Labour and safety issues have posed challenges to the construction industry, while innovative technology can serve as a solution to them and open new opportunities for the industry’s development. Ir Prof. Ho, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, recently visited a construction site at Kwu Tung North, the site actively employs technology for daily works and has already received the "Smart Site Safety System Labeling" certification, these measures such as the introduction of the welding robots have helped to establish a solid foundation for site safety.
The "Smart Site Safety System" (4S) has been widely adopted by the industry in recent years, with over 500 construction sites being recognised by the 4S Labeling Scheme. This project in Kwu Tung North widely adopted 4S-related technologies early in the construction process to ensure construction safety. Mr. CHAN Pak Cheung, the Deputy Director/Regulatory Services of the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, stated that 4S performed to eliminate potential safety risks. "By applying these smart methods, we can visualise potential safety hazards and address them immediately, ensuring the site performs optimally in terms of safety. I am pleased to see that this project has had zero accidents so far."
Smart Watches to Monitor Workers' Health in Real Time
Safety is the cornerstone of the construction industry. The 4S technologies adopted at the site include devices for monitoring frontline workers' health, digital inspections, and alerts system, etc.. The environment at the construction sites are ever-changing, to ensure workers’ health and safety, they are equipped with smartwatches to enable site management to track their real-time locations and monitor their health condition such as body temperatures, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and other health data, an "SOS" function is also available in case of emergency. If the system detects any issues with the worker, it will immediately notify management for follow-up actions. Additionally, the project mandates that all frontline workers have to participate in virtual reality (VR) safety training upon hiring, which focuses on work-at-height and lifting safety to enhance their awareness of workplace safety.
Digitalisation is crucial for the development of the construction industry. The project extensively employs the 4S technologies, including digital tracking systems and digital permit-to-work systems for high-risk activities, allowing site personnel to check the status of equipment and work permit application records via QR codes to avoid errors such as permit expirations due to excessive paperwork. Furthermore, with many heavy machines on site, workers working nearby are vulnerable to accidents. Therefore, the project team has installed 360-degree cameras on cranes, which will sound an alarm if site personnel enter its two-meter radius during operations, ensuring a safe separation between workers and machinery.
Welding Robots to Save Labour Time
Introducing robotic assistance has become a trend in the industry. Given that workers often need to lie down to weld due to environmental constraints, posing a threat to their health and safety, this site employs welding robots for socket H-pile connection. By slightly digging down the ground to stabilise the robot, workers can remotely control the robot via computer to accurately generate the weldpath and automate the welding procedures. According to the project representative, using robots can save at least 30% of labour time compared to the traditional practice of manual welding, hence improves efficiency, ensuring consistent quality, and enhancing worker safety.
Wise Utilisation of Technology
While technology is beneficial, it must be applied appropriately. Ir Prof. Ho reminds every frontline worker to take safety as their personal responsibility, and urges the management team to conduct regular site inspections, listen to feedback, and fulfill their respective roles to foster a caring culture. "Do not think that having 4S means you can sit by. Remember to conduct daily risk assessments for technology to truly function. Safety on construction sites is everyone's responsibility; all roles must work together to help each other to demonstrate our caring spirit.”
