Five Ways Tech is Boosting Health, Safety & Wellbeing

The cost of injuries for construction workers across the UK has reached more than a staggering £16.2 billion a year. However, there are now more ways to offer protection via advanced technology.

But how exactly does this work? With some insights from Jonathan Beadle at van leasing company, Van Ninja, we delve into five ways technology is helping to improve the health and safety of the construction sector.

 

Wearable technology

Wearable technologies can monitor vital signs, identify collisions and keep track of workers who are working unaccompanied. So, if workers are using van leasing to go from site to site, you can keep an eye on them. Also, Exoskeleton is an example of wearable technology which assists the workers’ physical support when there is a high risk of manual handling of loads injuries.

 

Site sensors

With site sensors, which companies such as SmartSite and Pillar Technologies have developed, many things such as noise levels, temperature and dust particulates can be monitored to protect workers from high exposure. Across a construction site, these sensors can be implemented to inform the employees if they are in danger of passing the exposure limit.

 

Digitalised safety processes

Turning the safety process to digital instead of having a pile of paperwork will not only provide more time to be used elsewhere, it will also contribute to the safety process of the construction site.

With an ePTW system, safety is ensured while making life easier. Digital sign-offs allow for more traceability,and you can rest assured that you have clarity of what’s going on throughout the construction site, thanks to real-time visibility, even if you aren’t on-site. In addition to this, consistent standards can be implemented across various sites, even for different types of construction work.

 

Drones to monitor sites

It’s essential for site workers to be aware of hazards to avoid major injuries. Thankfully, technology can monitor sites to improve workers' safety.

Drones are excellent for construction companies as they can be used for an aerial inspection of their site, which offers a wide view of the area and the surrounding environment. Given their ability to reach elevated areas and places that may be deemed unsafe, the inspection is much more accurate and efficient. With this technology, any safety hazards can be spotted prior to work being carried out to identify any procedures that need to be in place.

 

Digital training sessions

Training is important in any job role for upskilling, yet for the construction industry in particular, it is vital due to the many physical health risks like back injuries and the harmful chemicals in paints.

By streamlining training sessions, all workers across several sites can learn the same information, avoiding miscommunication that could be spread through in-person training through multiple sites. As well as this, sessions can be recorded for workers to revisit to refresh their memory, ensuring excellent safety conditions as employees can become much more familiar with necessary procedures. 

 

Picture: Technology is boosting health, safety and wellbeing.

www.vanninja.co.uk

 

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
15th March 2023

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