DEVELOPING AI TECH TO KEEP CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SAFE

A second digital initiative with partners UWE Bristol was announced in September – Computer-Vision-SMART – whereby real-time image, machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will be leveraged to keep operatives even safer from the multitude of hazards found on construction sites.

Along with a third member of the consortium – One Big Circle – we have begun an Innovate UK funded programme to develop camera-based and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in a way never seen before. External and internal cameras will be installed on two projects – the first being DSV’s logistics facility at Mercia Park in Leicestershire – through the two year development period; which will detect, recognise and track on-site hazards and the software will send alerts to any operative who is nearby via their IoT app enabled device.

Simply put, the technology will automatically identify a hazard – from an excavated pit to moving plant – categorise it, apply a four-tiered safe zone and use geographic information system (GIS) coordinates to forewarn a person of the nearby risk, direct to their smartphone or wearable. Escalation procedures, such as alerts to the project manager or the wider site team, will also be in place, for example when an operative is detected not wearing correct PPE. We’re proud this partnership initiative is truly ground-breaking and will generate a significant leap forward for safety across the whole of the construction industry.

Tim Reeve, Technical Director and Contractor Project Lead


“Utilising intelligent digital technologies in construction to deliver projects more rapidly, cost-effectively and safely is a passion of Winvic’s and this forward-thinking health and safety initiative is truly ground-breaking. There is a clear gap in this area of construction safety, where social and technical efforts can successfully converge, and with the solution that has been conceived will come better opportunities than ever before to reach our zero-harm aim.”

Olugbenga Akinade, Associate Professor, UWE Bristol


“The Innovate UK Smart grant provides us with a unique partnership opportunity with Winvic and One Big Circle to address a unique gap in the construction industry. We are convinced that Computer-Vision-SMART will deliver a step-change which will enable us to explore the socio-technical overlap of behaviour-based safety on construction sites. The project will further mature our capabilities in delivering high impact research and to establish UWE Bristol as a business-facing university.”

I CONTACT US

Winvic Construction Ltd Brampton House, 19 Tenter Road, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6PZ

To discuss an upcoming project or requirements for any scheme please contact Danny Cross or Alice Skelton in our Business Development team on 01604 678 960 or at dannycross@winvic.co.uk / aliceskelton@winvic.co.uk

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