Emerging technologies for health, safety and well-being in construction industry

Abstract

New technologies brought about by digital transformation in the construction sector will inevitably lead to a change in the traditional ways of dealing with health and safety risk management as has occurred with other specialties such as architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, heating and ventilation. Existing procedures will need to be adapted, and new routines are created. The technical and soft skills of employees will need to be updated, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. Based upon ongoing research studies, this chapter aims to explain how health, safety and well-being (HSW) risk management and associated skills can be dealt with using technologies such as building information modelling, virtual and augmented reality, Internet of Things, teleoperation, soft skills, artificial intelligence applied to big data and cybersecurity. Fields where these key technological developments (KTD) can be applied include: technical training; documental/contractual management; hazards identification; on-site monitoring and implementation; emergency planning; and accident investigation. High-level risks including pedestrian/vehicle collisions and falls from heights will also be covered. Based on a review of the relevant literature, an analysis of the application of KTDs to the main fields indicated in EU directive 92/57/CE has been conducted. The main conclusions are that if correctly implemented, these new ways of handling risk management will enable a better perception of risks and enhanced preventive measures, allow improvement of training levels, logistic and financial management and, promote improved integration of prevention measures into work planning. Raising, the skills levels of HSW will be a key enabler for teams to increase their knowledge and understanding of KDT in HSW contexts.