PETALING JAYA: The implementation of new technologies in work procedures can improve safety at work sites especially in the construction industry, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

       He said that technologies such as predictive data, artificial intelligence (AI) or ergonomic devices can help to improve employees’ productivity aside from their safety and health.

       “Injury prevention and wellness plans for workers in all workplaces must be given priority, just as much as preventive maintenance plans for machines and timely delivery of projects,” said Lee, adding that the future of the workplace is employee-driven.

       Aligned with digitalisation, by introducing innovative technologies and new construction techniques, risk at the workplace can be reduced, and safe behaviour can be encouraged while increasing efficiency.

       Lee said some of the technologies that can be implemented include Building Information Modelling (BIM), autonomous equipment and advanced building materials, drone technology, robotics and remote-control vehicles.

       “Other systems include wearable technology, visualisation technology, and record-keeping and communication systems,” said Lee.

       “The use of this technology will boost productivity, streamline project management and procedures, and boost quality and safety,” he added in a statement on Monday (Nov 15).

       He then said that as the labour market continues to evolve where new generation (referred to as Generation Z) are more tech-savvy replacing their predecessors, the skills and interest in digital technology are something that can be leveraged on.

       “Now is the time for Generation Z, that is, the generation born in a digital era, where they lack experience in an industrial and mechanical environment that their predecessors had,”said Lee.

       “This makes traditional safety concepts, such as lockout-tagout and safe operation of machinery, initially hard to grasp. However, their skill and interest in automation and technological processes are a strong point we need to adopt and hone,” he added.

       Lee added that the use of technologies can also help in reducing human errors while increasing OSH awareness through real-time data that can be used to prevent accidents or potential hazards.

       “For instance, BIM will enable hazard elimination or substitution (design for safety), improve hazard recognition and identification,” said Lee.

       “It will also boost safety planning, awareness or communication, and safety inspections.

       Virtual reality (VR) is another technology that will help the industry improve its OSH compliance,” he added.

       Lee said that adopting digital transformation may be the best way to improve OSH in the construction and other industries to mitigate the human and capital costs of accidents at work.

       According to data from the Statistics Department, for the year 2020, the number of occupational accidents was 32,674 cases, down 19.9% from 40,811 cases recorded in 2019.

       The department added that despite the downturn of the total and fatality rates due to occupational accidents in 2020, the construction sector remained the industry with the highest risk of occupational accident deaths.