Advancements in Construction Safety

No matter which construction site you visit or what the job entails, there are going to be plenty of potential hazards to be found. It’s just part of the job, frankly, and those working on construction sites get used to it. However, even a minor accident can easily result in extensive, expensive damages, not to mention the potential for workplace injury. 

Business owners, on-site supervisors, and individual workers need to remain vigilant. With the latest advances in construction safety, there are plenty of equipment options and other resources which can help to minimize the risks associated with an on-site accident.

Next-Generation Hard Hats

Wearable mobile technology represents nothing short of a revolution in terms of construction site safety. Hard hats and other equipment produced by companies like SmartCap are designed to monitor workers in order to detect signs of fatigue or other impairments. From being able to monitor traffic both in and around the construction site to ensuring that each worker and contractor is less likely to suffer from a fatigue-related accident, the latest generation of wearable protective gear has a great deal to offer.

Smart Safety Vest

Commonly seen at any job or construction site, a traditional safety vest does little more than raise the visible profile of the wearer. Smart vests and similar garments utilize a wide range of features which could play a key role in creating and maintaining a safer work environment. From garments that make use of LEDs and sensors to further increase visibility in low-light environments to vests designed to detect the wearer's vital signs in order to alert them of any abnormalities, smart vests are something that industry professionals can expect to see a whole lot more of in the days ahead.

Safety Glasses

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that uses glasses, goggles or similar devices in order to provide users with an added layer of visual information. Next-generation safety glasses can provide construction workers with insight regarding unsafe temperatures, the status of on-site equipment or highlight other aspects of the worksite that may pose a potential safety hazard. AR can also be of benefit in terms of visualizing various aspects of construction projects or ensuring that workers are less likely to suffer from distractions when performing a task.

On-Site Sensors

Remote sensors can provide information regarding unsafe noise levels, help to monitor temperature and other environmental changes or to alert workers to the presence of volatile compounds and other hazardous materials. Being able to fully visualize and monitor almost every aspect of the construction site has never been easier. Ensuring proper placement and antenna alignment for all broadcast equipment and devices can even decrease response time in the event of an accident or life-threatening emergency. Sensors and systems that will summon help automatically can be a crucial resource in the event that an accident victim becomes incapacitated or is unable to call for help.

Maintaining a Safer Work Environment

While access to the right tools, equipment, and other resources can go a long way towards minimizing the risk of an accident, creating and enacting the right safety policies and protocols can also be of tremendous importance. Business owners would do well to take stock of their operation and to identify any areas where safety may be a concern. Possessing greater insight regarding both their needs and the technology and resources that can be made available means that supervisors and business owners can more easily create a safe environment and maintain an accident-free workplace.

AnnaBeth Rouse is a contributing writer and media specialist for GoPivot Solutions. She regularly produces content for a variety of management and workplace blogs, based around the trucking industry.