Construction management and risk management are two integral parts of any successful construction project. Unfortunately, safety risks can arise on-site or off-site, which can cause significant delays and losses in productivity. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these risks through the use of technology.
Construction software technology is increasingly important in reducing safety risks on the worksite, whether it’s a total demolition and rebuild or an interior fit-out.
How can going digital help?
For example, the use of predictive analytics can help to reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring on-site by providing real-time data about potential hazards. Additionally, automated processes like machine learning can be used to detect safety violations before they occur, allowing for proactive prevention rather than reactive responses.
In addition to preventing incidents from happening in the first place, technology can also be used to respond quickly when an incident does happen. For instance, remote sensors can be installed on-site to detect hazardous situations, as well as alert personnel to take action. This kind of technology can dramatically reduce the time it takes for a response team to arrive at the scene and address any safety concerns.
4 key digital tools to help streamline construction site safety
1. BIM
Just like a Swiss Army knife has multiple tools to approach different tasks, building information modeling (BIM) can be used for managing safety risks in construction. BIM is a versatile tool that can help you identify and assess risks, plan for contingencies, and track progress over time. BIM’s 3D visualization capabilities are one of its defining features, as it allows you to see through walls virtually, get a bird’s eye view, and even walk through different sections of the model. This is an proactive way to identify potential safety hazards before they become an issue, and there is still time opportunity to implement safety measures.
2. Safety compliance inspection tools
With safety and inspection software that you can access from your mobile device, what was once a time-consuming process is now much more efficient. Using standard checklists and customized forms tailored to specific project requirements, you can now record hazards and safety incidents as they happen. This timely information allows teams to resolve safety issues right away, decreasing the likelihood of physical harm or damage to the jobsite.
3. Risk-centric project management software
Risk management is primarily concerned with preventing accidents and injuries. A cloud-based platform will make the biggest difference because it allows for anywhere, anytime access to safety information. The cloud centralizes documentation that can lower the incidence of preventable injuries and accidents, such as training records, injury and incident reports (with photo and video evidence), operating manuals for machinery, material safety data sheets for handling materials on-site.
4. Quality assurance (QA) software
Quality assurance plans are important for safety, as they provide a road map for using checklists and forms correctly. Without a plan, quality assurance measures have reduced value. A QA plan helps by setting up processes at the beginning of a project to ensure requirements are met and inspectors find no issues with quality or safety. The schedule should outline how often inspections occur and when items on a rolling punch list will be addressed. Additionally, it outlines protocols for addressing defects that arise so they can be quickly fixed.
Summary
Overall, by utilizing advanced technologies such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and remote sensing, construction sites can significantly reduce their risk levels and ensure that their employees remain safe both on-site and off-site. By investing in these kinds of solutions, companies can help ensure that they are taking all necessary steps to protect their workers and property from potentially costly accidents and injuries.
Furthermore, integrating technology into existing processes can also help improve productivity levels by eliminating manual tasks that could otherwise be automated. This could lead to increased efficiency and savings for the company, ultimately leading to better bottom-line results.
Before any real construction can start, safety has to be the top priority. Unfortunately, not every risk can be completely eliminated. However, the options above, when explored and invested in, could help reduce the number of site safety incidents and site safety risk drastically.
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