Building a safer future in construction through mobile technology and AI  

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous, accounting for nearly a quarter of all US worker fatalities in 2022. Despite the increase in safety initiatives, injury and fatality rates have remained steady, underscoring the ongoing opportunity to improve safety practices and better address the evolving challenges of modern construction.  

As construction work grows in complexity, so does the pressure on workers. The pandemic exacerbated this strain as workers returned to job sites before adequate support systems were in place. Supply chain disruptions added further pressure, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Construction often involves simultaneous operations (SimOps), where overlapping tasks create heightened risks. In these situations, even a small error or lapse in communication can lead to a significant incident, highlighting the need for safety protocols that align with the realities workers face daily.  

Empowering frontline workers by aligning safety with on-the-ground realities 

Improving construction safety requires empowering frontline workers with tools that reflect the realities they face on job sites. Mobile-enabled applications are transforming how safety is managed by digitizing traditionally paper-based processes, allowing workers to complete safety inspections, track compliance, and access training materials directly from their smartphones or tablets. This shift from cumbersome paperwork to digital workflows ensures that safety protocols become part of daily routines, reducing administrative burdens and enabling workers to focus on safety, not documentation.  

AI-powered platforms enhance these digital workflows by delivering real-time data, automating compliance monitoring, and identifying potential risks. With AI-driven insights, workers receive actionable information, allowing them to make proactive safety decisions on the ground. This integration of mobile technology and AI doesn’t just streamline safety tasks – it empowers workers by making safety processes intuitive and aligned with their everyday operations.  

The combination of mobile and AI tools helps ensure that safety expectations are fully integrated into daily work, creating a seamless link between organizational safety goals and frontline execution. Workers are no longer bogged down by manual tasks but are equipped with efficient, easy-to-use tools that support both process efficiency and safety compliance in real-time.  

Addressing total worker health  

Construction sites are high-pressure environments, and mental health is a crucial component contributing to total worker health and safety. According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction workers experience one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation. While physical risks are obvious, mental well-being also plays a significant role in keeping workers focused and attentive. Distractions from stress, anxiety, or depression can lead to mistakes and accidents.  

AI and mobile platforms can help here too. Mobile technology allows for microlearning opportunities – short, digital lessons that workers can access on mental health topics – making resources more readily available and accessible in real time. AI plays a crucial role in personalizing these resources based on individual needs, identifying patterns of stress or fatigue through subtle behavioral data like task completion times or changes in routine. When workers feel supported holistically – both mentally and physically – they are more likely to stay engaged and perform their jobs safely.  

Enhancing lone worker safety 

Lone worker safety is another area where AI-powered and mobile-enabled platforms can make a significant impact. Nearly 70 percent of organizations reported a safety incident involving someone working by themselves in the past three years, and 20 percent of these incidents were described as ‘quite or very severe.’ Lone workers, such as those on remote sites or performing maintenance, face greater risks because they lack immediate access to assistance.  

AI-enabled GPS applications provide a safety net with the ability to remotely detect if something goes wrong on a job site. Mobile devices enable check-ins, while AI monitoring systems automatically alert supervisors to anomalies like sudden stops in movement or falls to ensure quick response. Companies can ensure that lone workers are safe, even on the most remote and hazardous job sites by combining mobile tech with AI. The focus remains on empowering workers with mobile tools that simplify safety processes and ensure they feel supported, while AI-driven analytics provides supervisors with key insights for quicker interventions when needed.  

The future of construction safety 

Significant progress in worker safety depends on the construction industry’s ability to move beyond traditional safety measures and embrace mobile-first, AI-powered solutions that transform safety procedures into seamless digital workflows. AI-powered platforms provide data-driven insights that help reduce risks, but the real transformation comes from empowering workers through the accessibility and ease of mobile safety tools.  

The construction industry can evolve to a future that empowers companies to build a safer environment for all workers through streamlined tech and AI-driven analytics.  

For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor. 

By R. Mukund

benchmarkgensuite.com/anvl-frontline-worker-safety-software/

R. Mukund is CEO and Founder of Benchmark Gensuite, a digital platform for EHS and sustainability management solutions. He is an organizational leader with nearly 30 years of experience in progressive roles as a technical professional, team leader, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, executive program manager, and most recently, CEO since 2010.