Technology Can Reduce Many Safety Risks on Construction Sites
Date Posted: September 15, 2020
Posted In: Ideas,
by J. Brett Williams, president of AZCO, a Burns & McDonnell company
The construction industry has a track record of being slow to adopt the latest technologies. But once new technology is introduced, particularly new tools and processes that improve safety, momentum tends to build.
Numerous studies have documented the financial benefits that can accrue from accident- and injury-free project sites. Construction companies understand that safety is more than just the right thing to do. Safe job sites can often mean the difference between a profit and loss on any given project.
AZCO, a Burns & McDonnell company, is investing in new technologies and equipment that not only make us more efficient — they make the work environment safer for everyone. As a direct-hire specialty contractor, AZCO aims to do what we can to make construction sites safer through technology and by the nature of what we do.
AZCO recently purchased four new remote-control, GPS-enabled pile drivers that we have already deployed on a construction site for a new utility-scale solar facility. Because they are controlled remotely with GPS tracking, we no longer require operators for this equipment. They are improving safety, efficiency and speed on a job site normally requiring thousands of repetitive tasks related to digging and installing posts, panels and related equipment.
In the fabrication shop, we also recently purchased a state-of-the-art plasma beam cutter that is essentially a robot that can cut, drill, weld flanges and perform many more tasks in minutes instead of hours. This is the same technology employed by Tesla, and the potential benefits in safety alone make it worth the investment. Factor in efficiency and increased production capacity, and the return on investment becomes even better.
Both the pile driver and beam cutter will reduce density of craft and tradesmen needed in the shop and in the field — a key factor in reducing risks of accidents and injuries.