Injuries happen on job sites, but technology has helped construction companies advance their safety protocols, making workers safer, according to Robotics & Automation News.

Through technology, construction firms can better analyze risk, have safer equipment, be more connected on the job site and more.

Analyzing Risk

One way technology has helped construction is with risk analysis. Companies can now use 3-D building modeling software, augmented reality or virtual reality to ensure safety on the job site.

This technology can also be used to verify construction details, even before workers set foot on the site.

Construction Equipment

Construction equipment provides more safety features than ever. Newer power tools and construction equipment have alerts and alarms when there is a tool malfunction or error, including proximity alarms.

Heavy equipment features LED lighting, brakes, horns, backup alarms and other warning features to reduce accidents or damage.

Backup cameras in heavy, drivable construction equipment make accessibility and safety a priority. Automated or remote-controlled equipment can reduce the need for workers to access unsafe building conditions.

Protection

Safety testing technology has improved, making protective equipment more efficient with better materials, flexibility and accessibility. Wearable technology has been implemented, providing real-time alerts to health or safety concerns while on the job site.

This technology can evaluate heart rate, breathing quality and other metrics to manage builders’ health. Certain alarms or alerts can go off when a worker is near hazards, like live wires or active power tools.

Connectivity

With the Internet of Things technology improvements, construction equipment statuses and locations are more easily monitored.

Dangerous equipment is less likely to go missing, malfunctioning equipment can be avoided, and construction field managers have real-time updates on the performance of all equipment, machinery and tools.

Monitoring

Through improvements in remote communication technology, on-site monitoring is easier than ever.

Internet hotspot technology can connect any phone, tablet or computer to the internet for video, chat or phone communications, regardless of a construction site’s location or cell signal. Long-distance builder management and construction site updates are more accessible and efficient.

Communication

With advanced safety alarms, radio connection distances and battery capabilities, worker statuses and messages are more easily delivered and received on the job site.

Drones and equipment cameras can allow more team members to view and access job sites and situations. With instant communication comes instant emergency response, mitigating damage, duration and severity.

Drones

The advancements in drone technology have been unparalleled. Workers and managers no longer need to risk safety to access job sites for visuals or planning.

Safety procedures can be tailored for specific scenarios using enhanced aerial drone visuals. Aerial drones can allow remote equipment to perform more accurately, and safety risks are visualized more efficiently and easier.

Training

Safety training no longer needs to be performed in a traditional classroom. Advanced teaching technology makes remote teaching more accessible than ever.

Online safety classes can be taught and learned from anywhere at any time. Equipment and drone footage allow workers to be trained in real-life scenarios and situations.

Insurance

In the unfortunate event of an accident, technology ensures that employees and employers are informed in real time. This technology includes updates and communications with insurance companies and workers’ compensation, allowing for quick and efficient processing of claims and case updates.

Real-time communication technology facilitates more effective and efficient communication with any construction accident lawyer, making legal paperwork more accessible and distributable through electronic signing and filing.

Medical Care

If any injuries or accidents do occur on the construction site, quick medical attention is more accessible. Telehealth allows immediate connection to medical care through the internet via voice or video call.

While in-depth procedures like surgeries will still require a hospital visit, damage, pain and severity can be lessened through the advice of a real-time virtual medical appointment.

Conclusion

Technology is a valuable asset for high-risk work, like construction sites. Technology allows constant communication and connection through construction teams, managers and risk assessors.

Drones and other camera equipment can make safety analyses risk-free. On-site telehealth allows for prompt medical advice and care, should an accident occur.

When accidents do happen, technology allows for quicker updates regarding insurance claims, litigation and employer-employee communications.

Safety training is more accessible, too. Wearable technology can monitor the health and status of construction workers, improving job stress and safety measures.

Construction equipment has more safety features than ever, including backup cameras, proximity alarms and malfunction alerts.