Construction workers make up just 6% of the U.S. labor force, 20% of worker deaths in the United States are in construction, proving just how dangerous such a job can be.
However, automation and robotics may present a worthy solution in significantly reducing the potential for injury and death.
From drones to remote operation and more, here’s how innovative tech solutions are working to make the construction industry a much safer place.
Transforming the industry
Due to the dangerous nature of working in the construction industry, construction companies, property managers, equipment manufacturers, and others in the immediate field have a major responsibility in ensuring that worksites are as safe as possible.
However, when someone fails to do so, a construction accident attorney may need to get involved in order to deliver justice and compensation to the victim.
Automation may also present a solution in reducing such risks. Although there are still a number of challenges to overcome in regards to making the technology more mainstream in the industry, there are several notable ways that it can help make construction jobs safer.
In fact, a survey of construction workers actually discovered that 30% thought that new technology can make work safer, while 46% were more concerned about the safety risks with robotic tech.
Not only can robotics and automation allow for remote operation, which will help operators gain better visibility in addition to reducing the potential for injury on site, but it can help prevent injuries in other practical ways, too.
For instance, automation can help reduce the risk of heavy lifting by eliminating the need for strenuous activity (in turn, this significantly reduces the need for straining and overexertion).
And, the technology can also aid in reducing fatigue — as well as injury associated with repetitive movement.
Notable tech examples
With so many benefits when it comes to reducing injury and making construction jobs safer, there are a few notable examples that illustrate just how helpful the technology can be. Constructions Robotics’ SAM100 is just one, which is designed to perform simpler, repetitive tasks like brick laying.
Not only is this faster than a human doing the job, but it aids in preventing injuries that derive from repetitive movement. Construction Robotics also developed a model by the name of MULE, which can tackle another issue that can easily lead to injury in the industry — heavy lifting.
In order to do this, the MULE attaches to heavy objects and allows workers to guide them; thus making moving heavier items into position much easier, though it doesn’t stop there.
Though there are still challenges to overcome in regards to making automation and robotics more mainstream in the construction industry, innovations such as remote operation, the use of drones, etc. present worthy solutions in both getting the job done and keeping workers safer.
