How to improve the safety of building sites

The risk of accidents for workers in the construction industry is more than twice as high as for employees of other economic sectors. In 2015, 102,333 accidents were reported to the German Berufsgenossenschaft für Bau (BG Construction). Of these incidents, 86 ended with death. What are the reasons behind the most common accidents at work? What possibilities are there to reduce this number by using technology, such as virtual reality and extended reality?

Most common accidents

Before dealing with the exciting developments in virtual reality (VR) and the augmented reality (AR), we would like to give you a brief overview of the four most common causes of accidents at work:crashes80% of reported accidents are employees of less than two meters in height. Examinations show that, often, instead of tested conductors, "something is tinkered" quickly to save time and money.Hazards from trafficIncorrect routing leads to dangerous situations. Through the crossing of the workers' walkways with the transport routes of the construction site vehicles, dangerous situations are quickly created.Hand-held machinesEvery year, around 27,000 people injure themselves at work. 37% of the fuses on devices are changed independently for convenience, or for reasons of time savings.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)

Construction sites pose dangers and a high accident potential. There will be no one hundred percent safety. However, the use of VR and AR can reduce the risk of accidents in the long term. These innovations are another big step for the construction industry - the age of digitization has begun!

1. Virtual reality as a training tool

Definition: Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment. This technique is already used today in various areas, such as training and education (use of flight simulators or operating simulators), or in the entertainment industry (computer games)The team around Prof. Dr. Markus König of the Department of Computer Science in the Construction Industry of the Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB) has been working for over six years on the opportunity to implement interactive virtual reality training for planners and construction workers.Glasses put the user into another reality. With accessories such as special gloves, or a remote control, the virtual environment can be changed. Headphones ensure that the illusion of the construction site is perfect. The perspective, the sounds, and the environment change depending on the user's interaction. The immersion in the computer-generated world makes it possible to depict falling objects, a fire outburst, or various weather conditions realistically. In this way, potential hazard situations can be simulated and thus also trained. Security experts can use the information obtained to take work safety measures into account from the outset.As each building is digitally planned and created by the introduction of Building Information Modeling (INTERNAL LINK TO BLOG WITH BIM), the necessary data for the construction of the virtual construction site already exist. In this case, technique, which is also used for the creation of computer games, is used.The following video gives you an idea of ​​how to prepare for a new construction project in the future:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsjHMBUo0rg&feature=youtu.be

2. On-site with augmented reality

Definition: Under augmented reality (AR) one understands the linking of a virtual computer world with the reality. This technique can be used, for example

• TourismDisplay of information about a tourist attraction when the smartphone is interpreted
• video GamesDigital elements are shown in the user's environment
• Online ShoppingVirtual dresses before ordering online

The use of extended reality has received an entrance ticket for use on construction sites. The smart helmet from the company DAQRI is to be understood as an innovation, which makes work easier on the building site, as well as an increase in safety. The intelligent helmet provides information on construction plans on the construction site and displays changes immediately - without having to view the plans in paper form.For a better idea of how the expanded reality in the construction sector will be implemented, take a look at this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTp82DbJ-1o

Conclusion

The use of digital media in the construction industry is just beginning. Go with the times and benefit from building radars algorithms to learn about new construction projects when others are looking for them.