Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. Construction safety and efficiency are more important subjects than ever during the global pandemic, and wearables offer the opportunity to improve both. Hard hats, boots, watches, and more are being adopted by construction companies globally.
Smart hard hats have the ability to track and improve worker wellbeing by monitoring vital signs for indications of fatigue and signalling the need for breaks. Given the dangerous conditions that construction workers operate in, managing fatigue is important to preventing accidents and mistakes. Hard hats can also be equipped with sensors to detect proximity to heavy equipment, which can also help prevent accidents on site. Examples of companies that offer smart hard hats include SmartCap and WakeCap.
Smart boots can include features such as pressure detection and location sensing, allowing them to detect accidents and call for help to the worker’s location. This helps with construction safety management for workers operating alone or in unsafe areas. SolePower and Intellinium are two companies offering smart boot products.
Similarly to smart hard hats and boots, smart watches can track worker health, detect falls, and send alerts to other workers or to emergency services. These devices can monitor heart rates, step counts, and sometimes other vital signs as well, helping to prevent overexertion and other health risks. They also provide an option for hands-free communication, improving safety for workers who need to have their hands free.
Smart glasses can also be useful tools on construction sites, allowing workers to use augmented reality features in order to view information on safety protocols, hazardous materials, and more. They can also help prevent falls by detecting edges around construction sites.
Other wearables can attach to a worker’s body or clothing in order to monitor vital signs or detect hazards such as dangerous gases. On a larger scale, exoskeletons can help workers safely lift heavy objects and operate tools, augmenting the person’s physical capabilities and reducing fatigue. Wearables benefit construction companies not only by reducing accidents and safety hazards, but also by attracting a dedicated workforce. As the industry continues to face labor shortages and unions gain influence, advanced safety features can be key to hiring good workers and minimizing turnover during the pandemic.