Major technological advances can have safety implications far beyond their original concerns. Experts in many industries have started discussing how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize different human endeavors.
Researchers and software engineers predict that AI could impact many different industries soon. AI can play a role in medicine and manufacturing, and it could also potentially save lives and reduce injuries in the construction industry.
AI can evaluate data to spot trends
One of the most beneficial uses of modern AI programs involves the analysis of huge amounts of data without the bias that can complicate human research. AI can process far more than the average person and far more quickly. It could therefore potentially identify trends in the construction incidents that occur.
From connecting certain kinds of errors with certain worker demographics or types of buildings to identifying trends in when accidents occur, AI could potentially help create better safety protocols for specific construction projects. AI could also help provide pre-project safety plans by analyzing the building and the proposed additions or changes to identify where workers may have the most risk on the job site and how the company or property owner can reduce those risks.
Although AI probably won’t play any sort of practical role on a construction site in the near future, it could play a major role in the planning process or could eventually influence safety requirements for the construction industry.
Safety should be the first priority in such a dangerous industry
Construction workers are among the professionals most likely to suffer severe injuries or die on the job in the United States. Therefore, the use of any new technology to improve safety could be a very worthwhile move. In the meantime, construction workers and their families need to make sure they know about common safety concerns and current systems in place designed to protect workers. Tracking common causes of construction accidents and staying informed in re: how the industry hopes to reduce those issues could make individual employees better advocates for themselves in the workplace.