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How Technology is Improving Construction Site Safety

Michael Rosario, Construction Tech Review | Monday, January 04, 2021

Safety in construction has been changing in the past few years as companies realize that technology can better protect workers.

FREMONT, CA: A safe job site is one of the most significant responsibilities of a construction project manager. Apart from the obvious ethical concerns of keeping workers injury-free, there are costs associated with an unsafe worksite. Worker safety should be a top priority throughout any construction firm, regardless of its size. Handling a team that embodies this idea will be beneficial to the organization as a whole. Given the growing use of technology in safety management and the varying use cases of applied technologies, a review that streamlines is indispensable to construction stakeholders. Here are a few technologies that are being used to make construction sites safer.

Drones

The commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicles has taken off ever since the Federal Aviation Administration established rules for their use. In construction, drones are being leveraged on job sites, from site surveying to monitoring structures to creating promotional videos. They are also used to make construction sites safer. Drones can be used to rapidly conduct job site inspections and find potential hazards. They ca

n be used to inspect workers to ensure everyone is working safely. Drones are being used to take photos as work progresses and job sites to keep everyone informed of the changing work conditions.

Exoskeletons

Exoskeletons are being developed for industrial use to lift objects or use heavy tools for longer periods without putting stress and strain on the body. Unpowered devices like those developed by compan

ies are designed to mitigate fatigue and injury and maintain proper posture. These devices use counterweights to stronger muscles to make lifting and carrying seamless. Powered suits use sensors and motors to help workers reduce back strain and lift heavy objects.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality simulators are being leveraged to train soldiers, pilots, and surgeons and could be used the same way to train construction workers. Safety training and device operator training are two areas where virtual reality could affect construction in the future. Workers could get exposure to environments like confined spaces or work at height in a controlled environment.