Construction has always involved significant risks, from heavy machinery to power tools and falling debris. Technology is changing that by making tools safer with intuitive controls.
Putting a Spotlight on Safety
The humble hard hat is an instant shorthand for builders. Hard hats can also be used to identify people quickly. White hard hats are worn by supervisors, and green are worn by trainees. Yellow hard hats are worn by labourers, and are among the most recognisable, largely due to modern media.
In Die Hard, yellow hard hats are seen throughout the movie, as it’s set in the unfinished floor of the Nakatomi Plaza. The Union movie, which stars Mark Wahlberg, features hard hats throughout. Even in music, bands like Village People have popularised them, particularly in the YMCA music video.
Those who play Huff N More Puff slot online will also notice construction-related symbols, including traditional yellow hard hats. Imagery like this shows how closely connected safety and construction are, and how recognisable safety equipment is, even to those who have never worked in the sector.
Even though safety has always been a focus in construction, our approach to it is changing. Hard hats are still essential, but newer technology is emerging on the market that actively prevents hazards, rather than just protecting people when they occur. Electronic brakes stop moving tools, and sensors respond to kickback, identifying dangerous activity before an accident occurs. Some tools are able to cut power with rapid stop systems, bringing circular saws to a halt much faster.
Vibration-reduction systems and decoupled handles are being invested in, as are internal counterweights. These lower the vibration of power tools and allow construction workers to have more control over the equipment they are using.
Source: Pexels
Modern Tools Increase Construction Site Productivity by up to 50%
Advanced tools translate to projects being completed 30% faster. Lithium-ion batteries run for days without requiring charge, and are now made to fit multiple devices, reducing waste while making equipment better for the environment. High-torque cordless equipment bypasses outlet limitations, reducing energy wastage.
Brushless motors eliminate friction in the motor, which results in equipment having longer lifespans. Read more about that on How Stuff Works website.
For businesses that operate within the construction niche, this translates to less money being spent on equipment, without reducing the efficiency of the tool.
As many modern power tools now feature integrated Bluetooth and IoT sensors, real-time tracking is now possible, and automated remote lockouts can be initiated from a device. Power tools can also be automated based on material density. Mobile apps now sync with tools to diagnose issues, which is particularly useful for large-scale projects. Pro-Moulds explain more about this concept.
This, combined with modern onboard microprocessors, helps to monitor the thermal load of a tool, initiating electrical shut-offs to stop overheating and burnout, a major issue for construction teams who are working in hot conditions or who are using equipment for extensive periods of time.
As equipment advances and as tools become safer, the construction sector stands to benefit significantly, as tools don’t just last longer; they are more efficient and safer to use.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
