Safety in the Robot-Built Environment: Reflections
Poor safety performance can cause substantial loss and unanticipated and harmful risk to project stakeholders.
Safety is a top priority in today’s workplace, but that has not always been the case. Although occupational safety was a concept that existed long before OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), it was often not well defined and had a limited scope. Despite the fact that there was a long history of safety concerns in the United States, it was not covered by federal legislation.
Even though legislation has improved over the years, construction is still dangerous. Safety on construction projects is a complex task, with so many workers and hazardous activities. Poor safety performance can lead to substantial loss and unanticipated, and potentially dangerous, risks for project stakeholders, both acutely and chronically. These losses can include injuries that lead to penalties and oversight by Federal or state agencies, schedule interruptions and loss of materials. The long-term consequences may include increased insurance costs, civil litigation, and reduced ability to compete in a market where safety performance is closely monitored. Poor safety performance can also have a negative impact on employee morale. This can affect everything from employee attendance and retention to quality workmanship.
Therefore, owners in the construction sector have to continuously assess and mitigate safety risks. Project stakeholders are welcome to offer any assistance in achieving this mission. Improved technology, in addition to stronger legislation and the practice of safety professionals, offers new opportunities for delivering our built environment safely.
The Expanding Horizon
What safety technologies are available in the construction industry? What recognized hazards can they eliminate? How can we use the technology safely?