With the COVID-19 omicron variant sweeping the nation, experts say that community spread is inevitable. It’s wise for all industries to be prepared for whatever comes next. Especially in the construction industry, superintendents depend on their workforce to get projects done on schedule and on budget, and COVID-19 has the ability to negatively affect even the best-laid plans.
Besides social distancing and mask wearing, jobsite intelligence technology is becoming a powerful tool for protecting workforces against the COVID-19 omicron variant. Technology in the construction industry has been evolving for some time, and the pandemic further accelerated the process to ensure adequate and pressing needs are met.
Construction safety is adapting to become data-driven
The pandemic has taught the construction industry that safety needs to become adaptable and easier to control. With complex issues such as virus exposure, workers being forced out of the job due to testing positive and companies trying to be proactive in stopping the spread, the industry is rapidly expanding its data-driven measures to include things like zone density monitoring and vaccination tracking to meet the ever-changing conditions of the pandemic. Doing so enables projects to meet key deadlines. Many contech companies have adapted to this change by providing more rich data solutions so in 2022 and beyond managers and superintendents are ready for any type of health risk and/or major project delays.
Technology brings increased safety and security
With the whiplash of changes occurring almost daily in terms of what health or vaccination information contractors need to capture, or at least understand about it’s workforce, technology that can provide visibility and adapt at a moment’s notice will be critical as we move forward with COVID-19. With platform technology, project managers and businesses have access to a wealth of data in real-time to accurately view contact tracing methods, COVID-19 positivity trends on sites and scheduling resolutions in caseworkers are out due to the virus. With the omicron variant increasing across all areas of the United States, adaptable and reliable technology solutions are readily available for managers to ensure project success.
What does this platform technology look like?
Health and safety protocols on jobsites have become a crucial focal point for any manager or business. Keeping tabs on 100 to 5,000 workers is also extremely time consuming and challenging. Platform technology can help. When applied strategically, it allows businesses and managers to quickly and reliably assess worker-related factors, such as where they are slated to work, when, with whom they come into contact and their vaccination status in the context of key trends. For example, they could make decisions about how a particular team or project might be impacted by a change in vaccine mandates based on sound data.
To do this, many platforms integrate with tools such as wearables, badges and more. Companies and managers can turn wearables and badge data information into real-time density tracking methods, accurately seeing contract tracing methodology at work. For any worker who tests positive, data can show who the worker was in contact with, send out mass communications to those exposed and take necessary precautions to effectively maintain minor or no delays whatsoever.
Other than following CDC guidelines, companies find platform technologies help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the event of an outbreak on a jobsite and are essential for maintaining operational efficiency.
With proven technological outcomes, where are we going in the future?
The pandemic has opened many eyes to the struggles of the construction industry, but anytime there are challenges, there is adaptation. Construction leaders have adapted greatly through technological solutions that provide a new outlook on the industry as a whole.
The customizable, specific, and manageable data platform technology provides does not have to fall only under health and safety—it actually will help shape the future of the industry. With an aging population and a need to integrate technology into everyday use, construction is ripe for a makeover. The right adaptable tools will create better project outcomes, including greater efficiency, easier budget and staffing allocation, and more cost savings. Additionally, such technology will assist in attracting bright new minds to the industry, offsetting the impending labor shortage.
COVID-19 is, unfortunately, here to stay, but the construction industry is in a prime position to not only protect its workforce but also create successful outcomes—thanks in large part to platform technology.
