Why Technology Is Key to Improving Construction Risk Management
Are you protecting your construction company against disaster? Business industry leaders are well-aware of the insurmountable risks in association with the construction industry. No matter if it's maintaining employee safety on the job site, working with heavy equipment, meeting the terms of a deadline, or natural disasters, all projects have differing risks. We’re going to address why technology is the key to improving construction risk management.
Safety and Risk: How Tech Addresses These Issues
When it comes to addressing construction risk management, over half of contractors have difficulty identifying risks and 66% have difficulty managing them. Because new technologies are entering jobs sites and boosting safety, project quality, record-keeping capabilities, and productivity, lack of innovation is no longer an issue. Let’s look at two ways of addressing safety and risk.
Wearables
The definition of a wearable includes construction crews wearing belt clips, hard hats, vests, and wrist bands containing technology. Their purposes are to detect and eliminate unsafe behaviors before they potentially result in injuries. When these digital devices collect data, they allow project managers to make corrections to any dangerous conditions they find.
Wearables are beneficial to construction leaders and crew members for a variety of reasons. They can detect and measure a crew member’s body temperature and heart rate, as well as their perspiration. They also effectively identify and measure other biometric data that leaders can use for mitigating risk. The data these wearables collect can prevent a wide variety of issues, including heat stroke and fatigue.
Mobile Devices
The implementation of mobile devices helps construction leaders and crew members remain in constant real-time communication. In doing so, avoidable risk is mitigated. The benefits of real-time communication include faster incident reporting as well as injury documentation in real-time.
The reduction of injuries due to better communication and reduction of workers' compensation claims are also beneficial to construction leaders. With 82% of civil, general, and highway contractors, as well as 72% of specialty trade contractors depending on mobile devices, it's no wonder they're in such demand.
Cloud-Based Tech: Its Role in Construction Risk Management
Physical documentation has its drawbacks regarding construction risk management. First, there’s human error, and then there’s the chance of documentation getting lost. Using cloud-based technology helps minimize these risks because leaders and contractors are reporting data securely and in real-time. The cloud is accessible but requires permission before anyone can begin implementation.
Reporting
When changes need to occur, data needs sharing, or documentation needs real-time approval, these types of reporting can occur. The entire construction site can receive these updates on their computer, smartphone, tablet, or other mobile devices. The implementation of reporting tools, in combination with cloud-based technology means accessible communication, documenting, and sharing, and storing on worksites.
Security
If there's a blackout or crash, the cloud is the best place for contractors to store their data and ensure no issues will arise. The cloud is also an optimal way of distributing and managing data throughout their company without depending on a storage device. Implementation of the cloud means that all documents, reports, and other data experience layers of protection.
Implementation of Risk Management Technology On-Site
When asked which was the most critical factor when evaluating new technology for construction risk management, 79% of respondents stated ease of use. In this same survey, over half of the respondents indicated training and support also influence their decision. What types of software is available? Let’s take a look at two types of risk management technologies:
Project Management Software
Using these applications, digital tools, or software applications help construction leaders sequentially design, prepare, and execute tasks on-site. In doing so, they can schedule daily tasks into appropriate phases. That way, each stage is linear until completion. These plans also prevent teams from jumping to other incongruent steps. The management software also allows leaders to develop clear project timelines and schedules.
Fleet Management Software
Incorporation of this software allows construction leaders to help their construction crews manage all on-site equipment. In doing so, that mitigates risks. The main reason is the fleet management software is improving efficiency and providing data-backed information regarding operations. Crews and construction leaders will also receive sharper performance and cost tracking data. This software also mitigates risk by ensuring fleet documentation compliance.
Conclusion
Risk management is a concern for construction leaders and supervisors across the country. In addition to limiting injuries, risk management includes reducing paperwork issues as well. Technology is an innovative way of addressing risk management in the field, as well as at the office level. Array is a proactive approach to determining why technology is the key to improving construction risk management so that your business can flourish with an increase in profit.
Array helps construction operation professionals effectively communicate and improve operations visibility. Array's customizable forms and reports enable better construction site workflows by increasing project visibility and improving field communications.
To see how your construction company can have a better workflow, schedule a 1-on-1 demo with one of our construction operations specialists now.
Resources:
· https://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/safety/promise-technology-reduce-risk-construction-sites
· https://www.construction.com/toolkit/reports/using-technology-improve-construction-risk-management
· https://viewpoint.com/blog/the-impact-of-technology-on-construction-data