Page 37 - CV Feb-March 2023 issue_Neat

WHAT SHOULD

BE DONE

TO IMPROVE

CONSTRUCTION

SAFETY

IN 2023

Frequent and rigorous safety inspections of construction sites by control risks to workers' health and safety. AI in construction can
enforcement authorities are needed to prevent fatal and serious help the industry overcome some of the toughest challenges,
accidents. Health and safety standards will receive a quantum including safety concerns, labour shortages, and cost, time, and
jump, when the project managers are under threat of a visit by schedule overruns. Some of the major construction companies
statutory authority and possibility of serious fines and have made serious headway in using these emerging
prosecutions, if they find poor health and safety conditions. technologies in many functions within construction project,
including health and safety management. Robotic plastering and
Training workers to make them aware of the potential dangers painting is already being tested in some of the projects and 3D
they face and how to avoid them is one way to improve health printing of simple concrete structures is in the R&D stage. All
and safety. For example, implementing training programmes that these developments are very promising and the health and safety
teach roofers and structural riggers to work safely at height and management in the next 3 to 5 years is going to get major
handle equipment safely when erecting steel-framed buildings overhaul.
and structures.
Construction companies should put in place safety practices like Construction companies should consider implementing health and
dynamic risk assessment. This is a continuous process that will safety culture change programmes. By improving their
help identify hazards and assess risk. Companies can monitor organisational culture and increasing staff engagement with
and review hazards during the project and take action to eliminate health and safety arrangements, companies can make a positive
risks wherever possible. difference.
In conclusion, India should push for a culture change in 2023
Toolbox talks – informal meetings with construction managers and regarding the way that risks to workers' health, safety, and
workers to brief and discuss hazards, risks, and safety wellbeing are managed, including during construction work.
procedures, is an effective way to ensure safety during
construction projects, which should be given to all employees Although legislation is important in helping to improve the overall
every day. health and safety posture of an organisation, the project leaders
in the construction sector should take the lead in championing the
The construction industry should also consider using artificial need for a good health and safety culture at every level of an
intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and drones to help organisation.

February-March 2023 / CONSTRUCTION VISION / 35