Construction Safety – Work dynamics in the construction industry are shifting more than ever due to increasing temporary and contract employment, the growth of technology, and beyond. Get a break down of current trends and statistics of the construction industry and cost-effective compliance solutions safety managers can implement to help reinforce safety practices and stay within budget.
There were over 10 million workers in the U.S. construction industry as of 2016.
The Engineering & Construction (E&C) industry is one of the world’s largest sectors of the economy with $10 trillion spent on construction-related goods and services each year.
Construction Supervisors: #9 most dangerous job of 2018.
- 18 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers
- 134 fatalities
*according to fatal work injury rates reported by the Bureau of Labors Statistics.
43% of construction workers plan to work past age 65, according to a health and retirement study by the Center for Construction Research & Training.
60% of OSHA inspections were in the construction industry as of 2016.
Projected growth of the industry and the number of construction worker deaths are on the rise.
991 deaths out of 4,693 (21%) were in construction.
The Fatal Four
OSHA identifies the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry as the “Fatal Four.” In 2017, the Fatal Four claimed seven spots on OSHA’s Top 10 list of most-cited violations.
OSHA estimates that eliminating these four hazards in construction would save 631 workers’ lives per year in America.
- Falls: 384 deaths (38.7%)
- Struck By Object: 93 deaths (9.4%)
- Electrocution: 82 deaths (8.3%)
- Caught-In/Between: 72 deaths (7.3%)
Most Cited Standards of 2017
and average cost per violation
- Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501): $4,791
- General Scaffold Requirements (29 CFR 1926.451): $2,697
- Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053): $2,300
- Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503): $1,480
- Eye & Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102): $2,270
Special Trade Contractors
Executing construction projects is a large managerial challenge and contributes to the industry’s productivity problem.
Specialty trade contractors are 12-28% less productive than large-scale building contractors, according to a McKinsey Global Institute study.
5 Advances in Construction Technology for 2018
Improve cost, safety, efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage in the industry.
Better communication between managers and off-site contract and temporary workers.
Adopting new technology could boost $1.6 trillion in the industry (estimated), adding about 2% to the global economy, or the equivalent to meeting half of the world’s infrastructure needs (McKinsey report, 2015).
1. Virtual Reality
Managers can use 4D virtual reality models to immerse stakeholders and owners into the environment of the design plan for major projects such as airports and hotels. A 4D environment increases the success of building a more consistent and quality final product that meets the expectations and buy-in of stakeholders.
2. Augmented Reality
Physically walk through the environment with a 3D view. This allows users to gather real-time information about improvements for the environment. There are Mobile Apps that exist that allow you to interact with existing components or objects through the screen. Measure, level, and place objects with the Apps, the Apps operate using your any Smart Phone or Tablet.
3. Advanced Tracking
Employers can improve safety and keep projects on schedule with wearable technology. Track the activity of workers, alert them of potential hazards in real time, and receive live project updates.
4. Connected Job Sites
Better manage risk, keep projects on track, and maintain company standards with connected job sites. Track more accurate, real-time data using online cloud-based project management software. This allows users to access real-time information from anywhere. With management systems like this in place, employees can update blueprints, respond to RFIs in real-time, and it reduces the potential for error and miscommunication.
5. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
UAVs aka drones are already in use in the industry, providing a convenient way to conduct safety audits, observations, and inspections. However, advancements to make the most of their use remains to be seen. It is also estimated that more than 1.4 million new industrial robots will be installed in workplaces worldwide from 2016-2019 (IFR International Federation of Robotics, 2016).
IMEC Technologies provides Safety Management Software to increase worker safety and aid compliance. IMEC’s Safety Management Software will manage inspections and audits, provides hazard identification, incident reporting, management of corrective and preventative actions from generation to closure. IMEC provides lock out tag out software solutions that will allow users to create lockout tagout procedures using an intuitive Mobile App and Manage Lockout Tagout Procedures, also the Review and Execution of those Lockout Tagout Procedures using the Mobile App. Annual Lockout Tagout Procedures audits are conducted using a Mobile App. The Mobile Inspection App allow users to perform inspections and audits, for example the system can be used as a Fire Extinguisher Barcode Inspection Software system to manage monthly fire extinguisher inspections and general fire safety inspections and also to record safety observations and manage corrective actions, anywhere and anytime. The solution can be used as a fire extinguisher barcode inspection software system or life safety inspection system to aid compliance in Higher Education, Healthcare, Industrial and Commercial Organizations. Benefits from a Fire Extinguisher Barcode System include the elimination of paperwork and reducing the burden of compliance with regulations such as NFPA, The Joint Commission. The Incident Reporting App allows users to easily and quickly report incidents, hazards and near-misses, these are then sent to the appropriate people for action and are managed to closure. Web Apps provide features such as, setup, management, scheduling tools, analysis, reporting and dashboards etc with the ability to report incidents to government bodies such as OSHA and RIDDOR. HazMat T&T is a hazardous waste management software solution designed for Environmental Service Companies and companies who generate a large quantity of hazardous waste. The solution tracks hazardous waste from cradle to grave aiding compliance, providing accurate waste inventory, increasing waste handling efficiency, reducing risk and also helps manage waste costs. HazMat T&T Hazardous Waste Management Software can be deployed in a number of deployment scenarios, from Large Hazardous Waste Generators, tracking their hazardous waste at their site to Environmental Service and Waste Management Companies using it track and manage hazardous waste at transfer and disposal sites. For more information visit our website www.imectechnologies.com