Improving construction plant safety using advanced ICT

"In recent years, a number of advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions have been developed to assist in the management of business processes and working environments. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging technology and mobile computing are two such technologies which have been adopted for use in hybrid systems because they can monitor and manage industrial health, safety and welfare activities. Within the construction sector, plant and equipment operation has been shown to be one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries, not least because the sector has witnessed an increasing reliance upon mechanical resources. In an attempt to reduce vehicle accidents, this research reports upon a technology application, entitled SightSafety, that utilises advanced ICT solutions to produce a proactive health and safety management system. In addition, the research used case studies, process mapping, scenario planning and prototype evaluation to: produce guidelines for such a technology solution; expand the benefits of the application; and discuss the barriers and issues that can influence system implementation. The envisaged application consists of a plant Management Information System (MIS) that incorporates ICT such as mobile computing and RFID tagging system to make machine operations more productive and safer. The system encapsulates the desirable attributes of various standalone systems (such as personnel, maintenance, training etc. ) into one integral hybrid system which also facilitates the integration of health and safety information for construction plant management. The system can identify operatives in a machine s operational envelope, notify management and employees of pending danger and report upon the incidents and dangerous occurrences that have happened. This latter feature thereby enabling managers to learn from any mistakes made during the construction project. The integration is presumed to lead to a far-reaching technology platform where plant operator and safety manager information needs are addressed and could go some way to reducing common causes of accidents on construction sites."