OSHA Defense

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Safety and Technology in the Workplace

As advocates for the construction industry, we often boast about the technological wonders of the new era within construction. From bricklaying robots to exoskeleton suits, there’s some pretty exciting (and cool) technology entering the jobsite. The truth is that this technology is helping contractors produce high quality projects on-time like never before. However, an often overlooked aspect is the fact that this technology can also save lives, prevent injuries, reduce violations, and improve the overall safety of a workplace.

In this article, a Texas OSHA lawyer will discuss three areas of technology that are rapidly improving safety practices in the workplace. 

1) Wearables for the Workplace

Although wearable technology is in demand beyond the jobsite, wearables are becoming more and more popular on the jobsite too. With sensors that can monitor everything from a worker’s body motion to their vital signs in real time, wearables are even being integrated into the modern construction worker’s personal protective equipment (PPE) with smart hard hats and state-of-the-art lenses in development. The future construction worker may be decked out head-to-toe in wearable microchips that monitor all facets of their health and productivity. 

Related: Wearables and the Construction Industry

2) Autonomous Equipment for Everyone

As we previously mentioned, there’s a lot of exciting autonomous equipment that has the potential to change the way contractors take on projects. These machines can not only work around the clock but also replace many of the most dangerous jobs in the construction workplace (while creating new ones as operators). As more autonomous equipment hits jobsites across the globe, workers will be put in less precarious positions on jobsites and the casualties of human error will be less apt to occur.   

3) The Success of Safety Software 

There’s no disputing the fact that mobile technology isn’t going anywhere. From smartphones to watches, these mobile devices aren’t just for consumers. They allow construction professionals access to valuable data when they need it in real time. In construction, mobile technology offers professionals the opportunity to develop strong communication channels that keep their team safe and in the know. From cloud-based communication systems to electronic investigation software or VR training programs, companies are adopting software systems that keep their workforce protected at the workplace while improving their processes. The best part is they can reach all of this data via a tablet on the jobsite.  

If you would like to speak with one of our Texas OSHA defense lawyers, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.