Automated technology for construction safety

The causes of accidents include compressed project completion schedules, hazardous work situations, and lengthy exposure to hazards. The complete elimination of the hazards, the avoidance of the effects of existing hazards, and the avoidance and reduction of the effects of hazards on workers have ranked as the most significant among steps advocated to reduce the incidents of accidents. Developments in the fields of information technology, automation and robotics hold the promise to change the nature of construction wotk, and where they have been introduced have already done so. These changes have impacted, and will continue to impact, the safety of workers on construction sites. Automation would, inter alia , completely eliminate the exposure of construction workers to the hazards posed by these activities, reduce the amount or duration of exposure the hazards, or reduce the number of workers exposed to the hazards. Automation and the use of information technology could potentially reduce the number and severity of occupational accidents, injuries, illnesses and deaths in the construction industry by improving safety, quality and efficiency through work process re-engineering. Several examples of automated technology and their application in the construction industry will be examined in this chapter.