One App at a Time: How Technology Promotes Safety in the Design & Construction Industry RLI Design Professionals DPLE 290 May 16, 2018
RLI Design Professionals is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for non AIA members are available on request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.
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Time Quality Technology Safety Cost
Course Description Technology has proven to be helpful in increasing the safety of occupants and users of buildings or construction sites. This presentation will discuss developing technological methods, systems, and products and how they impact safety and welfare within the construction and design industry.
Learning Objectives Participants in this session will: Review forms of budding technology that are being used on design and construction projects and how this technology is evolving to increase protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Identify the forms of technology that have been found to improve safety within the industry by limiting accidental injury and death. Discuss how the use of technology may sometimes pose a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare, and how to effectively address that. Consider the precautions that may be taken to create safer work environments to protect the safety and welfare of those on or near a construction site.
This presentation will discuss: Tablets, apps, and the Cloud Building Information Modeling ( BIM ) & 3D Printing Forms of Technology Wearable devices Drones Augmented Reality Autonomous Vehicles
Tablets, Apps, and the Cloud
How is this technology used? Tablets streamline work to save time and money. Store blueprints, field documentation, and other relevant information Apps Increase productivity Optimize the use of tablets and the cloud The Cloud Allows all collaborators to work on one document, simultaneously. Stores digital information
Using Tablets, Apps and the Cloud to Increase Safety Safety audit and documentation Real time accident inspection OSHA reporting Monitoring work zone conditions
Product Example Mobile Platform GoCanvas a customizable mobile platform helping businesses to automate workplace activities
Smartphone Tablet Phablet: Device that has a screen that is bigger than that of a typical smartphone, but smaller than a tablet computer. 12
Product Examples Phablets AGM X2 Features Great battery capacity 128 GB of onboard storage Advanced cameras Triple Sensors Cons: More expensive Cannot use 2 SIMs simultaneously Not widely available CAT S60 Features Widely available Maintains the elegant look of modern smartphones Offers thermal imaging Latest Android Software Cons: CPU is slower than others Bulkier/Heavier Smaller display
Keep in mind Risks associated with the use of this technology: Tablets as distractions Out of date software Difficulty in tracking cloud collaboration
Wearable Devices
Using Wearables to Increase Safety Red Flag Detection Vital Monitoring GPS Technology Emergency Services Notification
Did you know? Over a million construction workers suffer from back injuries each year.
Product Example Wearables Source: SmartBid.co
Keep in mind Risks associated with the use of this technology: Worker dependency on the technology Potential user error or device malfunction Multiple users could spread disease
Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality Replaces the real world with a simulation Augmented Reality Adds digital imaging to the real world
Using Augmented Reality to increase safety Hands On but Virtual Experience Less need to carry physical plans on site Decreased dependency on tablets and smartphones Increased accuracy
Keep in mind Risk associated with the use of this technology: Additional training required AR as a distraction Potential liability issues
Autonomous Vehicles
Did you know? In the United States, the use of construction vehicles and other machinery leads to about 10,000 injuries each year.
Using autonomous vehicles to increase safety Completion of otherwise harmful tasks Operation from a distance No blind spots or distracted driving Less emissions and less fuel used
Keep in mind Risk associated with the use of this technology: Potential product malfunction Distracted operators Lack of human instinct
Drones
Using Drones to Increase Safety Able to access locations typically inaccessible to humans May be used for more accurate surveys and inspections Can transmit real time images from a construction site Attached cameras may be used to increase security measures
Product Example Drones Botlink Streamlines workflow 30
Keep in mind Risk associated with the use of this technology: Drone crashes or near misses Property damage Threat to privacy Unmeasured learning curve
Building Information Modeling ( BIM )
Using BIM to Increase Safety Preview of Site Conditions Identify Potential Hazards Outline Fall Prevention guidelines More Prepared Workers
Keep in mind Risk associated with the use of this technology: Unresolved or undetected legal Implications Limited number of experts in the industry Issues involving collaboration and control Difficulty in assessing liability
3D Printing
BIM 3D Printing
Using 3D Printing to Increase Safety Complete hazardous tasks Less exposure to harmful materials Visualization prior to construction Environmentally friendly
Product Example 3D Printing Source: ICONbuild.com/new story
Keep in mind Risk associated with the use of this technology: Errors in the digital model Potential liability issues Novel technology Lack of skill set or training
What is your duty? CONTRACTOR Primary control of safety measures Establish jobsite safety plan that conforms to OSHA and local requirements Handle all on site emergencies OWNER Evaluate prospective contractor s safety history Provide project specifications with clear safety expectations Disclose known hazards to the design professional and contractor DESIGN PROFESSIONAL Suggest potential safety measures Follow the exact plan of the contractor
Best Practices and Tips
Best Practices Clear, written policies for technology use Limit the use of technology. Designate team technology leaders. Ensure proper use of technology. Does the manufacturer have live customer support? Obtain and use resources from technology manufacturers Provide extensive training and conduct safety orientations Wearables, self driving vehicles, and other novel technology will require more training.
Remember Technology may enhance accuracy and safety There are risks associated with choosing not to use evolving technology The standard of care will change for design and construction professionals. There are potential insurance policy implications. Comparative risk analysis may need to be completed to assess pros and cons for your business.
This concludes The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems Program Jennifer Walton, Operations Representative Jennifer.Walton@rlicorp.com Ronalda Smith Ronalda.Smith@rlicorp.com