The construction safety market is expected to grow from US$3.53 billion in 2023 to US$7.85 billion by 2032. Safety investment is on the rise! It’s crucial as it ensures employee well-being, project integrity, and the economic viability of companies.
The building industry prioritizes safety compliance in all its operations, marking a turning point with the introduction of next-gen advancements. Transformative technologies, such as 5G, have gone beyond our smartphones, extending their influence into the construction sector. For instance, 5G-connected sensors can be installed on employees’ helmets or boots to detect when someone enters an unsafe area and promptly alert supervisors.
This data underscores the importance of safety & opens doors to implementing high-potential solutions in the industry! Keep reading to learn more.
Table of contents
What is safety compliance in construction?
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), safety compliance is “the act of complying with established safety standards, regulations, and laws.”
A safety compliance management system is the framework adopted by an organization to mitigate and control safety risks in the workplace. It encompasses all formal processes set up by the company to manage the safety of its employees, including procedures, policies, and activities aimed at reducing risks.
In the construction industry, safety compliance is the process for companies to adhere to safety regulations and guidelines set by governing industry bodies, for instance, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) in the United Kingdom. This includes implementing measures and procedures in construction activities to prevent accidents and injuries resulting from noncompliance with safety rules.
Key benefits
First things first. A robust safety compliance management system is essential for any company, regardless of its size or the type of projects it handles. So, what are the advantages of implementing one?
Accident prevention:
Laws like ISO 45001 (2018) set an international standard for workplace health and safety compliance. This standard enables organizations to identify hazards and risks associated with their work activities, thus improving accident prevention.
For example, Cemex aims to achieve zero injuries by implementing health and safety policies and enforcing strict rules against unsafe working practices.
Higher productivity & employee satisfaction:
A study conducted in 2022 revealed that decreasing employees’ perception of health risks can enhance job satisfaction and boost engagement and participation in safety programs and activities. If workers feel unsafe at the worksite, it could affect their decision to remain with the organization.
A company that ensures a safe work environment boosts employees’ sense of belonging and reduces their stress and distractions. This enables them to focus better on their tasks and perform more efficiently.
Positive reputation:
Consider this: Would you hire a business known for not following the rules? Probably not. So why would anyone think differently about hiring a construction company or contractor? Implementing a strong safety compliance management system projects a positive image of the company, enhancing its reputation and building trust with clients, stakeholders, and the community.
Managing safety compliance in construction sites
Ensuring the safety of employees is the secret ingredient for the long-term success of the construction industry, enabling it to build a better and more resilient future. Here are the key measures that should not be missed:
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE is an essential measure to protect workers at construction sites. Typically, this equipment includes the following accessories:
- Hard hats for head protection
- Glasses and face shields to protect workers’ eyes and faces
- Earplugs for high noise levels
- Masks for respiratory protection against gases and contamination
- High-protection gloves made of rubber or latex
- Steel-toed boots or shoes with slip-resistant soles
- Reflective vests for high visibility
Fall protection
Fall protection encompasses all methods employed to safeguard workers from falls while engaged in tasks where such hazards are present. This risk can occur in various areas such as stairways, elevated platforms, and roofs. Employers are obligated to furnish their employees with appropriate equipment to mitigate fall-related injuries, including:
- Safety nets, which are sturdy meshes installed beneath elevated areas
- Personal fall arrest systems, such as harnesses
- Anchor point connectors, like carabiners that connect the harness to an anchor point, ensuring a secure attachment to prevent falls
Effective communication
Effectively communicating risks is essential to inform and educate workers about the potential dangers in their work environment. Below are two strategies you can implement in your business:
- Employee training: This measure involves creating training modules that cover topics such as equipment operation, emergency procedures, fall protection, and handling of hazardous materials. Additionally, continuous evaluation and adaptation of training programs based on feedback and incident analysis contribute to their ongoing improvement. Knowledge is power!
- Regular meetings: They’re an excellent opportunity to foster a culture of safety within the workplace and promote a proactive mindset toward preventing accidents. Workers are encouraged to ask questions and share their insights to improve existing measures or propose implementing new ones.
Disruptive technologies
- Drones: They have become indispensable in building projects. Some of their most common uses to address safety challenges include inspecting hard-to-reach areas and detecting unsafe behaviors or incorrect procedures through their cameras in real time.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): In many ways, AI has transformed construction processes. For instance, AI-powered, remote-controlled machinery reduces the risk of accidents in manual operations. In this way, workers can perform tasks such as moving the crane’s arm or starting the concrete pouring process, even if they’re not physically present next to the crane or mixer.
- Internet of Things (IoT): In simple terms, IoT is a network of connected smart devices. Imagine a construction site where smart sensors are attached to cranes and other heavy machinery. These sensors continuously check factors of the machinery, such as engine temperature & operational hours. If a crane shows signs of overheating or if a building structure indicates unusual stress, the IoT system sends immediate alerts to the site managers. This early detection allows for prompt maintenance or repairs, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
Cemex Ventures improves safety in construction through innovation
At Cemex Ventures, we’re looking to invest in leading startups that revolutionize safety practices within the building sector. Prysmex stands out as a prime example of applying cutting-edge technologies to the industry, within our investment portfolio.
Prysmex
Prysmex was one of the first startups in which Cemex invested after being a finalist in the 1st edition of Construction Startup Competition. The Mexican-based startup offers a cloud-based (SaaS) solution designed to reduce risks within each workplace by helping the location of facilities through a 3D map.
Does your business have a safety compliance solution able to enhance the construction industry? Apply now to Construction Startup Competition 2024 in the Enhanced Productivity focus area & let’s build something bigger together!
