Using innovation to further improve site safety
Book a free consultation with Bryson for more ideas on H&S innovation for your business. Construction workers with a Croydon civil engineering contractor have invested in a new quick response (QR) code-based identification system to further improve site safety. The company have rolled out an innovative solution for checking individual staff competencies on its project sites in real time by scanning the QR code with a smart phone, giving access to personnel files with proof of identity, training history, medical details and emergency next-of-kin contract details.
Improvements will include a new ticket hall and station entrance as well step-free access from street to platform. Regeneration plans in the area around the new stadium include a museum, hotel and 585 new homes.
Access to data is restricted to those who have downloaded the bespoke app, but those with the app can access a company-wide database of employees and subcontractors.
Sarah Persad, who has led the development of the system, said:
“This really is a breakthrough solution for ensuring staff are appropriately trained and certified for the roles they carry out on a site. Previously, if an employee was observed carrying out hot works one day and then driving a forward tipping dumper the following, the observer (potentially a client or site manager) could only assume that he or she had the appropriate training for both roles. They can now simply scan the worker’s hat and check that the appropriate training and accreditations are in place, resulting in real time, quick and easy competence checks.”
She added:
“The beauty of the system is that the complete training record of a worker is held alongside their medical and emergency contact details, which is in full compliance with current data protection requirements. This system enables us to ensure that our ‘boots on the ground’ are competent to do the task and we know exactly who is on site, which is particularly critical in today’s security conscious environment.”
The training identification system stores records of an employee’s training history from CSCS and First Aider to Asbestos Awareness, Confined Space Training and PPE Awareness. The company are continuing to develop the system adding more capability to support managers and supervisors on site and the vision is to roll the app out across sites in the UK and Europe.
The potential of the technology to increase a contractor’s ability to manage its workers and maximise its health and safety awareness is a key must for all responsible companies.
Source: UK Construction Week
