Builders Rely on Technology to Improve Safety
Construction firms and their insurers are using a range of technologies to improve workplace safety and efficiency on their worksites. Over the past five to seven years, technology has "definitely" become more prevalent in the construction sector, running the gamut from environmental and wearable sensors to robotics and artificial intelligence, said Eric Zimmerman at American International Group Inc. Insurers are vetting the technologies, partnering with policyholders and technology providers in proofs and beta tests, but most technology deployment involves some upfront cost that must be considered in evaluating the technology's worth. Wearables can help promote proper movement and have other safety applications, while sensors on water pipes can help identify potential water damage in advance. A major consideration when considering technology in the construction sector is cost, experts say. Doug Ware, vice president of risk management in Boston for Suffolk Construction Co. Inc., indicated that scalability is a large concern for construction firms as they must have a "repeatable process" to deploy tools across all job sites. Zimmerman added that some firms may have to rely on technology to fill gaps in skilled labor as there continues to be a labor shortage in construction.