Christian Connolly, CEO, Twiceme
Digital transformation, integrating digital technology to change all areas of business, from process and management to culture and the customer experience, has taken many industries by storm. The reason? The value of implementing digital technologies is enormous. Industries ranging from manufacturing and shipping to retail and logistics have all benefited from translating physical processes into digital technologies. It presents the opportunity to drive and inspire innovation while becoming more efficient, safe, and cost-effective. Despite the promise of digital transformation, construction is still an industry ripe for transition. In fact, a recent survey by Twiceme found that 60% of construction contractors lack access to workplace digital safety systems.
Construction projects and logistics are complex, as is the implementation of new digital systems or processes, and there is no denying the upfront effort and costs involved in a complete overhaul. However, by focusing on one slice of the pie, it can make the process less overwhelming. Digitizing employee safety processes and adopting smart personal protective equipment (PPE), which incorporates technologies to digitally track equipment health, certifications, and more, make an excellent place to start. Stringent safety measures are crucial in an industry that presents a list of safety hazards every day, and both the U.S. and Canada have mandated the use of PPE, with a growing emphasis on integrating smart technology into PPE to further improve worker safety.
Smart PPE enhances incident response times but also has the dual benefit of simplifying ongoing safety and inventory management. Traditional methods of tracking safety gear— QR codes or manual logs—can be inefficient, especially in large-scale operations. Smart PPE automates equipment inspections and maintenance through a smartphone app, ensuring that gear is up to code, in good health, and ready for use. Safety teams can receive real-time updates on equipment status, which helps prevent failures and avoid non-compliance with regulations.
The Promise of Smart PPE
Investing in smart PPE is a great first step in a company’s digital transformation as it tackles one of the most crucial considerations on a job site – worker safety. Combining traditional protective gear with cutting-edge technology, smart PPE leverages innovations like near-field communication (NFC) to store and retrieve critical information about workers and their equipment. Supervisors, first responders, colleagues, or even bystanders can instantly access the data through smartphones, enabling rapid and informed decision-making in emergencies. For instance, a worker’s medical history or equipment condition can be accessed immediately, including allergies, emergency contacts, and health conditions, allowing for life-saving interventions when seconds matter.
Originally deployed for the safety of outdoor sports enthusiasts, this technology is now being applied to industrial settings, reshaping how construction companies handle safety. Integrating medical data into PPE is a game-changer. In the event of an accident, knowing a worker’s existing medical conditions or emergency contacts can drastically improve the speed and accuracy of care.
The technology can also notify workers when it’s time to replace their gear, reducing the risk of using outdated or damaged equipment. By integrating into an organization’s safety management software, smart PPE makes it easier for employers to maintain high safety standards while minimizing administrative burdens.
A Step Towards Digital
The potential for smart PPE extends far beyond immediate safety. Looking ahead, new safety developments will include storing training certifications and employee credentials digitally on the PPE directly, allowing workers to upload and share their qualifications easily. Making critical certifications just a click away will streamline administrative tasks, reduce paperwork, and improve management oversight.
As much of the world moves towards a digital overhaul, construction companies must adapt to meet new efficiency, safety, and compliance standards. Smart PPE and other digital tools are essential in helping firms reduce accident risks, respond faster in emergencies, and foster a proactive safety culture. Embracing these technologies paves the way for a new era of operational excellence and safer worksites.
Editor Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).
