New advances in technology are being made everyday, and these changes have a direct and significant impact on the way in which we carry out our daily lives. In particular, technology has changed the way in which we perform the duties of our jobs and, in some cases, have replaced the need for human intervention altogether. One industry in which technology has made a notable impact is construction, which is widely regarded as an inherently dangerous and risky occupation. Here, we will explore how advances in technology have revolutionized and improved safety on construction sites.
Wearables
One technological advancement that has been made in the construction industry is the implementation of wearable technology. These wearable devices, which include hard hats, boots, vests, smart watches, and more, can be used to increase workplace efficiency, detect hazards, and monitor your location. For example, these wearables can monitor important vital signs such as your temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate, and can detect if any of these numbers or levels are off. The wearable technology can also detect if you have come into contact with a toxic or harmful substance that you should be wary of. Lastly, some wearables may have location tracking technology that can be used to locate you in case of an emergency.
Drones
Another advantageous advancement in technology has been the development of drones. While one may not initially consider the usefulness of drones on a construction site, they have invaluable capabilities. Drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors that can provide a bird’s-eye view of what is happening on a construction site. They allow for hard-to-reach areas to be easily inspected and are also helpful in identifying any potential hazards that may exist.
Virtual Reality
Believe it or not, virtual reality (VR) has also contributed to the revolutionization of construction safety. VR is a computer-generated and immersive experience in which a simulated environment is created. VR can help make employee training more efficient and realistic in that construction workers can use VR headsets in order to identify potential hazards and explain how and why they should be addressed.
Robots and Automation
Another great advancement in technology that has enhanced construction safety and efficiency is the integration of robots and automation. Robots are now able to be programmed to perform some of the roles and responsibilities that construction workers have. For example, robotic arms and exoskeletons can take on strenuous and laborious tasks such as lifting heavy loads. This autonomous integration in the workplace can help to reduce the risk of injuries and exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.
Continual Advancement
The great thing about technology is that it is ever changing and improving. The use of technology on construction sites is bound to make a revolutionary impact on the safety of all employees, as well as benefit the efficiency of the workplace. While these advancements will unfortunately not make construction site injuries obsolete, it will definitely contribute to the gradual elimination and minimization of them. However, in the event that you are injured on a construction site, it is vital that you contact a Los Angeles construction accident attorney who can help guide you through the complex legal process. Nonetheless, the hope is that in the coming years, technology will decrease these injuries tenfold.