Introduction
The global construction business has experienced significant growth, particularly in recent decades. The success of a construction project depends heavily on both the buildings’ and the workers’ safety. From the beginning of the design process through to the building’s completion and delivery, safety concerns must be taken into account. Both experienced and unskilled laborers working in the construction business face health and accident risks on the job site. One of the most dangerous businesses in the world is the civil engineering field of construction. In the manufacturing sector, the chance of a death is five times higher than in the construction sector, while the risk of a catastrophic injury is 2.5 times higher.
Global Construction Industry Safety Statistics
Global Construction Industry Safety StatisticsIn the UK, the construction industry accounted for almost one-third of all occupational fatalities. The sector also struggled with frequent worker injuries and poor health conditions. In comparison to other industries, the construction sector in Norway saw a much greater number of occurrences. Construction workers in Australia saw a fatality rate that was much greater than that of other industries 16.4% of all fatal workplace accidents worldwide involve the Indian construction labor force. According to event statistics, the majority of worker injuries and fatalities were related to accidents, including car crashes, being struck by falling objects, and falling from heights.
The environment (temperature, wind, lighting, ventilation, weather, noise, topography), equipment (type, operating condition), neighbouring activities (current neighbours, traffic), and physical impediments (utilities, existing structures) can be varied factors that invite dangers. Type of exposure to dangers (falling, being struck by an object, being stuck in or between collapsing materials or objects, etc.), availability of safety equipment for the task, qualified personnel, and environmental hazards are some elements that are more unique to the tasks.
Technologies for construction safety
The process of choosing appropriate safety measures and identifying all potential dangers together constitutes normal safety planning. Building information modeling (BIM), virtual design and construction (VDC), geographic information systems (GIS), and other information and communication technologies are now commonplace tools in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. One problem that is addressed by 4D visualizations is the detection of spatial conflict or congestion of construction processes. BIM technology makes a substantial contribution to construction safety by automating the identification of potential dangers and preventing risks that are likely to materialize. The technology can significantly improve safety management’s ability to prevent accidents and offer useful resources for rescue operations.
For instance, if two cranes are depicted in a 3D BIM model, you can more easily spot the possibility of a physical collision before it occurs and change the structure of the site to prevent an accident. To identify potential risks during the building phase of a project, BIM can also be utilized to produce virtual 4D simulations of construction projects. Workers can be taught how to complete activities safely and recognize potential hazards using these simulations. Layouts for construction sites can be improved by BIM, which also eases traffic and enhances accessibility. The risk of accidents brought on by crowded work spaces is reduced by an effective layout. Companies typically use BIM to streamline the construction process, potentially lowering site risks, or to verify compliance with safety regulations and company policy.
Use of BIM in leading companies
Turner Construction utilizes BIM to automate safety logistics assessments and stop safety accidents. Before crews arrive on site, the company employs BIM’s 3-D modeling to go over all construction and installation details. BIM has shown to be a successful method for Skanska to reduce welding risk. BIM modeling is used by the corporation to correctly detail the concrete and steel so that the team can cast the embeds and associated beams four stories above without the requirement for a worker to climb an elevator shaft to weld it. Lend Lease illustrates how to incorporate safety models into the workflow by modeling and sequencing safety during trade buyouts. Virtual reality (VR) technology has been used by Clark Construction for safety training. Workers can practice safety procedures and learn how to handle possible hazards using VR simulators. BIM and other technologies such as wearable sensors and real-time data analytics are used by Suffolk Construction through its Smart Labs program to increase safety.
U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings, Mortenson Construction
Image 4_US Bank Stadium,Minneapolis_©wikipedia.com
The multipurpose U.S. Bank Stadium serves as the home of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. This architectural masterpiece has seats for up to 70,000 people, five enormous pivoting glass doors, and zinc metal exterior panels. It also has a remarkable profile. Over 8,000 employees put in over four million hours on the project. Two and a half years were needed to finish it. A 4.2-acre open area, 1.2 million square feet of office space, 28,000 square feet of retail space, and about 400 residential units were all built as a result of the $1 billion project.
Mortenson Construction initiated the U.S. Bank Stadium project by developing a comprehensive 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) model. This intricate model encompassed a wide array of construction elements, ranging from structural components to electrical systems and HVAC infrastructure. The BIM model proved instrumental in identifying potential safety hazards, such as clashes between structural elements, uneven terrain, and the presence of temporary structures. Mortenson’s teams leveraged BIM for constructability analyses, systematically assessing the feasibility of construction sequences and pinpointing areas necessitating safety enhancements. Furthermore, the adoption of 4D BIM allowed for the dynamic visualization of the construction process over time. This facilitated meticulous planning of task timing, crane movements, and material deliveries, thereby mitigating congestion and potential safety conflicts. Coordination meetings with subcontractors saw the integration of BIM models, aiding in comprehensive safety requirement discussions and ensuring alignment among all stakeholders. Workers were also afforded the invaluable resource of virtual mock-ups generated by the BIM model, enabling them to acquaint themselves with the site’s intricacies and rehearse safety protocols before commencing physical work. Lastly, the BIM model played a pivotal role in strategizing the strategic placement of safety signage and barriers, serving as a crucial guide to direct workers and deter them from entering hazardous zones.
References:
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