Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Ensure Safety on Construction Sites

Accidents at work are an inevitable part of any business, and some industries are particularly vulnerable to them. In the construction process, there is an increased risk of accidents due to working with heavy equipment or dangerous tools. Despite the introduction of more safety standards and procedures, it is impossible to fully eliminate this unpleasant experience – it is not uncommon to come across articles about the loss of health or even life due to a construction site accident. The development of artificial intelligence (AI), is an opportunity to significantly reduce the number of tragedies and make the construction site a safer place to work.

AI is being used by some companies to monitor construction sites in real time. The algorithm can not only detect irregularities in workers’ behaviour, such as working without proper safety equipment (waistcoats, helmets, etc.), but can also detect, for example, workers climbing the scaffolding without the necessary protection. In addition, by taking into account weather conditions, the work schedule and the history of accidents on site, the algorithm is able to anticipate potential risks and warn of them.

Autonomous drones are able to scan the construction site and detect damage to scaffolding or unstable structures, significantly reducing accidents. It is also possible to install sensors on workers’ helmets and clothing to monitor worker fatigue or environmental conditions (e.g. high dust concentrations), and in the event of an accident, the sensor can immediately send a signal to the emergency services, increasing the chances of a quick response, which in some cases can be crucial to the life of the injured person.

Of course, the question arises as to whether such practices are legal? Do they not violate employees’ rights? According to Article 222 § 1 of the Labour Code, employee monitoring is allowed when it is necessary to ensure employee safety, protect property, control production or maintain the secrecy of information whose disclosure could expose the employer to harm. The employer may process the collected material only for the purpose for which it was collected and may keep it for a period of three months after recording. Monitoring a construction site to ensure the safety of workers is sufficient reason to use such technology. Many accidents that happened in the past are avoided today thanks to developments in technology and safety standards and regulations. More seemingly unpredictable risks are within reach of solution thanks to AI. By using it to monitor safety, we are able to effectively anticipate potential accidents and, rather than cure and repair, realistically prevent them.