In todays blog we will take an in depth look at some examples of wearable technology and how they can improve the health and safety of workers in the construction industry.

With lives on the line and deadlines to meet, any technology that promises a safer, more streamlined approach to building is worth a second look.

Until recently, modern wearable technology was confined to sci-fi movies and the most ambitious imaginations. However, it's fast becoming a reality in the construction industry.

From smart helmets to exoskeleton suits, here are some examples of wearable technology that are revolutionizing the construction industry.

What is Wearable Technology?

Wearable technology is an electronic device designed to improve the health and safety of it's users.

These electronic devices enables users to preform tasks more efficiently and productively.

With the help of virtual reality these smart devices are changing the way construction projects are designed, managed and constructed.

Wearable technology is helping contractors to save time, money and lives.

Hard Hats with Sensors

The traditional hard hat has been given a high-tech makeover with sensors that detect dangerous levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity levels.

These smart hard hats can also track the workers' whereabouts on site, allowing for better management of the workforce.

They can even sound alarms when they detect potential hazards, providing an additional layer of safety for workers.

Smart Boots

Smart shoes and boots are equipped with RFID (radio-frequency identification) chips that track movement and location on a construction site.

This allows for real-time monitoring of workers, ensuring that no one enters restricted or hazardous areas without authorization.

They also have built-in sensors that alert workers of potential hazards such as uneven ground or slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents.

Smart Helmets

Within the construction sector, the traditional cockpit is undergoing a transformation with the emergence of smart helmets.

Smart helmets go beyond mere head protection.

These advanced pieces of PPE integrate augmented reality (AR) visors that can:

Display onsite instructions, plans, and even alert wearers to potential safety hazards in their immediate environment.

But the innovations don’t stop there.

Some smart helmets incorporate communication systems that connect wearers to an offsite control room.

In the event of an emergency, this link can be a literal lifesaver, enabling swift responses and potentially saving lives.

With embedded cameras, supervisors can get a real-time view of the field, monitoring progress and immediately flagging any issues that arise.

Exoskeletons

Imagine a device that can multiply your strength, reduce fatigue, and minimize the risk of common injuries like back strain.

It might sound like something from Marvel Comics, but exoskeletons are making these superhuman dreams a reality.

Designed to support the user's body, exoskeletons transfer the weight of heavy tools and materials away from the body's more vulnerable areas to stronger support structures.

They're also proven to reduce the impact of repetitive tasks, unlocking a world of benefits for workers who face long hours of monotonous or physically demanding labour.

Beyond the physical, exoskeletons are an investment in the mental health of employees, too.

By lessening the physical burden, they can increase job satisfaction and morale, all while reducing the chance of worksite accidents related to overexertion.

Blood pressure and heart rate can also improve significantly with the use of these devices.

Wearable Devices - Environmental Monitors

In a working environment that's constantly shifting, the ability to monitor air quality, temperature, and other environmental factors is a game changer.

With wearable devices such as environmental monitors, construction workers are equipped with real-time information about the quality of the air they breathe and the conditions they're working in.

These high-tech sensors not only alert workers to potentially harmful levels of dust, gases, or other pollutants, but they can also track and record this data over time, providing valuable information to both workers and site managers.

The result is a safer, more transparent approach to working in challenging environments where the air quality can be variable and unpredictable.

Biometric Trackers for Worker Well-being

Construction is a physically demanding job, and understanding the impact it has on a worker's health is vital.

Biometric trackers – wearable medical devices that monitor and report on various health metrics to ensure workers are not pushing their limits.

These wearable devices can measure health data such as:

Heart Rate,
Body Temperature,
And even track sleep patterns to help ensure workers are operating at peak performance levels.

For construction management, this means understanding the impact of job demands on their workforce in near real-time, enabling adjustments to schedules or tasks to promote a healthier and more efficient workflow.

Biometric trackers can also serve as early warning systems, flagging up any anomalies that could signal the onset of fatigue, injury, or illness.

In an industry that often operates in remote or hazardous locations, this can be a crucial preventive measure to maintain the health and safety of every worker.

The healthcare industry has long utilized wearable technology for patient monitoring and data collection, and now the construction industry is following suit.

The potential benefits are vast, from improved safety to increased efficiency and productivity.

Smart Glasses and Smart Watches

In addition to the aforementioned wearable technology, smart glasses and watches are also making an impact in the construction industry.

Smart glasses can provide workers with hands-free access to important information, such as blueprints or safety regulations.

This type of wearable device not only increases efficiency but also reduces the need for workers to constantly refer back to paper documents, which can be cumbersome and potentially hazardous on a busy construction site.

Smart watches can also serve as a communication device, allowing workers to receive and send information without having to stop what they're doing.

This is especially helpful in situations where hands-free communication is necessary, such as when working at heights or operating heavy machinery.

Smart Clothing

Smart clothing is another emerging technology in the construction industry that has many potential benefits.

These garments are equipped with sensors that can monitor a worker's posture, movements, and vital signs.

This data can then be used to provide feedback and coaching on proper lifting techniques and other physical tasks.

Some smart clothing also incorporates cooling or heating elements to help regulate body temperature in extreme weather conditions.

This can be especially beneficial for workers who are exposed to extreme temperatures or work long hours outdoors.

Smart jackets , vests, and hard hats are just a few examples of smart clothing that can enhance safety and comfort on construction sites.

With the ability to track and analyse data in real-time, smart clothing can provide a comprehensive approach to protecting workers' health and well-being.

Smart jewellery and Smart rings are other examples of wearable technology that can be used as fitness trackers and to monitor and report on vital signs, activity levels, and even location in the event of an emergency.

These devices can be especially helpful for lone workers or those operating in remote locations where immediate assistance may not always be readily available.

The Future of Wearable Technology in Construction

As technology continues to advance, the potential for wearable devices in the construction industry is virtually limitless.

In addition to improving safety and efficiency, wearable technology can also help reduce costs by identifying areas for improvement and streamlining processes.

With the ability to collect and analyse data, these devices can provide valuable insights into workflows, employee performance, and equipment maintenance.

Furthermore, wearable technology can also play a role in promoting overall worker well-being, fostering a culture of health and safety within the construction industry.

In the UK construction industry alone, it is estimated that 65,000 work-related injuries occur every year.

By incorporating wearable technology into the workplace, these numbers could potentially be reduced significantly.

Conclusion: Wearable Tech, More than a Trend

The advent of wearable technology is not just a trend; it's a fundamental shift toward a new standard of safety, efficiency, and workforce management.

As we've seen, wearables are not just about gizmos and gadgets; they're tools that transform the very fabric of the industry, setting the stage for a future where the well-being of the worker is paramount.

By integrating smart helmets, exoskeletons, environmental monitors, and biometric trackers into their operations, construction companies demonstrate a commitment to their most valuable asset – the employees.

Examples of wearable technology in the Construction Industry