Many contractors are asking themselves how social distancing can be executed practically on jobsites so their workers can operate safely. As expected, products are starting to emerge that address these concerns.
For example, SmartVid.io, according to industry news reports, has paired computer vision with its artificial intelligence interface, known as Vinnie, to identify workers who might be working too closely to each other or in packs larger than 10, which would violate OSHA’s social distancing guidelines.
Triax Technologies, which specializes in Internet of Things (IoT) worksite platforms, has launched Proximity TraceTM, an IoT system that provides social distancing alerts and contact tracing—identifying workers with whom confirmed COVID-19 cases came into contact over a period of time—through a wearable device.
The device, which can be attached to a hardhat or worn on the user’s body with a lanyard, offers added protection for essential workers during the pandemic, and can help contractors get their field employees back to work safety.
“Our solution is designed to ease the burden on workers to maintain appropriate distances as part of new safety practices that very well could become the next normal,” says Robert Costantini, Triax’s CEO.
Glibane Building Company, one of the industry’s leading GCs, is in the process of rolling out Proximity Trace devices to its active jobsites. “Worker safety is our top priority, so we were thrilled to hear that our technology partner Triax developed a solution to address the social distancing and contact tracing problems the industry is facing during COVID-19,” says Jason Pelkey, Gilbane’s senior vice president and Chief Information Officer.
The system’s details include:
•TraceTag, a real-time audible alert for close contact interactions, which the device records for contact tracing. The device’s rechargeable battery has weeks, even months, of battery life.
•Cellular gateways for logging headcount and attendance. These data are transmitted to the company’s cloud.
•A real-time audible alert and flashing red LED that activate when worker interaction is registered. This function can be turned off for contact tracing only. And an escalation alert beeps for timely distance correction.
•A data dashboard for worker profile management, device management and administration, and for producing contact tracing reports. The data include timestamps, the duration of interaction, and number of participants.
Proximity Trace does not rely on a client’s WiFi or internet service.
Triax states that its goals for Proximity Trace are to provide a proactive system to support and condition workers to comply with social distancing guidelines. The system can help companies passively collect worker interactions and duration to automate and digitize contact tracing. The system provides information needed to guide COVID-19 protocols at essential facilities. And it supports companies’ efforts to limit the spread of infection by identifying so-called “Subject 1” candidates who have been in contact with people whose COVID-19 exposure is confirmed.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 22, 2020
Construction activity in 2020 expected to drop steeply
[Dodge survey] Contractors girding for recession.
Coronavirus | Apr 21, 2020
COVID-19 update: CallisonRTKL, Patriot, PODS, and USACE collaborate on repurposed containers for ACFs
CallisonRTKL and PODS collaborate on repurposed containers for ACFs
Coronavirus | Apr 20, 2020
Virtual site visits help control infection on project sites
As COVID-19 threatens to slow construction work, point cloud technology helps us work safer and faster.
Coronavirus | Apr 19, 2020
A COVID-19 task force focuses on crisis communications
The Castle Group is partnering with leading health experts to help companies factor science and medicine into their response messaging and actions.
Coronavirus | Apr 17, 2020
NMHC Multifamily Construction Survey shows significant delays in apartment construction
Survey asked construction firms how the spread of COVID-19 is affecting construction permitting, starts, completions, materials and labor.
Coronavirus | Apr 17, 2020
The case for public space in the age of COVID-19
As our daily footprint narrows under “stay at home” measures, we must reconsider our relationship with public spaces.
Coronavirus | Apr 16, 2020
COVID-19: Pennsylvania building products supplier raises $1.2 million for Pittsburgh-area food bank
Pennsylvania building products supplier raises $1.2 million for Pittsburgh-area food bank.
Coronavirus | Apr 15, 2020
How has your work been impacted by COVID-19?
The SMPS Foundation and Building Design+Construction are studying the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the ability to attain and retain clients and conduct projects, along with other consequences.
Coronavirus | Apr 15, 2020
COVID-19 alert: 93% of renters in professionally managed multifamily housing paid some or all of their rent, says NMHC
In its second survey of 11.5 million units of professionally managed apartment units across the country, the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) found that 84% of apartment households made a full or partial rent payment by April 12, up 15 percentage points from April 5.
Coronavirus | Apr 15, 2020
DCAMM teams with SLAM and Gilbane Building Company to re-occupy Newton Pavilion for temporary quarantine of homeless during COVID-19 pandemic
First and only quarantine shelter in Boston-area to convert a shuttered hospital for homeless patient occupancy.