The 2024 Construction Tech Conference kicked off with a discussion focused on site safety. The panel, which included Paul Cardis, co-founder and CEO of On3, John Overend, principal innovation engineer at Kiewit, Eric Cylwik, director of innovation at Sundt, and Roger Yarrow, CEO of Truelook, addressed the challenges of ensuring safety on construction sites and the innovative strategies for achieving safer jobsites. Attendees gained valuable insights into the latest advancements in safety protocols and risk management strategies, which we've distilled below.
The heart of safety is behavior
During the panel, Overend emphasized that while technology is a powerful enabler, it should not and cannot replace human decision-making. Cylwik highlighted the industry's progress in managing minor incidents but expressed concern about the stagnation in reducing fatalities. The panelists agreed on the need for simple, smart solutions. They pointed out that an overload of information, even with advanced technology, can become a barrier rather than a benefit. The panelists stressed that safety must be approached proactively and that human involvement remains crucial in maintaining and enhancing industry standards.
Emerging innovations
The panel also featured innovators’ perspective, with On3 CEO Paul Cardis and TrueLook CEO Roger Yarrow joining Overend and Cylwik on stage. Cardis provided an overview of On3, a field knowledge management system designed to equip frontline teams with the knowledge they need to be more efficient, effective, and safe. He highlighted the platform's ability to record “toolbox talks,” which are on-demand training videos that can be accessed directly on-site. Additionally, the platform leverages AI engines to process training data and knowledge checks, assessing teams' competency levels throughout their knowledge journey. Yarrow offered another perspective, sharing insights on TrueLook’s capabilities to view, secure, and document jobsite activities. He emphasized TrueLook’s capabilities for real-time monitoring, which enhances site safety and security by managing emergency situations and preventing security breaches.
Outlook on wearables
The panel discussed the current state and future prospects of wearable technology in the industry. Although adoption has been limited so far, the panelists shared optimistic short-term and long-term outlooks. Overend noted that more adoption is on the horizon as people are overcoming privacy concerns, citing Kiewit’s recent shift from traditional hardhats to construction helmets as an example. Cylwik posed a thought-provoking question about the future of building in a world with a decreasing human population by 2080, emphasizing the need to augment human capabilities. He suggested making wearable technology, like the Hilti exoskeleton, a standard practice to facilitate acceptance and common use. Yarrow predicted that wearable devices will eventually become mandatory, especially for monitoring mental health on jobsites. He underscored the importance of mental well-being, stating, “If you’re lost in your mind, you are a safety risk to yourself and others.”
Discussion
Be the first to leave a comment.
You must be a member of the BuiltWorlds community to join the discussion.