When it comes to the construction industry, the rule of the thumb is safety. The safety of workers is one of the crucial things for any construction site. The top priority for any construction firm is to protect their employees.
Over the years, technology has played a vital role in enhancing the safety of the construction site. Apart from being an enabler, there are several ways that it has been used to improve the construction sites' safety and efficiency.
There many innovative technologies that are being used to improve the safety and efficiency in the construction sites. Some are still in the early stages of adoption, but the impact is incredible. Here are four ways technology is making construction sites safer and more efficient.
1. Personal Protection Equipment
The introduction of high-tech personalized protection equipment is probably one of the most significant technological advancements in the construction industry. The technology involves the use of wearable gadgets to enhance the safety of the worker while on the site. Wearable technology is the latest buzz in this industry.
One of the best high-tech personal protection equipment is the exoskeleton and power-assist suits. These are high-tech suits that help workers to carry heavy objects while at work.
The technology also enables workers to lift or move heavy objects. Workers can also use exoskeletons and power-assist suits to use heavy tools for a longer time.
Some of the typical construction site injuries include back injuries due to lifting of heavy loads and using heavy machines. Heavy tools and loads also reduced the efficiency of the construction site. But with high-tech personal protection equipment, these problems have been addressed to a greater extent.
2. Worksite Automation
Automation on the construction site is another way that technology is making construction sites safer and more efficient. Unlike when workers would do everything, including managing traffic cones, automation has left most of the functions to the machines. Everything from the control of the machines' movement is getting automated.
An excellent example of an automated construction site is the use of drones in monitoring the worksite. Unlike a while back, supervisors used to climb to a high point where to get a view of the site, today, drones are providing a safer and more efficient way to monitor work site. What you need is just a drone software to get real-time insight into the sight performance.
Other construction companies have invested in robotics and artificial intelligence in their operations. Robots are now handling most of the risky functions likely to cause. The adoption of smart traffic cones is making the site safer and efficient. The efficiency of the machine is higher compared to that of an average human.
3. Improved Communication
One of the significant causes of injuries in construction is because of poor communication. When working as various groups, then you need to have a clear and timely communication system to avoid injuries.
Technology has helped to enhance communication on construction sites in a big way. It has made it possible to get timely communication, which has helped eradicate unnecessary accidents and injuries.
But that does not only mean the use of walkie talkies. Many other communication systems are being incorporated, such as the use of wearable technologies.
These gadgets can send real-time alerts of the person wearing it is injured, fallen, or in a compromised situation. That is another way that technology is making construction sites safer and more efficient.
4. Training Technology For Employees
One of the biggest causes of employees' injuries in the past was inexperience. New employees were usually taken to the actual construction sites with practical skills for them to learn. That's why the number of accidents for new employees was high.
With employee training technology, training is now being done in the virtual world. Depending on what the employee will be doing, there are virtual reality simulators where they can get the skills they need virtually. That is another way that the safety of the construction site improved.
Technology is an enabler for most industries, and the construction industry is one of the biggest beneficiaries. Many innovative technologies are being used to enhance workers' safety and improve the overall performance of the construction site. We also expect more improved, safer, and efficient technology in the construction industry for the future.
