Dive Brief:
- Associated Builders and Contractors announced the release of its Safety Technology Guide last week. It's designed for contractors who are looking to implement new technology and innovate on their jobsites, according to a press release shared with Construction Dive.
- The guide addresses common issues contractors face in creating a safer and more efficient jobsite through tech, with topics such as pandemic solutions for the jobsite and digitizing safety management. It includes general tips, use cases and specific recommendations.
- The new resource follows on the heels of other ABC technology-related initiatives such as the 2021 Tech Report, the Tech Alliance and the Tech Marketplace.
Dive Insight:
ABC's Safety Technology Guide and other tech resources aim to build the construction workforce's skills, increase safety and efficiency on the jobsite and ensure contractors are in accordance with industry safety guidelines.
The guide's release comes at a time of growth for construction tech, with the recently passed bipartisan infrastructure act providing $100 million in funding for the sector. Private investment in construction technology is skyrocketing as well. This year, funding for construction technology startups smashed the previous record and raked in $2.1 billion as of October.
The safety guide lays out best practices for contractors as they prepare to implement new technology on their jobsites. These include:
- Start small, and test technology on one or two projects before rolling it out across all jobs.
- Assign a technology champion who is responsible for implementing the technology.
- Celebrate small wins and recognize success on any scale when innovating.
- Strategize a rollout to meet end users where they are.
- Identify necessary training for new technology and plan how that will be completed.
- Pair seasoned professionals with digital natives to create opportunities for employees to connect with one another, create a more inclusive culture, improve safety and raise efficiency with technology.
- Note what works and what doesn't in order to double down on successes and avoid repeating mistakes.
"To be a leader in the industry, contractors must be willing to innovate to deliver work and ensure our workforce gets home safely every single day," said Matthew Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation, in the press release.
