The construction industry, notorious for its high-risk environment, is undergoing a profound shift with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). These cutting-edge technologies aren’t just boosting efficiency; they’re revolutionising safety practices on construction sites.

The benefits of artificial intelligence solutions are already proving significant safety outcomes, incl.

• Substantial behavioural change in fieldworkers
• Increased remote management intervention
• Predictive risks pushed to workers enabling earlier adoption of mitigation measures
• Improved subcontractor communication
• Management visibility of higher risk environments

Recent data paints a stark picture: construction worker fatalities have surged, with UK rates soaring 70% higher post-Covid,  and the US witnessing the highest on-the-job deaths in any sector last year alone. In 2022, 1,069 construction professionals lost their lives, marking a grim rate of 9.6 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers.

In response to these alarming statistics, this article delves into how AI is transforming construction safety through real-time risk assessments and proactive interventions.

Real-time risk assessments

AI-driven tools continuously monitor site conditions, analysing unstructured visual and audio data captured in the field. By swiftly detecting unsafe conditions and predicting potential risks, AI empowers immediate interventions that mitigate accidents before they occur.

This approach not only enhances worker safety but also yields substantial cost savings, averting safety-related shutdowns and reducing downtime, resulting in annual windfalls exceeding £1 million for businesses implementing these technologies.

For example, FYLD’s AI-supported, point-of-work risk assessments have achieved remarkable results in enhancing safety. By providing real-time hazard identification,  FYLD has helped reduce incidents and injuries by 20%. 

Proactive safety measures

AI doesn’t just stop at identifying risks; it also suggests mitigation measures to prevent accidents. 

This dynamic approach ensures that safety protocols are continuously updated based on the latest site conditions and worker behaviours. AI can recommend actions such as rerouting foot traffic away from hazardous areas, adjusting machinery operation schedules, and providing personalised safety alerts to workers.

Through its AI-driven platform, FYLD offers real-time insights and recommendations that enable construction managers to implement proactive safety measures effectively. This system not only identifies risks but also provides actionable steps to mitigate them, ensuring a safer working environment.

Enhancing worker training and compliance

AI is also being utilised to enhance worker training and ensure compliance with safety regulations. AI-powered training programs can simulate real-life scenarios, allowing workers to practise responses to various hazards in a controlled environment.

Additionally, AI can track compliance with safety protocols and provide feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

FYLD’s platform includes features that support ongoing worker training and compliance tracking. By leveraging AI, FYLD ensures that workers are always equipped with the latest safety knowledge and practices, further reducing the risk of accidents.

Benefits of AI in construction safety

The integration of AI in construction safety therefore brings numerous benefits, including:

• Real-time hazard identification:  Continuous monitoring allows for immediate detection of potential hazards.
• Proactive risk mitigation:  AI tools suggest mitigation measures, helping to prevent accidents before they happen.
• Improved site safety:  Enhanced safety protocols and real-time data lead to a safer working environment, reducing the incidence of injuries and fatalities.

As construction companies continue to adopt these advanced technologies, they can expect to see significant improvements in site safety and overall project outcomes.

For a comprehensive guide on digital transformation in construction management and to explore more about how AI and other digital technologies are reshaping the industry, access our full guide here.