‘Work to Zero’ shows construction leaders how to use technology to reduce fatality risks

The application of technology solutions to safety issues is no longer reserved for early adopters, as more and more employers are turning to digital solutions

Everyone knows construction is a dangerous business, but did you know that of the nearly 5,000 fatal workplace injuries in 2020, about one in five (or 20%) were in construction? That’s a lot of families with lost loved ones.

On the bright side, there has been a significant reduction in workplace injury rates over the past 25 years. Fatality rates, however, continue to climb.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC) the time has come for a new approach to workplace safety.

In an environment where we carry supercomputers in our pockets, immerse ourselves in virtual worlds using a headset, and use drones to get optimal pictures, the NSC says it’s unacceptable that people still die at work. Workers deserve to return home safely every day, and technology can play a vital role in achieving this vision.

From drones for inspections at heights, to software to detect fatigue in workers, there are technology solutions on the market today that can address, or even eliminate, the risk of hazardous situations and other contributing factors leading to workplace fatalities. Unfortunately, many employers are not aware of the critical risks and how digital technologies can help. Likewise, many employers are unsure about their readiness for innovation or how to get started.

Industry 4.0 - the Fourth Industrial Revolution - is upon us and early adopters are not only reporting health and safety performance improvements, but also increased operational efficiencies from implementing technology.

Environmental Health Safety (EHS) leaders from around the world are reporting that technology investments have met, and even exceeded their expectations. But the application of technology solutions to safety issues is no longer reserved for early adopters, as more and more employers are turning

From drones for inspections at heights, to software to detect fatigue in workers, there are technology solutions on the market today that can address, or even eliminate, the risk of hazardous situations and other contributing factors leading to workplace fatalities

to digital solutions.

The Work to Zero initiative at the National Safety Council is actively working to eliminate fatality risks in the workplace by making innovation more accessible for employers. Leveraging a coalition of safety professionals, solution providers, academics and researchers, the Work to Zero initiative is focused on delivering evidence-based tools and resources to help organizations on their safety innovation journeys.

Resources and tools are designed to help employers:

1. Better understand fatality risks

2. Explore technology solutions

3. Determine digital readiness

4. Make the business case for innovation

5. Pilot safety technologies to save lives

Stay tuned for ongoing information on how to start your safety innovation journey and take steps to save lives in your workplace.