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    1. Technology

    The Smart Solutions to Cut Construction Workplace Accidents in Half

    Sept. 27, 2024
    New technologies can help bridge the gap for ongoing construction safety concerns.
    Cemex
    COBOD's cement printer at work.
    COBOD's cement printer at work.

    By: Cemex

    Each year, more than 1,000 workers lose their lives to construction accidents, and this figure is only increasing. 

    The most common construction injuries include falls, electrocutions, struck-by accidents, and incidents of being caught in or between something. These statistics highlight the urgent need for better prevention and new technologies to help companies reduce risks. Efforts in this direction are already underway, thanks to advancements such as AI-driven monitoring systems, building information modeling (BIM), and robotics, but there is still a rapidly increasing need for new solutions to improve workplace safety by 2030.

    To resolve this crucial issue, the industry must overcome several key challenges, including resistance to technological change, securing the necessary investment for widespread adoption, and ensuring proper integration with existing processes.

    How can technology improve construction safety?

    Technology is changing the face of the construction industry, and the quickest areas in which improvements can be seen are health and safety. Construction sites can be unstable environments with risks ranging from falls and equipment accidents to exposure to harmful materials. Advances in technology are tackling these safety issues through a range of innovations, including wearable smart devices, automated machinery, and 3D modeling software that allows for detailed planning and risk assessment.

    Cemex
    A multifunctional construction robot developed by COBOD that is capable of using conventional concrete in the construction of single- and multistory buildings.
    A multifunctional construction robot developed by COBOD that is capable of using conventional concrete in the construction of single- and multistory buildings.

    The challenge now is ensuring their widespread adoption. Gaining enough stakeholders to adopt these technologies at scale will take time, not to mention significant investments. The key is to keep demonstrating the benefits of new startup solutions to attract more attention and, eventually, wide scale adoption.

    In the past few years, there have been a plethora of innovative technologies developed that aim to improve worker safety. These advancements are reshaping how safety is managed on-site and are proving instrumental in reducing accidents.

    For instance, wearable smart devices, such as helmets with built-in sensors and smart vests, are becoming more common on construction sites. These devices monitor workers’ health, detect falls, and send real-time alerts to supervisors about potential safety issues. There has also been significant progress in automated machinery and robotics—which can handle repetitive, arduous, or perilous tasks—reducing the need for workers to operate in such conditions.

    One example of a machine-assisted technology is 3D construction printing. COBOD, for example, has engineered multifunctional construction robots that are capable of using conventional concrete in the construction of single- and multistory buildings.

    On the software front, building information modeling (BIM) and other 3D-enabled software solutions are redefining how construction projects are planned and executed. These tools create a digital twin of a construction project, allowing for comprehensive planning, risk assessments, and virtual simulations. By visualizing every aspect of a project before work even begins, these software systems can identify and address potential risks in advance, improving safety and efficiency, and reducing costly errors. 

    Other safety technologies include virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), which are slowly gaining traction in safety training programs. These VR and AR devices allow workers to practice hazardous situations in a controlled, simulated environment, improving their skills and preparedness without the risks associated with on-site training.

    The landscape of construction safety is rapidly evolving, and specialized technologies to improve existing systems can be expected by 2030. Although these technologies might not completely eliminate hazards, they can substantially mitigate both the number of risks and the severity of their effect.

    Challenges to adoption of safety technology

    As with any new technology, there will be challenges with adoption and integration of these new safety measures. For starters, the costs of implementing advanced technologies can be substantial. This includes the costs of purchasing and installing equipment, training staff, and integrating new systems with existing processes.

    To manage these costs, companies should explore financing options, government grants, and partnerships with technology providers that offer scalable products and services tailored to their specific needs. Start small and consider which upgrades will provide the most substantial improvements to your operations at that time.

    Training and skill development will be another major consideration, as many of the latest technologies require specific skills that may not be present in the current workforce. Companies should start to invest, or increase their investments in, training programs and upskilling initiatives to ensure that employees are well-prepared to utilize new technologies effectively.

    It’s not a question of whether companies will need to invest in technologies that improve their workers’ safety, but rather when. Companies that prioritize safety can benefit from improved efficiency, reputation, and employee retention and satisfaction, an important element to consider with the industry labor shortage.

    Ultimately, the industry’s commitment to adopting these technologies will be pivotal in advancing safety standards, protecting workers, and maintaining competitiveness. There will be challenges, and considering the immense size of the industry, wide-scale adoption will require careful planning and persistent effort. Yet with worker safety on the line, companies must meet these challenges by strategic technology adoption. By investing in and prioritizing the solutions, the construction industry can make significant strides toward a safer and more resilient future.