New Technology Makes Construction Sites Safer for Workers

Construction Safety

In the United States, the construction industry has the largest number of fatalities in any sector. More than half of all deaths on job sites are caused by the “fatal four”: falls, electrocution, being struck by objects, and being caught between two objects.

When you think of job site safety, hard hats, steel-toed boots, and safety goggles are probably what comes to mind. But, safety gear today has gone beyond wearables, providing an unprecedented opportunity for the industry’s fatal and non-fatal injury rates to decline. This not only saves lives but also reduces the costs associated with job site injury.

Here are four new technologies that can help real estate investors evaluate construction companies and plan for a successful build. Before investing, talk to your Fort Lauderdale commercial real estate attorney about how site safety affects insurance. 

Virtual Reality Safety Training

They say the best offense is a good defense. That’s why safety training is so important. Safety training for construction workers is nothing new, but innovative technology is quickly enhancing the training experience. Instead of reading a textbook or watching an instructional video, workers can now experience situations virtually.

Personal Protective Equipment

Wearable safety gear remains a top way of protecting workers on the job. Now, however, technology has made these more effective. Take the smart safety vest, for example, this spin-off a tried-and-true piece of equipment includes things like sensors, GPS, real-time locator, and even an airbag that is activated in the case of a fall.

Air Sensors

Air pollution on job sites can cause respiratory problems among workers. Air sensors can be installed to monitor air quality, constantly testing the air for dangerous levels of asbestos or other toxins. They can also be used to collect data about the site, potentially making the job more cost-effective as well as safer.

Drones

We love drone photography – why not use it to save lives, too? Drones give aerial views of worksites and can conduct safety inspections of the site, spot hazards, and locate workers, particularly those working on high-risk tasks. Drones are able to monitor sites more safely and more quickly than a worker on foot, making them an efficient tool in the industry.

How We Can Help

An effective safety program could reduce insurance rates for construction companies and builders. Be sure to talk to your South Florida real estate lawyer about the challenges and risks involved in developing commercial property before embarking. To learn more about our services here at Schecter Law, connect with us at (954) 779-7009.