The construction industry is often associated with high-risk environments where safety must be taken seriously. Over the years, various technologies have emerged to enhance safety protocols, minimize accidents, and protect workers.
Among the latest technology available for constructors, wearable technology in construction stands out as a complete game-changer. These devices can improve safety and boost productivity by providing real-time data that can prevent potential hazards.
The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is committed to the advancement of the industry while keeping our ethical, moral, and safety issues at the top of the list. That’s why we’re firm supporters of considering new technologies that help today’s constructors do their jobs better and more effectively.
Wearable Technology in Construction: Latest Advancements
Wearable technology initially gained popularity in consumer industries via gadgets like fitness trackers and smartwatches. However, this technology soon expanded into other sectors where safety concerns demand constant innovation.
In the past decade, wearables in the construction realm have grown from simple tracking devices to sophisticated, multi-functional systems that monitor workers’ health, location, environment, and more.
What makes wearable technology so critical for construction projects is its ability to collect and analyze data in real-time, which can help alert workers and managers to immediate risks.
With advancements in AI, machine learning, and sensors, wearable technology has become more accessible and effective in predicting and preventing accidents before they occur.
Types of Wearable Technology for Construction Projects
Wearables are not one-size-fits-all. Each new device fits into the construction ecosystem by addressing a particular problem and providing a more user-friendly solution.
1. Smart Helmets
Smart helmets are one of the most prominent examples of wearable technology in the construction field. These helmets are equipped with sensors and augmented reality (AR) capabilities that can monitor a worker’s surroundings, provide live updates, and detect potential hazards.
Some smart helmets offer head-up displays that allow workers to see real-time data without diverting their attention from the task at hand.
Safety Impact
Smart helmets improve situational awareness by providing workers with data on structural integrity, temperature fluctuations, and equipment malfunctions. By offering predictive insights, they can alert workers to potential dangers and reduce the likelihood of accidents related to falling objects or equipment failure.
2. Wearable Exoskeletons
It may seem like something from a sci-fi movie, but wearable exoskeletons are very much real.
Today’s models are designed to reduce physical strain on construction work teams by enhancing their strength and endurance. These devices assist with lifting heavy materials, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries that are common in construction.
Safety Impact
Exoskeletons help alleviate the physical demands placed on workers by decreasing the risk of back, shoulder, and arm injuries. By supporting proper posture and limiting overexertion, exoskeletons can significantly reduce incidents of repetitive strain injuries and accidents caused by worker fatigue.
3. Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
Many construction companies now utilize smartwatches and fitness trackers to monitor workers’ vital signs like heart rate, fatigue levels, and physical activity. These devices can alert managers when a worker is overexerting themselves or showing signs of heat stress, allowing for immediate intervention.
Safety Impact
Monitoring vital signs in real-time can prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, and fatigue-related incidents. These issues are especially common in hot climates or during physically demanding tasks.
Also, in case of an emergency, smartwatches can be used to send distress signals, enabling workers to swiftly respond to the situation.
4. Environmental Sensors in Wearables
Environmental sensors integrated into wearable devices can track exposure to hazardous conditions, such as toxic gases, extreme temperatures, or high noise levels. These sensors can be embedded in various wearables, including vests, helmets, or even smartwatches.
Safety Impact
Environmental monitoring is crucial in preventing incidents caused by harmful exposure. For example, sensors detecting dangerous gas levels can trigger an alarm to give workers more time to evacuate the area.
This kind of proactive safety measure has been essential in reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses and other safety and health issues associated with construction environments.
5. Connected Safety Vests
Safety vests have always been a staple of construction site attire, but today’s connected safety vests take things a step further. These vests are often equipped with GPS tracking, motion sensors, and LED lights that alert both the wearer and management about potential hazards.
Safety Impact
Connected vests provide real-time location tracking, which is particularly useful in case of an accident or emergency. For instance, if a worker falls or becomes incapacitated, the vest can detect the lack of movement and alert supervisors immediately, improving emergency response times.
6. AR Glasses
Augmented Reality (AR) glasses are yet another cutting-edge wearable tech in construction. Products like Microsoft’s HoloLens overlay digital information onto the physical environment. Workers can use these glasses to view construction plans, identify underground utilities, or even see simulated structural models before work begins.
Safety Impact
AR glasses reduce errors and miscommunication by giving workers real-time visual aids. By improving accuracy and reducing guesswork, AR technology can help reduce the risk of incidents related to misinterpretation of plans or overlooked hazards.
The Benefits of Wearable Technology in Construction
Using new wearables on the job site can increase productivity on a daily basis and drive toward safer overall projects. Here are just a few of the benefits of considering new technology.
1. Reduce Injuries and Fatalities
The primary advantage of wearable technology is its potential to reduce the number of workplace injuries in construction. By monitoring workers’ health and the work environment, these devices help identify risk factors before they become serious incidents.
For example, detecting heat stress in a worker through a fitness tracker can prevent dangerous overexertion or dehydration, which could lead to a fatal accident.
2. Enhance Worker Productivity
In addition to improving safety, wearable technology can also boost worker productivity. By alleviating physical strain with devices like exoskeletons or providing real-time data through smart helmets, workers can perform tasks more efficiently and with less risk of error.
The ability to monitor conditions and workers’ health ensures that workers can maintain optimal performance without compromising safety.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
Wearables collect vast amounts of data that construction managers can analyze to make informed decisions.
This data can identify trends in worker behavior, highlight areas where additional safety measures are needed, or even forecast potential incidents based on environmental conditions or worker fatigue.
Data-driven insights allow construction firms to implement proactive safety protocols rather than reactive measures.
4. Emergency Response and Worker Location Tracking
Connected wearables, such as GPS-enabled safety vests, improve emergency response times. If an accident occurs, these devices can instantly alert managers and pinpoint the worker’s location, ensuring that help arrives quickly.
This functionality is especially useful in large construction sites or remote areas where immediate visual contact with every worker isn’t always possible.
Challenges in Implementing Wearable Technology
While wearable technology in construction presents clear benefits, its adoption is not without challenges. The cost of purchasing and maintaining wearable devices can be prohibitive for smaller companies.
Additionally, there may be resistance from workers who are unfamiliar with the technology or concerned about privacy, as some devices track location and other personal data.
However, as these technologies become more affordable and widely accepted, the construction industry is likely to see an even greater integration of wearables into daily operations, making job sites safer and more efficient.
AIC Looks Toward the Future of Technology in Construction
AIC is committed to using our knowledge and awareness of new technologies to enhance the construction sector. We aim to ensure that each constructor, manager, and administrator is well aware of the benefits available to teams today.
Making job sites safer and more productive can yield better results for constructors and project owners. Plus, taking steps to increase worker health and safety can lead to higher morale at the job site, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
We encourage you to keep up with the latest news, information, and trends on issues like wearable technology in construction. Follow AIC on LinkedIn for regular updates as we work together to accelerate constructor excellence.
