Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, accounting for one in
five workplace fatalities.
7
In fact, it's estimated that two workers per day die in
construction accidents in the U.S., and thousands more are injured each year.
8
The repercussions of fatalities and injuries cost the industry billions of dollars
annually. Yet accidents and near misses can be minimized with thorough
planning and a clear understanding of the potential risks and threats. XR helps
bring the threats to light.
Improved Safety
According to the Common Ground
Alliance (CGA),over the past 20 years
utility hits have resulted in $1.7 billion
in property damage, 1,906 injuries,
and 421 deaths.
9
For example, construction crews can use VR to visualize what's underground
before excavation begins. They can use this information to avoid costly
utility strikes, as well as know where to divert workers or the public to keep
them out of harm's way. XR technologies are also being used with models of
real-world sites to reveal safety hazards. These models can then be used
for safety training and to inform crews of hazards.
These benefits alone are having significant positive impacts and delivering a
sizable return on investment for those who are already using XR technology.
While more difficult to measure, the ripple effects of better stakeholder
engagement, greater productivity, and increased safety can be expected to
produce even more profound shifts and create the momentum to bring about
the broader industry transformation that so many acknowledge is needed.
5 Hwang, Bon-Gang; Thomas, Stephen R.; Haas, Carl. "Measuring the Impact of Rework on Construction Cost
Performance." ResearchGate. March 2009.
6 Dougherty, Jason M.; Hughes, Nigel; Zack, James G. Jr. The Impact of Rework on Construction & Some Practical
Remedies. Navigant Construction Forum. August 2012.
7 Smith, Sandy. "Construction Accidents: The Risks, the Facts and the Repercussions." EHS Today. December 3, 2014.
8 Ibid.
9 "Underground Utility Strikes USA." 1300Locate. May 22, 2019.
