Could Safety Technology Revolutionise Your Workplace?
SmartSite promises to change health and safety for the better – so how does it work?
Technology is constantly evolving, and it makes sense to utilise it in the workplace. That includes using it to uphold health and safety standards too. Those working in the construction industry can be exposed to all sorts of dangers involving hazardous materials, machinery and vehicles. So keeping an eye on them is vital. What though, if there was a piece of technology that could help to do that job for you? Well, it’s not as far-fetched as you may think.
What is SmartSite?
At the end of August, an interesting story surfaced online. A start-up company called SmartSite had just released some new hardware and software that could potentially revolutionise the way we work on construction sites. The system designed by the company detects risks and then allows you to keep an eye on them. How does it work exactly? Well, SmartSite’s systems ‘monitor noise levels, airborne particulates and UV rays‘ – all of which can negatively impact worker’s short and long-term health. If you can continuously monitor these, then you’ll be able to fully debrief your team and take action if needed.
How it will help
How it will helpMichael Andrea and James Batstone, the founders of SmartSite, were driven to create the product in order to make things easier for everyone working on a construction site. “People want to do the right thing for their workers. But there is also a cost associated with time lost to illness, and possible lawsuits,” explained Andrea.
SmartSite makes it easier to monitor levels without the need for bulky equipment carried around by workers or checks undertaken every few months. These can cause disruption to normal workings days, as well as costing you a lot of money. SmartSite will also help to prevent any accidents or sickness, keeping your staff in work for longer. So, your workforce will be able to get on with their jobs with complete confidence, which will no doubt improve their performance too.
You can’t rely on that alone
Of course, for this innovative new technology to work, there needs to be existing health and safety measures in place already. Also, your employees need to have the appropriate health and safety training required in the construction industry, so that they themselves have the confidence and knowledge to tackle any issues. It’s important that you have the appropriate construction safety signs in place on your site as well, so that employees and visitors alike can see where there may be danger and take due care. SmartSite is an incredibly intelligent system, and when paired with your existing health and safety measures it will be able to help your company even more.
It’s time for change
SmartSite is currently in the latter stages of development, and should be available in 2017. As we eagerly await its launch, we should all take the time to examine how safe our construction sites are. Some health and safety measures may seem unnecessary, and many company owners complain about excessive red tape. It’s never worth taking a risk and cutting corners though – not when your workforce’s health is on the line. So will you make a change? With a very exciting product launch on the horizon, now seems like the perfect time.