By JanakyReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Aug 27 2024Construction tools are fundamental to the industry, with a history that dates back to early human civilization. Over time, these tools have evolved significantly, improving construction methods and boosting productivity.
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However, while hand tools, including power tools, remain indispensable on construction sites, they also present significant safety risks. Improper usage and poor maintenance of tools, inadequate training, and unfavorable conditions like wet weather and extreme heat can lead to a high incidence of injuries among construction workers.1
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for ensuring safety in the construction industry, although compliance with PPE regulations is often inconsistent across different countries. Research highlights that the health issue arises from both acute trauma and repetitive strain, underscoring the need for improved safety measures.1
In recent years, technological and scientific advancements have led to an increased emphasis on integrating advanced safety technologies, such as sensor-based systems and advanced materials, to enhance safety measures on construction sites.2
These innovations provide designers, engineers, owners, and workers with various new automated and intelligent tools. For instance, smart sensing wearables connected to smartphones and enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) offer several new methods to ensure that PPE is used in the right way, helping to prevent accidents caused by a lack of attention to detail.1 By offering real-time monitoring and instant feedback, these technologies help reduce injuries, allowing the construction industry to manage risks more effectively and enhance overall safety and efficiency.
The Evolution of Smart PPE
Smart PPE is transforming safety management on construction sites by incorporating advanced technology into traditional gear. Imagine a work environment where safety goes beyond merely wearing the right equipment—where technology actively prevents accidents before they happen.
Smart PPE integrates wearable sensors, GPS, and IoT devices (devices programmed for certain applications and can transmit data over the internet or other networks) to monitor both workers' health and environmental conditions in real time, enabling a shift from reactive to proactive safety management.3
These innovations offer numerous applications. Wearable sensors embedded in PPE can monitor vital signs such as heart rate, body temperature, and signs of fatigue, alerting workers and supervisors to potential health risks before they become serious.4
For instance, a smart helmet might detect early signs of heat stress and prompt a worker to take a break, thus preventing heat-related illnesses.4 Similarly, gloves with vibration sensors can monitor exposure to harmful vibrations from power tools, helping to prevent long-term injuries. GPS-enabled vests can track workers' locations, ensuring they remain within safe zones and providing critical information during emergencies to improve response times.5
Additionally, environmental sensors can detect physical agents, chemical and gas levels, and temperature extremes, triggering alerts that prompt immediate corrective actions.3 By continuously monitoring these factors, smart PPE enhances situational awareness and enables rapid intervention, ultimately improving both worker safety and productivity.
Exosuits, although a relatively new technology, have quickly developed into a diverse market with promising applications.3 Some exosuits are designed to reduce exertion by up to 80 % by supporting the arms and shoulders during overhead work, while others assist with squatting or enhance grip strength.6
Although they are among the more expensive forms of smart PPE, their rapid growth and diversification indicate that they may become more affordable in the future, making them accessible to smaller companies and offering significant benefits in reducing physical strain for workers.
The Benefits of Smart PPE in Construction
Improved Safety Outcomes: The primary advantage of smart PPE is the significant enhancement of worker safety. Real-time monitoring allows for immediate detection of potential hazards, such as exposure to toxic gases or dangerous machinery, and enables prompt corrective actions.3 This proactive approach minimizes the likelihood of accidents and injuries, fostering a safer work environment.
Increased Operational Efficiency: Smart PPE also reduces the need for manual safety checks, allowing safety officers to focus on critical tasks such as hazard assessment and safety training. Automated alerts and data collection streamline the process of ensuring PPE compliance, reducing the administrative burden and improving overall site efficiency.3 Additionally, the integration of IoT devices facilitates seamless communication between workers and supervisors, enhancing coordination and productivity on-site.7
Enhanced Accountability and Data-Driven Insights: Smart PPE generates a wealth of data that can be used to improve safety protocols and practices.3 Detailed logs of PPE compliance, environmental conditions, and worker health provide valuable insights for safety audits and training programs.
This data-driven approach enables construction companies to identify trends, address recurring safety issues, and implement targeted interventions.1 The transparency offered by smart PPE fosters a culture of accountability, ensuring that all personnel adhere to safety standards.
