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
Adaptive Reuse | Aug 28, 2024
Cities in Washington State will offer tax breaks for office-to-residential conversions
A law passed earlier this year by the Washington State Legislature allows developers to defer sales and use taxes if they convert existing structures, including office buildings, into affordable housing.
Industrial Facilities | Aug 28, 2024
UK-based tire company plans to build the first carbon-neutral tire factory in the U.S.
ENSO, a U.K.-based company that makes tires for electric vehicles, has announced plans to build the first carbon-neutral tire factory in the U.S. The $500 million ENSO technology campus will be powered entirely by renewable energy. The first-of-its-kind tire factory aims to be carbon neutral without purchased offsets, using carbon-neutral raw materials and building materials.
Building Technology | Aug 23, 2024
Top-down construction: Streamlining the building process | BD+C
Learn why top-down construction is becoming popular again for urban projects and how it can benefit your construction process in this comprehensive blog.
Airports | Aug 22, 2024
Portland opens $2 billion mass timber expansion and renovation to its international airport
This month, the Portland International Airport (PDX) main terminal expansion opened to passengers. Designed by ZGF for the Port of Portland, the 1 million-sf project doubles the capacity of PDX and enables the airport to welcome 35 million passengers per year by 2045.
Adaptive Reuse | Aug 22, 2024
6 key fire and life safety considerations for office-to-residential conversions
Office-to-residential conversions may be fraught with fire and life safety challenges, from egress requirements to fire protection system gaps. Here are six important considerations to consider.
Contractors | Aug 22, 2024
Growing a $250 million business by focusing on preconstruction, with Wes Palmisano
One of the most critical aspects of successfully growing a construction company is the often-overlooked preconstruction phase.
Resiliency | Aug 22, 2024
Austin area evacuation center will double as events venue
A new 45,000 sf FEMA-operated evacuation shelter in the Greater Austin metropolitan area will begin construction this fall. The center will be available to house people in the event of a disaster such as a major hurricane and double as an events venue when not needed for emergency shelter.
Contractors | Aug 22, 2024
Why all construction business problems are people problems, with Eric Anderton
In the chaotic construction world where systematization is not a norm, it’s safe to say that people’s problems remain the biggest main challenge.
Contractors | Aug 21, 2024
The average U.S. contractor has 8.4 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of July 2024
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator held steady at 8.4 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 22 to Aug. 6. The reading is down 0.9 months from July 2023.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 21, 2024
Baltimore’s National Aquarium opens 10,000-sf floating wetland that mimics the harbor’s original tidal marsh habitat
The National Aquarium in Baltimore has opened the National Aquarium Harbor Wetland, a 10,000-sf floating wetland that mimics the Inner Harbor’s original Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat. Located between Piers 3 and 4 on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the $14 million project features more than 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses.
