Construction sites have always posed safety risks. Accidents, injuries, and even fatalities are not uncommon, making safety a top priority for the industry. In recent years, those fatalities have started to grow once again with a 70% increase over the last 5 years and construction deaths making up 37% of work-related deaths in the UK, 51 deaths in total in 2023.
The importance of better safety standards and improved protections for workers has never been more apparent. Modern technological innovations are playing a transformative role in mitigating these risks, creating safer and more efficient work environments. Below is an exploration of how technology is reshaping safety protocols in the construction industry.
1. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has emerged as a key tool in enhancing worker safety. Smart helmets, vests, and boots equipped with sensors monitor workers’ health, movement, and location in real-time. These devices can track vital signs such as heart rate and body temperature, alerting supervisors when workers are fatigued or experiencing heat stress, a common issue on construction sites.
Wearables also integrate GPS to monitor workers’ locations and send alerts if they enter hazardous areas. For example, proximity sensors can notify both workers and machinery operators if a worker is too close to dangerous equipment, reducing the risk of accidents.
2. Drones for Site Monitoring
Drones have become essential for real-time site monitoring and safety inspections. Equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors, drones can provide aerial views of construction sites, helping project managers identify potential hazards, such as unstable structures or improper scaffolding. This remote capability minimises the need for workers to physically inspect dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of falls or other accidents.
In addition, drones are increasingly used for progress tracking, mapping, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed throughout a project’s lifecycle.
3. Working At Height Systems
Working at height is one of the most dangerous jobs on any construction site and one where the right technology can make a real difference in terms of keeping workers safe and secure throughout the work day. Technology has continued to be developed in this area and there continues to be great investment in better working at height harnesses, access systems and more modular and adaptive edge protection systems.
Continued development in technology is focused on improving portability while continuing to offer high levels of protection as site sizes continue to expand and the need for quicker movability continues to be a priority for most site workers and owners. With taller buildings continuing to be built at rapid rates in places like London, abseiling anchors are also seeing continued development to provide better security and protection while also delivering better access for workers.
4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR technologies provide immersive training and visualisation tools that significantly enhance construction site safety. Virtual reality allows workers to engage in simulated training scenarios, such as operating heavy machinery or navigating hazardous environments, without any real-world risk. This hands-on, realistic training helps workers build experience and confidence, reducing the likelihood of accidents on the job.
Augmented reality, on the other hand, enables workers to overlay digital information onto the physical environment. Workers wearing AR glasses can receive real-time data about their surroundings, such as instructions on how to handle equipment safely or alerts about nearby hazards. This enhances situational awareness, allowing workers to make safer decisions in real time.
5. Robotics and Automation
Automation and robotics are increasingly being used to perform some of the most dangerous construction tasks. For example, demolition robots can be deployed to dismantle structures, reducing the need for workers to be in hazardous environments. Similarly, bricklaying robots and automated cranes can handle repetitive and strenuous tasks, minimising the risk of injury from manual labour.
Robotics also improves precision, ensuring that tasks are completed with fewer errors, which can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. By reducing human exposure to dangerous tasks and environments, robotics significantly enhances site safety.
6. AI and Predictive Analytics
The ever-trendy topic of AI has been at the forefront of construction for a while. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping to predict and prevent safety incidents before they occur. By analysing historical data and current site conditions, AI can identify patterns that may lead to accidents. Predictive analytics can alert site managers to potential risks, allowing them to implement corrective actions before a safety issue arises.
For instance, AI can analyse weather conditions, worker behaviour, and equipment usage to predict when and where accidents are most likely to happen. These insights help construction companies take a proactive approach to safety, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
7. Real-Time Communication Tools
Effective communication is crucial for maintaining site safety. Real-time communication tools, such as mobile apps and cloud-based platforms, allow workers and supervisors to share critical safety information instantly. These tools enable the quick dissemination of safety alerts, updates on site conditions, and emergency protocols. This also allows for better training and reassurance when working on a site for new employees that might not be fully confident with the key safety protocols.
In order to keep employees safe and help curve the concerning rise in death statistics on construction, safety protocols and better staff communication and training is going to have to be the priority for the industry. Technology has a key role in this by providing workers and employers with more tools to protect themselves and others as well as a better awareness of the entire site to ensure that overwhelmed or injured workers are treated quicker or given appropriate support. However, new technologies also need to be used effectively and correctly adopted by those in charge to provide the right kind of support. Without the right principles and effective training of all staff onsite, technology will not make any real difference.