Executives with major construction companies say new digital tools are allowing them to use data more effectively to reduce serious safety incidents and improve job site safety.
A Clark Construction official recently told Construction Dive that his company has seen a reduction of over 60% in Serious Injuries and Fatalities exposures since adopting data analysis that identifies risks proactively rather than relying on incident data reported after the fact to guide prevention efforts. A Skanska USA executive noted that his company has also been collecting and analyzing safety data to prevent accidents.
The technology continues to improve, noted a Shawmut Construction executive, with the ability to “passively analyze and communicate where incidents are likely to occur.” Systems that can pinpoint where dangers are most likely to result in injuries enable supervisors to take mitigating actions before an incident occurs.
It is clear that the construction industry will have to boost safety training as a “mass influx of newer, less experienced workers” will be needed over the next several years to fill a flood of job openings. This cohort will require rapid skills training and systemic approaches such as data analysis that improve safety will reap benefits.
Related Stories
Contractors | Oct 2, 2015
OSHA’s top 10 workplace safety violations for 2015
Fall protection, hazard communication lead the list.
Contractors | Oct 1, 2015
Nonresidential construction spending expands for seventh consecutive month
Spending totaled $696.3 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis in August, a 0.3% increase from the previous month.
Airports | Sep 30, 2015
Takeoff! 5 ways high-flyin' airports are designing for rapid growth
Nimble designs, and technology that humanizes the passenger experience, are letting airports concentrate on providing service and generating revenue.
Contractors | Sep 30, 2015
FMI: Construction in place on track for sustained growth through 2016
FMI’s latest report singles out manufacturing, lodging, and office sectors as the drivers of nonresidential building activity and investment.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Sep 29, 2015
What went wrong? Diagnosing building envelope distress [AIA course]
With so many diverse components contributing to building envelope assemblies, it can be challenging to determine which of these myriad elements was the likely cause of a failure.
Modular Building | Sep 23, 2015
SOM and DOE unveil 3D-printed, off-the-grid building
The Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) building features a high-performance shell with a photovoltaic roof and built-in natural gas generator.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 21, 2015
Tokyo Olympic Stadium saga ends for Zaha Hadid
After resubmitting a bid, the firm will not design the main venue for the 2020 Olympics after all.
Giants 400 | Sep 17, 2015
CONVENTION CENTER SECTOR GIANTS: Gensler, AECOM, Turner top rankings of nation's largest convention/events sector AEC firms
BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest convention/events sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2015 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Sep 17, 2015
AIRPORT SECTOR GIANTS: KPF, Hensel Phelps, Jacobs top rankings of nation's largest airport terminal sector AEC firms
BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest airport terminal sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2015 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Sep 15, 2015
HOTEL SECTOR GIANTS: Gensler, AECOM, Turner among nation's largest hotel sector AEC firms
BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest hotel sector design and construction firms, as reported in the 2015 Giants 300 Report.