For many construction companies, the prospect of introducing technology is an overwhelming one. While there are many trends that might benefit projects, it is an industry that has traditionally been decidedly low tech and slow to change.

On the average construction site, there is a certain group that is particularly vulnerable to injury, both minor and serious. That group is your inexperienced workers. Firstly, it is necessary to note that this is not simply a matter of age. While younger workers do have an injury rate than older workmates, studies have found that it is inexperience that is the key here. In fact, employees in their first month on a job have more than 3 times the risk for injury compared to someone who has been at their job for more than a year.

One of the questions we are asked most frequently at Vanguard Wireless is why a wireless safety alert system is better than a more traditional system. For years, we even had a traditional system available, but changes in technology have allowed for significant developments and new features.

In Australia, the construction industry has the third most fatalities country wide. While the number of deaths has decreased in the last ten years, the industry continues to be above average for fatalities and has the second highest number of worker’s compensation claims for serious injuries. For companies, this means that providing a safe site for workers should not only be a necessity, but a true priority across the business. Beyond just worker safety, there are also significant competitive advantages for companies who do this, allowing them to not only save money but increasing project delivery, improving recruitment standards and growing company perceptions through the industry.

Traditionally, the construction industry has not been one for innovation, but this has begun to change. With new products appearing that improve safety, streamline administration and even inspire clients, there’s no doubt that technology is here to stay.

For some organisations, workplace health and safety is just a matter of ticking a few boxes before moving onto more important things. However, this is an extremely limited view and fails to consider the significant impacts safety can have on a company’s performance. For organisations that want to grow, taking a new look at safety is essential. From worker retention and recruitment to improved reputation and cost savings or even increased contracts, creating a culture of safety can have wide reaching effects. It can even be one of your greatest competitive advantages. Find out how below.

We’re thrilled to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Australian Construction Awards 2019 Vanguard Wireless has been nominated under the Health & Safety Solution of the Year category, an award that celebrates an outstanding contribution to improved H&S in the industry.

Construction companies irrespective of size do their best to adhere to safe work practices on their sites. At a company level, safety measures are implemented across projects and are usually supported and monitored by people on site. In such a rapidly changing environment, construction sites can become areas where inherent danger can suddenly create situations with the potential to cause harm to workers.

Few industries are as dynamic and complex in nature as a construction site. Changes in personnel, multi-disciplinary teams at differing stages, looming deadlines, extended hours and the weather can have a detrimental effect on the safety of workers on site.

In the construction industry there are many opportunities to make measurable progress, whether it is the civil works commencing or scaffolding being put up. A lot of importance is placed on being safe as well as constantly being aware of many things occurring, simultaneously. How each person responds or reacts to the many responsibilities on site can vary. Some people are predisposed to handle pressure in different ways to others that would prefer to avoid it altogether.