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The Challenges in Adopting Smart PPE
While the benefits of smart PPE are clear, several challenges must be addressed to ensure successful implementation. The initial investment in smart PPE technology can be significant, particularly for smaller construction companies with limited budgets.5
The cost of wearable sensors connected devices and the infrastructure required for real-time data monitoring may pose financial barriers. However, as technology advances and becomes more widely adopted, prices are expected to decrease, making smart PPE more accessible to a broader range of companies.
The use of smart PPE involves the collection and transmission of sensitive data, raising concerns about privacy and security.5 Construction companies must establish robust data protection policies and ensure compliance with relevant regulations to protect workers' information. Transparent communication with workers about how their data will be used is also essential to building trust and encouraging the adoption of smart PPE.
The successful integration of smart PPE depends on worker acceptance and proper training.5 Employees may be hesitant to use new technology, particularly if they perceive it as intrusive or complicated. Providing comprehensive training and demonstrating the safety benefits of smart PPE can help alleviate concerns and promote a positive attitude toward its adoption.
Highlights and Future Directions
The integration of smart PPE in construction is set to have a profound impact on both safety and productivity. Real-time monitoring and rapid response to potential hazards using smart PPE enhances worker protection and reduces the risk of accidents. This continuous safety monitoring allows workers to focus on their tasks with greater confidence, contributing to a more efficient and productive work environment.3
Smart PPE technology continues to evolve by embracing concepts like IoT, cyber-physical systems, smart work environments, and so on, with the aim of increased functionality and ease of use. The development of lightweight, durable materials will also make smart PPE more comfortable for workers, further encouraging its adoption. Recent research has even highlighted the role that artificial intelligence and machine learning could play, particularly when it comes to driving predictive analytics and pushing for a more proactive approach to safety management.8
The future of PPE in the construction industry lies in the integration of smart technology that not only protects workers but also enhances operational efficiency.3 While challenges remain in terms of cost, data privacy, and worker acceptance, the potential benefits of smart PPE far outweigh these obstacles. Smart adaptation of these advancements will help construction companies create safer, more productive work environments that prioritize the well-being of their workers.
Check out this interview that explores how waste PPE can be transformed into renewable fuel!
References and Further Reading
- Yang, X., Yu, Y., Shirowzhan, S., & Li, H. (2020). Automated PPE-Tool pair check system for construction safety using smart IoT. Journal of Building Engineering, 32. DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101721, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352710220333544
- Zhou, Z., Irizarry, J., & Li, Q. (2013). Applying advanced technology to improve safety management in the construction industry: a literature review. Construction Management and Economics, 31(6), pp.606-622. DOI: 10.1080/01446193.2013.798423, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01446193.2013.798423
- Patel, V., Chesmore, A., Legner, C. M., & Pandey, S. (2022). Trends in workplace wearable technologies and connected‐worker solutions for next‐generation occupational safety, health, and productivity. Advanced Intelligent Systems, 4(1). DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202100099, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aisy.202100099
- Podgorski, D., Majchrzycka, K., Dąbrowska, A., Gralewicz, G., & Okrasa, M. (2017). Towards a conceptual framework of OSH risk management in smart working environments based on smart PPE, ambient intelligence and the Internet of Things technologies. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 23(1), pp.1-20. DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1214431, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10803548.2016.1214431
- Rane, N., Choudhary, S., & Rane, J. (2023). Leading-edge wearable technologies in enhancing personalized safety on construction sites: a review. SSRN 4641480. Available at: https://elsevier-ssrn-document-store-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/
- Golabchi, A., Chao, A., & Tavakoli, M. (2022). A systematic review of industrial exoskeletons for injury prevention: efficacy evaluation metrics, target tasks, and supported body postures. Sensors, 22(7). DOI: 10.3390/s22072714, https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/7/2714
- Zhou, J. X., Shen, G. Q., Yoon, S. H., & Jin, X. (2021). Customization of on-site assembly services by integrating the internet of things and BIM technologies in modular integrated construction. Automation in Construction, 126. DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103663, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092658052100114X
- Meng, Q., Peng, Q., Li, Z., & Hu, X. (2022). Big data technology in construction safety management: application status, trend and challenge. Buildings, 12(5). DOI: 10.3390/buildings12050533, https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/12/5/533
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