How does Wearable Technology Improve Workplace Safety?

Construction equipment tracking software incorporates this data to eliminate double-entry of information, which can lead to errors. Equipment stays within the boundaries of the jobsite by using telematics devices

Fremont, CA: In August 2022, nearly 8 million people were employed in the construction industry in the United States. More than 32,000 jobs were added in July of this year, according to recent statistics. Construction spending on buildings is expected to rise over 9 percent this year and 6 percent in 2023, despite labor shortages, material price hikes, and supply chain disruptions. Construction spending on buildings is expected to rise over 9 percent this year and another 6 percent in 2023, according to the American Institute of Architects, despite labor shortages, material price hikes, and supply chain disruptions. Safety is the top concern at construction sites because there are so many people employed in the industry.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls account for the majority of fatalities in the construction industry. A majority of "struck-by" incidents at work sites involve heavy equipment, and they account for the fourth most common cause of jobsite injuries. Safety protocols and regulations are followed by most construction firms to minimize risk and injury, but accidents will still occur.

Construction zones pose a danger to anyone who enters them. Construction workers move around a jobsite on foot. Aggregate, cement, and other heavy materials must be dodged by workers as they speed through the site. Heavy equipment at the site increases the likelihood of a worker being injured while walking through it.

It is easy for someone to be injured if they wander through a construction zone while distracted. On many sites, there are few roads for equipment to travel on, making it easy to walk in front of a truck or be sideswiped by it. An individual walking in front of a truck may not be seen by the driver. The driver may have to swerve to avoid pedestrians and wreck the vehicle. In order to reduce risk and accidents, many construction companies are turning to technology.

Sensor Technology in Construction

By using IoT devices, such as wearable sensors or telematics equipment, accidents can be reduced. Real-time location information is provided by these devices at all times on equipment and staff. The location of equipment or a worker can be determined at any time by construction managers. It is possible to inform workers that they need to move to a safer area if they are in a dangerous one. Management can see where equipment should not be and determine whether it has been stolen or misused if it is located where it should not be.

Telematics Devices

Contractors can monitor the location of heavy equipment with telematics devices and verify speed, driver safety, and equipment health with telematics devices. The use of telematics incorporates GPS positioning to track equipment location, fuel usage, engine speed, and other meter readings. Construction equipment tracking software incorporates this data to eliminate double-entry of information, which can lead to errors. Equipment stays within the boundaries of the jobsite by using telematics devices.