Many contractors are asking themselves how social distancing can be executed practically on jobsites so their workers can operate safely. As expected, products are starting to emerge that address these concerns.
For example, SmartVid.io, according to industry news reports, has paired computer vision with its artificial intelligence interface, known as Vinnie, to identify workers who might be working too closely to each other or in packs larger than 10, which would violate OSHA’s social distancing guidelines.
Triax Technologies, which specializes in Internet of Things (IoT) worksite platforms, has launched Proximity TraceTM, an IoT system that provides social distancing alerts and contact tracing—identifying workers with whom confirmed COVID-19 cases came into contact over a period of time—through a wearable device.
The device, which can be attached to a hardhat or worn on the user’s body with a lanyard, offers added protection for essential workers during the pandemic, and can help contractors get their field employees back to work safety.
“Our solution is designed to ease the burden on workers to maintain appropriate distances as part of new safety practices that very well could become the next normal,” says Robert Costantini, Triax’s CEO.
Glibane Building Company, one of the industry’s leading GCs, is in the process of rolling out Proximity Trace devices to its active jobsites. “Worker safety is our top priority, so we were thrilled to hear that our technology partner Triax developed a solution to address the social distancing and contact tracing problems the industry is facing during COVID-19,” says Jason Pelkey, Gilbane’s senior vice president and Chief Information Officer.
The system’s details include:
•TraceTag, a real-time audible alert for close contact interactions, which the device records for contact tracing. The device’s rechargeable battery has weeks, even months, of battery life.
•Cellular gateways for logging headcount and attendance. These data are transmitted to the company’s cloud.
•A real-time audible alert and flashing red LED that activate when worker interaction is registered. This function can be turned off for contact tracing only. And an escalation alert beeps for timely distance correction.
•A data dashboard for worker profile management, device management and administration, and for producing contact tracing reports. The data include timestamps, the duration of interaction, and number of participants.
Proximity Trace does not rely on a client’s WiFi or internet service.
Triax states that its goals for Proximity Trace are to provide a proactive system to support and condition workers to comply with social distancing guidelines. The system can help companies passively collect worker interactions and duration to automate and digitize contact tracing. The system provides information needed to guide COVID-19 protocols at essential facilities. And it supports companies’ efforts to limit the spread of infection by identifying so-called “Subject 1” candidates who have been in contact with people whose COVID-19 exposure is confirmed.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Mar 26, 2020
AIA praises Congress for advancing desperately needed COVID-19 relief
Approval for the latest relief legislation advances a number of AIA-supported measures to help meet the needs of firms and members.
Coronavirus | Mar 25, 2020
Coronavirus pandemic's impact on U.S. construction, notably the multifamily sector - 04-30-20 update
Coronavirus pandemic's impact on U.S. construction, notably the multifamily sector - 04-30-20 update
Coronavirus | Mar 25, 2020
Plaza Construction and Central Consulting & Contracting strategic alliance expands to Florida in response to coronavirus pandemic
New York City-based partnership to aid Florida healthcare systems amid COVID-19 outbreak and will continue medical construction in the region following resolution.
| Mar 25, 2020
Designing public health laboratories to safeguard researchers during pandemics
As laboratory designers, we want to shed light on a subset of our population critical to protecting us from, and preventing the spread of, severe outbreaks: public health researchers.
Market Data | Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus will reshape UAE construction
The impact of the virus has been felt in the UAE, where precautionary measures have been implemented to combat the spread of the virus through social distancing.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Perkins and Will’s CEO sees a light at the end of COVID-19 tunnel
Phil Harrison says the virus outbreak could make more clients see the connection between design and wellbeing.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Construction business and union leaders call on government officials to include construction as an 'essential service' during shutdowns
The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, and the President of North America’s Building Trades Unions, Sean McGarvey, issued the following joint statement urging Government Officials to Exempt Construction Work from Regional, State and Local Work Shutdowns.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Associated General Contractors launches eight-part webinar series around COVID-19
The programming, which begins Monday, will offer advice on how businesses might need to adjust during the virus.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
BD+C research: The AEC industry braces for tough sledding in the coming months amid COVID-19 outbreak
A new BD+C poll of U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction firms finds that companies are anticipating project postponements and delays.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
Pandemic has halted or delayed projects for 28% of contractors
Coronavirus-caused slowdown contrasts with January figures showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs; Officials note New infrastructure funding and paid family leave fixes are needed.