Emerging Technologies

NY Contractors in the building industry are increasing their usage of emerging technology to boost safety, and further growth is probably, results of a latest survey show. More than 330 contractors participated in the survey, conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics in partnership with the Center for Construction Research and Training also known as CPWR and United Rentals. Results show that drones, laser scanning and wearable devices, like smart helmets, are the most typical emerging technology on worksites. 

However, 62 percent of respondents said they don’t utilize onsite technologies to promote safety. We think it’s likely to grow as the safety benefits are demonstrated, especially as the cost of some of these technologies goes down, Donna Laquidara Carr, industry insights research director at Dodge Data & Analytics, said during a Jan. 30 web seminar sponsored by CPWR. Overall, 82 percentage of wearable apparatus users reported a positive effect on safety, as did 76 percentage of laser scanning users and 70% of users. Technology is radically improving jobsite safety, providing concrete results in protecting employees and businesses alike, James Dorris VP of environmental, safety and health in United Rentals said in a news release. 

Evolving information platforms, tools and service capabilities will offer innovative new safety solutions. Other findings: 69 percent of builders said construction information modelling had a positive impact on safety, in comparison to 42% in 2012. 80 two percent reported that safety professionals are involved with some facet of the BIM stage. 52 percent of contractors and 34 percentage of commerce builders said they’re aware of Prevention via Design methods. Nevertheless, after studying the NIOSH definition of PtD all the attempts to anticipate and layout hazards to employees in facilities, work methods and operations, procedures, tools, equipment, products, substances, new technologies, and the business of job 67 and 66 percent, respectively, consider they’re practicing PtD fundamentals. 96 percent of general builders and 70 percent of trade builders report that website superintendents utilize mobile devices on worksites, while 85 percentage of all builders use cell phone cameras onsite. General contractors employ on-line safety training more frequently than trade contractors, 33 percent compared with 27 percent, respectively.