IMPLEMENTING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCED CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY

Abstract

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors worldwide, consistently reporting high rates of workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Traditional safety management approaches, while essential, are often reactive and limited in their ability to predict and prevent incidents. As the industry evolves, there is an urgent need for a paradigm shift toward more proactive and technology-driven safety strategies. This study investigates the implementation of advanced technologies—including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and wearable safety devices—to significantly enhance safety outcomes on construction sites. IoT-enabled sensors can continuously monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, noise, air quality, and structural integrity, offering real-time data for early detection of potential hazards. AI algorithms further analyze this data to identify patterns, predict risks, and automate responses before accidents occur. VR and AR provide immersive training experiences and on-site hazard visualization, helping workers to recognize and respond to dangerous situations with higher accuracy and preparedness. Drones offer aerial surveillance capabilities, allowing for safe inspection of hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. Meanwhile, wearable technologies such as smart helmets, vests, and biometric monitors track workers’ vital signs, movements, and proximity to danger zones, enabling real-time alerts and safety interventions. Collectively, these technologies represent a transformative approach to construction site safety by shifting from manual and fragmented safety processes to integrated, data-driven, and responsive systems. The integration of these tools not only reduces the probability of human error but also enhances compliance with safety regulations and improves overall situational awareness. The anticipated outcome of this project is a substantial reduction in injury and fatality rates, along with the development of more robust and proactive safety protocols tailored to the dynamic nature of construction environments. Through the adoption of smart technologies, the construction industry can advance toward a safer, more efficient, and future-ready operational model.