Use of Wearable Technology in Construction

Construction comes with a lot of risks. As such, safety is a common concern.

Over the years, new technologies have continually advanced safety protocols, reduced accidents, and better protected workers. One of the most impactful innovations for the construction industry is wearable technology. These devices have enhanced safety and increased productivity by delivering real-time data that helps prevent potential hazards before they occur.

Wearable technology in construction is far from one-size-fits-all. Each device is designed to address a specific challenge, offering practical, user-friendly solutions that enhance safety and efficiency on the job site. Here is a look at some types of wearable technology and how they can help workers be safer.

Smart Helmets

Smart helmets are among the most well-known wearable technologies in construction. Equipped with sensors and augmented reality (AR) capabilities, these helmets monitor a worker’s surroundings, provide live updates, and detect potential hazards.

Smart helmets improve situational awareness by providing insights on temperature fluctuations and equipment malfunctions. By predicting potential dangers, they help reduce accidents related to falling objects or equipment failure.

Wearable Exoskeletons

Wearable exoskeletons enhance a worker’s strength and endurance, assisting with lifting heavy materials and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Exoskeletons alleviate physical strain, supporting proper posture and limiting overexertion. They reduce the likelihood of back, shoulder, and arm injuries, as well as repetitive strain injuries and accidents caused by fatigue.

Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers

Many construction companies use smartwatches and fitness trackers to monitor vital signs such as heart rate, fatigue levels, and overall physical activity. These devices can alert supervisors when a worker shows signs of overexertion or heat stress.

Real-time monitoring helps prevent heat exhaustion, dehydration, and fatigue-related incidents, especially in hot climates or during physically demanding tasks.

Connected Safety Vests

Modern connected safety vests go beyond visibility. Equipped with GPS tracking, motion sensors, and LED alerts, these vests provide real-time hazard notifications to both the wearer and site management.

Connected vests improve emergency response times by tracking worker locations and detecting incidents such as falls or immobilization.

Possible Legal issues

While technology can be a huge help in the construction industry, there are possible legal issues to think about, such as:

• Wearables often collect biometric data (such as heart rate and temperature) and GPS/location tracking, so employers must comply with privacy laws. Misuse or unauthorized sharing of data can lead to legal claims.
• Malfunctions can occur. If a wearable fails to detect a hazard or provide an alert, and a worker is injured, liability could fall on the manufacturer or employer.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may require proper documentation and monitoring of safety protocols. The company could be cited for failure to use or properly maintain wearables if an accident occurs.
• If a wearable malfunctions or provides inaccurate readings and causes injury, disputes may arise regarding workers’ compensation coverage.

Contact Us Today

Technology use has become more and more prominent in the construction industry. While it has many benefits, it is possible that legal issues could occur as well.

A Florida construction lawyer from Linkhorst Law Firm can assist you. You can count on us to have the expertise and knowledge to handle your construction-related legal concerns. To schedule a consultation, call 561-626-8880 or fill out the online form.

Source:

aic-builds.org/using-wearable-technology-in-construction-to-reduce-incidents/