Workers’ safety is a major concern in the construction industry. Given the high risk of injuries and fatal accidents, meeting health and safety procedures has become essential in securing workers from harm. With the rapidly increasing urbanization across the globe, the complications related to building have heightened the chances of fatal accidents. In response, builders have started implementing smart technologies like the Internet of Things, closed-circuit television, drones, and others as preventive measures.
Location monitoring system, helmet sensors, and alarms for systemic safety
The IoT in construction market is undergoing significant changes that are improving on-site project management. Smart sensors and wearables are installed on construction spots to monitor equipment performance, workers’ health, and environmental conditions. These sensors provide real-time data on temperature, humidity, and machinery status, which assist in better decision-making and proactive maintenance. In addition, there have been numerous R&D efforts for systematic construction management. These efforts focus on overseeing workers and objects directly by capturing instant site information. They provide real-time safety technology using radio frequency wave spectrum to improve the work zone safety issues by alerting laborers. In 2028, Skanska and Standford University collaborated to apply sensing technologies, specifically RFID and real-time location updates to improve safety administration.
Researchers (Raid Kanan, Obaidallah Elhassan, and Rofaida Bensalem) developed an IoT-based independent structure in April 2018 for workers’ safety in construction sites with real-time positioning, monitoring, and alarming strategies. It was made for tracking construction assets by radio and ultrasound signals. Moreover, applications of RFID such as automated tracking of pipe spools and on-site inspection provision have also been recognized by researchers. Sensor-incorporated helmets sense and update the supervisor immediately if the laborer does not wear helmets during working hours. To ensure the safety of the laborers the helmet sensors use a gyroscope and temperature sensors. Hensel Phelps and the University of California created such smart helmets with sensors in 2020. This improved safety in the workspace for employees through real-time monitoring.
Alarm technology is applied to send warning signals to alert a worker when he or she approaches an unsafe condition. The alarm system is composed of an alarm transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter receives alarm signals from the RTLS engine and delivers it to the alarm receiver, which then sends it to the worker on site immediately.
Equipment monitoring, material tracking, and remote control
IoT sensors installed on construction equipment—like cranes, excavators, and trucks—gather real-time information about the machines’ performance, usage, and requirement for maintenance. This data helps with predictive maintenance, which means potential issues are identified before they cause downtime. Companies thus understand how to use their equipment and extend its lifespan. Trane Technologies and Caterpillar Inc. partnered in 2021 to apply IoT technologies into Caterpillar’s construction equipment. It was directed to enable real-time monitoring to assess machine performance, usage, and maintenance requirements. The partnership sought to improve predictive maintenance utilizing data analytics. This allowed companies to spot potential problems before they lead to expensive downtime.
In addition, using technologies like QR codes, GPS trackers, and RFID tags embedded in construction materials allows for real-time tracking throughout the supply chain. It improves inventory management accuracy. It also minimizes the theft risk and increases project transparency. Owners get the scope to clarify material flow and their usage on-site. Moreover, IoT-integrated drones, remote sensors, and cameras offer real-time insights into the building progress and site conditions. This is applicable even in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. Project managers can observe remote activities and identify anomalies immediately. The process aids them in making informed decisions without needing to be physically present on the site. This not only improves project oversight but also encourages better collaboration among team members.
Samsung C&T’s commitment to prioritizing safety first work culture
The Engineering and Construction Group at Samsung implemented IoT operations in construction sites to improve safety and security for workers since 2017. It established a Construction Safety Laboratory that investigated and minimized the risk of unwanted incidents. One of the initiatives was to utilize IoT in construction sites to enhance safety. The integration helped to observe the heart rate of laborers, air quality, noise, and temperature of the environment they work in. In 2021, the group incorporated ‘stop-work authority’ act, which gave the laborers the right to stop working if they sensed the site’s environment to be unsafe or risky. Since then, 22,648 employees have exercised it. This act has proved to be effective and has claimed to reduce a notable number of hazards. Furthermore, the addition of in-house initiatives like OHSMS has also improved safety in the workspace.
The bottom line
IoT is used in construction sites and assists managers in tracking and observing the operation. It also helps them to schedule activities based on the dynamics of the site situation. In addition, wearables provide constant real-time information about the health and body conditions of the workers. It sends out warnings when a dangerous/hazardous zone is approaching and notifies site managers of any unexpected changes in the local area, allowing them to better manage labor productivity. These applications have significantly scaled down hazards making the adoption of IoT technology in the construction industry mandatory to ensure worker safety. Integrating IoT is anticipated to offer an edge to the competitive scenario in an industry where safety and efficiency are major priorities.
Photo Credit: Optimum7
✍ **𝑨𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓: Saranya Ganguly
Author’s Bio:
Saranya Ganguly is a B2B writer with extensive experience in crafting research-driven content. Her interests concern sustainability, BFSI, and technology. The knack for blending insights and statistics with creative flair motivates her to deliver engaging, and impactful write-ups. She specializes in web articles, newsletters, promotional pieces, and LinkedIn briefs, helping businesses articulate their brand voice and value propositions. A master’s degree holder in English and Commonwealth Literature, Saranya enjoys reading in her free time. When not writing, she dabbles in photography and fine art.