Construction is a huge industry and it employs millions of people across the world and thousands in this country. It offers income earning opportunities for thousands of families.
However, at the same time, there is no doubt the construction industry is also known for its risks of accidents and other mishaps. Hence, it is quite obvious that we need to look at ways and means for improving the security apparatuses and features.
Whether it is orange traffic cones or other complicated construction jobs, the use of new technologies for making the construction industry safer is being talked about.
These technologies are becoming popular with each growing day and therefore, it would be worthwhile to have a look at five innovative happenings in the construction industry that are catching the attention of experts and those who are in the business of construction.
1. Virtual Reality
It is quite possible that many of us may have heard about virtual reality. However, most of us have believed that the use of virtual reality is restricted just to playing some games and entertainment.
However, this is not the truth. Today, virtual reality is being used at many construction sites and there are dozens of places where training on virtual reality for the construction industry is quite common. There are obviously a number of advantages as far as the use of virtual reality in the construction is concerned.
If you look at the various training programs focused on the possible uses of virtual reality, you will be able to come across some amazing findings. There is a strong possibility that virtual reality could help simulate possible situations and hazards.
They can do it in such a way that it would be possible for anybody to do it in the real world. Workers can be aware of the possible hazards that may look impossible and therefore they can be proactive in overcoming the dangers rather than being reactive.
2. Smart Sensors
There is no doubt that almost all construction sites, big and small, have potential hazards. The problem is that many of these hazards could be invisible to the human eye.
For example, there could be asbestos and other such toxins in some places across the construction sites. When you make use of smart sensors, you will be able to reduce these kinds of risks quite significantly.
These sensors could also forewarn workers and other people in the construction sites about the possible risks of fire and enable them to move away before something wrong happens.
3. Drones
Drones are now becoming commonplace these days in many areas and in the gaming and entertainment industry, their usage is quite common.
Drone usage takes workplace safety to the next higher level. Hence, you can be sure that these drones will become a commonplace on various construction sites. They can be used to inspect sites and also keep an eye on workers so that they are forewarned about any possible hazards and risks.
When it comes to inspecting an abandoned building, it may make much better sense to go in for drones because they will not only be able to inspect the same thoroughly and will also not put the workers and other persons at risk of accidents and falls.
4. Self-Driving Heavy Equipment
We also often come across self-driving cars and now this technology has been taken to the next higher levels. It is used commonly in the construction industry and we now see many self-driving heavy equipment being used.
There are some big names like Caterpillar who are making these self-driven heavy equipment. These equipment can work on their own and the need for drivers is not there.
It reduces the risk of falls and tripping over and the resultant injuries to workers. These heavy equipment can also reach areas and places where vehicles driven by human beings may not be able to reach.
5. New Construction Wearables
There is a new technology known as construction wearable that offers some of the best monitoring of workers. The device is capable of round the clock monitoring of workers.
The device is easy to use and can simply be clipped onto the clothes of workers. It is connected through wireless networks and keeps reporting its location to those monitoring workers even if they are situated quite a distance away. If a worker trips and falls, the device will be able to warn so that the required actions can be taken immediately.
Conclusion
The above are just a few of the many new devices that are being used in the construction industry thanks to emergence of modern technologies and inventions.
