The past two days have brought tragic news to the construction community of Hong Kong. In just two days – two fatal accidents have occurred.
On Tuesday (16 May 2023), a 49-year-old Nepali construction worker died after being knocked down by a forklift at a government site in To Kwa Wan. He was working inside a tunnel under construction at a site overseen by the Highways Department. He had head injuries and was unconscious when he was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he died.
On Wednesday (17 May 2023), a worker accidentally fell from a six-meter-tall working platform while repairing a yacht at a shipyard. The incident happened at the shipyard on Tam Kong Shan Road in Tsing Yi before 9.30 am, according to police.
These incidents, involving the loss of precious lives, serve as reminders of the risks faced by construction workers and the imperative of maintaining a safe work environment. The construction industry must prioritize safety measures and foster a culture that values worker well-being above all else.
Such tragic events emphasize the urgent need to explore innovative solutions to prevent accidents and prioritize worker safety. That is why, as a company dedicated to making construction a safer place, we would like to remind our community of the ways that integration of AI technology could have played a crucial role in preventing the described accidents.
- Real-time AI CCTV Monitoring and Alert Systems
AI-powered surveillance systems equipped with video analytics and motion detection capabilities can continuously monitor work areas. By analyzing live video feeds, these systems can identify hazardous situations, such as workers operating at heights without proper safety precautions or workers in dangerous proximity to moving vehicles. Real-time alerts can then be generated, notifying workers, operators, and supervisors, enabling swift intervention and accident prevention.
- Sensor-based Safety Equipment
To increase reliability, together with CCTV monitoring, AI-integrated sensors can be installed on working platforms and safety harnesses to track movement, positioning, and environmental conditions. AI algorithms can analyze the sensor data in real-time, identifying deviations from safe working practices. In the event of a worker being in an unsafe position or at risk of falling, immediate alerts can be triggered, enabling prompt corrective actions and preventing accidents.
- Predictive Analytics for Risk Assessment
Furthermore, AI can analyze historical data, including accident records, worker behavior, and environmental factors, to identify potential risks and patterns leading to accidents. By leveraging predictive analytics, AI models can assess the likelihood of accidents occurring in specific situations. This proactive approach empowers supervisors and safety managers to implement targeted safety measures, such as additional safety restraints or improved work procedures, to minimize the risk of falls.
Let us unite in our efforts to prioritize worker safety, promote awareness, and continually improve safety practices within the construction industry. Together, we can create a safer working environment that protects the lives of those who contribute to shaping Hong Kong’s future!