In the construction industry, personal protective equipment (PPE) inspection and compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about making sure workers have the safest environment possible in order to get projects done, on time and on budget.
Think about your current PPE inspection workflow. Are site supervisors manually checking-in workers by handwriting their names in paper logs, visually inspecting their equipment, and documenting compliance violations using outdated, paper-based systems?
This traditional approach, still in use at most construction sites around the world, has resulted in inefficient, time-consuming processes. It’s also prone to error as supervisors struggle to visually verify and record compliance details, which then requires duplicate data entry into the systems of record.
Manual checks also pose a compliance risk since issues aren’t addressed in a timely manner. Then there’s the drain on worker morale as employees waste time standing in long lines before they can get to work.
Now, advancements in AI technology are available for any construction site. They’re transforming the PPE inspection and jobsite check-in process to improve worker safety and boost productivity.
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AI-enabled PPE inspection, in real life
These advancements are already at work on an actual jobsite, the construction of a 40-story residential high-rise with 207 apartments in Monterrey, Mexico.
Internacional de Inversiones SA de CV (IDEI Mexico) implemented an AI-enabled check-in station to improve what had been a frustrating process.
“Our workers had to wait in line from 45 minutes to an hour because we write the name of each worker and entry time by hand on a clipboard. With 300 workers on site, human errors and long delays were inevitable,” said Adriana Martinez, a Civil Engineer and Site Supervisor at IDEI who’s supervising the high-rise construction project.
“Our old manual process created multiple pain points, including our supervisors struggling to verify PPE compliance by visual inspection, our workers losing up to an hour of productive time every day, and insurance documentation needing to be checked manually, creating even more slowdowns,” she added.
Now, AI reduces worker check-in time from minutes to seconds. Featuring an iPad-like tablet with a digital camera that’s linked to their ERP system and back office software, the solution made an immediate impact after a straightforward installation.
“The process now takes about 10 seconds instead of four to five minutes per worker,” Martinez said. “With 300 workers entering the jobsite each day, that amplifies to a massive amount of time saved every single day.”
10 benefits of automated, integrated PPE assessment
A slow, manual check-in that drains productivity is a frustrating reality for many construction companies. But as IDEI demonstrates, AI transforms the process, which translates to a number of benefits.
- Faster PPE verification: The AI-enabled camera system automatically checks upper-body PPE (hard hat, glasses, vest) and alerts to violations instantly–reducing worker check-in time from minutes to seconds while enforcing proper PPE protocols.
- More efficient digital document keeping: A fully digital document workflow provides a single place to organize and store all safety documentation.
- Quick access to critical information: Insurance papers and emergency contact information for workers are uploaded and easily accessible.
- Consistent PPE enforcement: PPE requirements are uniformly enforced across all workers.
- Reduced administrative burden: Safety supervisors can focus on more critical tasks rather than administrative chores.
- Real-time data and analytics: Because compliance data is directly fed into the ERP system in real-time, data can be analyzed instantly, ensuring a safer work environment.
- Improved worker morale: Eliminating the need to wait in long lines before being able to start work improves worker morale.
- Improved worker accountability: Workers are more aware of their responsibilities and the importance of following safety guidelines.
- Jobsite worker details always available: Because every worker scans their badge when they enter or exit the jobsite, companies know who’s on-site along with historical data of all visitors.
- Centralized information: With information centralized in one place and connected to back-office ERP systems, AI-enabled PPE inspection provides authorized personnel with ready access to real-time safety and jobsite information. For example, the timestamps captured by the PPE station in the field are seamlessly integrated with the timesheets module in the ERP, enabling accurate calculation of labor costs based on current labor rates. This integration improves payroll processing by providing real-time, data-driven insights into labor expenses.
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Transforming a traditional industry
The construction industry has been slow to adopt new technology. Gartner estimates that 45% of construction organizations use manual methods. IDEI’s Martinez says it’s time for it to change.
“Construction is an old and traditional industry, and sometimes we are scared or refuse to combine it with new technology. However, embracing it can lead to significant improvements,” she said. “In this case, the safety of the workers and the security of the work site.”
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