As previously stated, construction is one of the most hazardous fields to work in, which is why there is no shortage of regulation surrounding the industry.
For example, construction companies in the United States need to comply with OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) construction standards. There are several different categories of OSHA construction standards, which cover everything from the site itself to the tools your workers are using.
Due to the wide range of territory OSHA standards cover, it can be difficult to keep track of your compliance. Using a digital solution makes tracking easier by:
- Mapping the site in real time
- Providing up to date hazard identification
- Alerting you to high-risk situations or to a near-miss event
- Automatically saving documentation and analytics
Meeting applicable site safety requirements and turning those requirements into part of your workplace culture helps keep things running smoothly. It also eliminates the risk of being fined for noncompliance.
Improved reputation
A safe construction company is a reputable construction company. Taking the time to improve your construction safety processes shows that you are committed to the welfare of your employees. This will also make it easier to attract workers when needed.
Demonstrating ethical conduct is important for clients as well. Your business partners want a company that will work effectively and handle tasks reliably. A safer worksite is crucial to maintaining that reliability.
Which construction safety tools are there?
Over the past few years, innovations in AI and other types of automation have become more commonplace on construction sites. They don’t only make this dangerous work safer, they also make it faster and higher quality.
Automation
To lessen the burden of construction work, companies have begun using smart equipment for particularly risky tasks. For example, self-driving machines are used to haul materials, and drones are often used to scan work zones for construction hazards. Other robots perform repetitive tasks so that workers are less prone to injury.
AI
Construction companies are benefiting from the impressive data collection capacity of AI. Artificial intelligence solutions convert data into patterns that businesses can use to identify trends and possible delays. AI-operated systems like sensors and cameras are able to monitor site safety 24/7, and can detect hazards thanks to object and facial recognition.
These sensors do more than detect objects; they can even assess air quality. Wearable smart devices are even more useful – they measure vital signs, body temperature, and track location, making them instrumental during an incident.
Safety apps
Smartphones are by far the most used technology on a work site, with 90% of workers relying on one, and 49% using theirs for safety purposes. These safety apps are used to do everything from monitor employee health to arrange meetings to report anything unsafe.
Maintaining a safe and efficient construction site is easier with a digital inspection app like Lumiform. You can perform regular inspections and safety checks in minutes straight from your smartphone, and track any changes. And by giving all your workers access to the app, you can make sure incidents are documented wherever they occur. Lumiform also helps you track how well you comply with a range of safety standards including OSHA.