It’s a scenario that happens too often. A worker operating a piece of equipment nearly causes a serious accident. The foreman later finds out that the worker wasn’t qualified to use the machine.

Construction companies—both general contractors and subcontractors---need the ability to make accurate worker training records immediately available to supervisors, safety inspectors, auditors, safety officers, training managers and administrative staff. Workers need access to their records so they’ll know which certifications are expiring so they can sign up for recertification. Ensuring that only qualified employees are assigned to potentially hazardous jobs is a foundation of safety.

QR code technology is at the heart of one solution.

QR Codes Connect Training Records to Phone Screen

Quick Response (QR) codes can tie all this together. QR Code is the trademark name for the two-dimensional barcode system. It’s the black-and-white square that’s on everything from advertisements to inventory. It was invented in 1994 by a Toyota subsidiary to track vehicles as they were assembled and to scan components at high speeds. QR codes hold 100 times more data than one-dimensional barcodes and they can be digitally scanned.

To track employee training, a unique QR code is generated and assigned to each employee. The code can be imprinted on the worker’s photo ID card, hardhat or silicone bracelet. QR codes can be read scanning the code with a smartphone or tablet. Linking the device to the employee’s profile on the cloud, the code gives the user access to:

• training records such as courses completed, recent recertifications, qualifications and skills, internal and external classwork, and class attendance lists;
• complementary information such as health insurance, background checks and drug tests; and
• additional Information such as emergency medical information (including blood type and allergies), jobsite documentation, verification of Identity, position or title, and real-time work assignments.

QR codes can quickly update training records. Instructors can automatically record who has completed a training course by scanning the QR code on the employee badge or by entering the employee’s ID number. Managers and foremen can track attendance at jobsite meetings, toolbox talks, company orientation sessions and safety briefings.

QR Codes can also be used by contractors, especially in the masonry, drywall and demolition sectors, to track safety equipment issued to employees. For example, new OSHA silica regulations require companies to track respirator mask usage. Employees using a mask more than 30 times a year are required to get a specialized medical check-up. The QR code on an employee’s badge is scanned, registering the checkout of a respirator mask, a climbing harness or other equipment and that information is captured in a database. Managers then have a record of all equipment checked out, by employee, to meet regulatory reporting requirements.