Advances in wearable technology could allow the construction industry to take out workplace hazards through smarter design with tools, equipment, systems and facilities.

An article by Australian technology firm dorsaVi Founder and CEO Andrew Ronchi said data gathered with wearable wireless sensors takes away uncertainties about control strategies in mitigating risk.
These strategies can address the problem of occupational injuries, which industry estimates say cost the US $250 billion in 2014.

Safety managers can minimize construction workplace risk by identifying specific risk areas, implementing best practice measures, enhancing safety culture and ensuring productivity.

Through data gathering, wearable technology allows accurate and detailed capture of human movement outside the laboratory setting. This is significant, Ronchi said because it provides opportunities for companies to improve work methods, occupational health and safety practices, and even equipment design.

For example, Ronchi cited the Emergency Repair Vehicles (ERV) project of the Transport of London, which operates the city’s rail system. Prior to designing the ERV, a project team used sensors to study the movement of emergency response workers, helping identify tasks that posed risks to their work. These tasks were then taken into consideration in the design of the ERV.