Construction companies in Illinois and across the country are learning how revolutionary technology can benefit their businesses. Along with improved bottom lines, technological advancements can improve employee safety. With fewer work injury claims filed for benefits, escalating insurance premiums can be avoided. Some of the advancements, such as the various wearables designed for construction workers, can reduce construction site injuries.
The futuristic technologies include equipment tagging, virtual reality, drones, robotics, Building Information Modeling, and radio-frequency identification tagging (RFID). Construction workers can wear the devices on their glasses, hardhats, vests, wristbands or boots, and along with tracking the physical location of the wearer, it can also monitor the environmental conditions. Some are equipped with emergency buttons that can alert rescue workers in emergencies. If the wearable is also equipped with GPS technology, it can lead rescuers to the worker’s location. Wearables can monitor the vital signs of workers and warn them of imminent danger.
Drones form part of the most widely utilized technology in the construction industry. Their value in employee safety is the ability to assess hard-to-reach locations that pose significant risks to workers. Drones can inspect dangerous areas, and malfunctions or structural threats can be identified without risking the lives of employees.
As the advancement of technology continues, the risk of suffering a work injury will continue to exist. When on-the-job injuries occur, injured workers are typically eligible for compensation. The Illinois workers’ compensation insurance program provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the claims process.
