The construction industry has always been slow to embrace digital innovation, especially when it comes to safety tech. But that’s on track to change in 2024, thanks in part to three trends you should be keeping an eye on.
1. MORE INTEGRATED POINT SOLUTIONS
From accounting tools to project-management software, most construction firms manage their operations using various point solutions. But safety programs are rarely digital. In fact, many companies still rely on inefficient paper-based systems.
I expect the winds to shift this year. More firms want software that can help them manage safety, accounting, projects, fleets and HR on a single platform. While there isn’t a true all-in-one solution just yet, some vendors are boosting their safety-tech integrations so companies can relay data throughout their tech stack.
2. NEW SOFTWARE TO MANAGE THIRD-PARTY RISK
Any construction firm that hires subcontractors takes on a substantial amount of risk. It’s important to have digital tools to verify safety trainings, certifications, insurance coverage and more.
Unfortunately, most current software makes that difficult—and with inadequate resources to manage third-party risk, firms could face costly workplace incidents that throw their projects off schedule. The good news is that more software vendors are focused on meeting this need. I expect we’ll see collaborative solutions that let both general contractors and subcontractors more easily exchange safety and compliance data, more easily mitigating subcontractors’ safety risk.
3. SMART SAFETY WEARABLES
A few years ago, the possibility of a smart construction site seemed far-off. But industrial-grade wearables are beginning to make it possible.
Picture smart glasses that overlay safety procedures for a worker while they’re operating a forklift. Or smart helmets that alert a supervisor if someone falls onsite. There are even exoskeletons that make it easier for workers to perform strenuous tasks.
This technology is still new, and many crews are slowly testing specific tools to work out the kinks. It’s worth monitoring this space, though—it seems primed for rapid growth, as does all of safety tech. My recommendation is to invest in it.
