Safety is always the first priority and core value in the construction industry. The world is facing a new industrial revolution marked by the rise of digital technology. Introducing digital technology such as 5G smart infrastructure and Digital Work Supervision System (DWSS) to ensure a smooth construction process for minimising site safety risks then becomes one of the future trends.

5G is the fifth generation mobile network that virtually links everyone and everything together, including machines, objects and devices. With the help of an AI enabled CCTV monitoring system, the site manager can get the information of real-time inspection from the front-line and react to site safety issues anytime, and remotely take immediate action to reduce the risk. There are two types of system, cloud-based or camera-based. Both an use AI to automatically detect and alert workers through predefined algorithms, sensing workers who enter restricted areas or who are not wearing the necessary protective equipment to enhance their safety awareness. The same technology is used during the COVID-19 pandemic for face mask detection. Moreover, the CCTV can also be implemented with a thermal camera and emperature screening system so that it can detect fire/ smoke to eliminate the fire risk and provide immediate response in the construction site. The current maturity of AI and 5G technology will support greater utilisation in the future and help to accelerate the process of digital transformation in the industry.

Digital Works Supervision System (DWSS) is a construction management system included in the Technical Circular (Works) No. 3/2020 from the Development Bureau to enhance the standard and the efficiency of work supervision as well as the quality and safety of work. It digitises inspection processes including RISC management, site diary, site safety records, site cleansing and labour return record. This innovative solution connects customers, contractors, and consultants to the same platform, and serves as a centralised document library which can be accessed through any PC or mobile devices. Eventually, it helps to communicate and address safety related issues in real-time to enforce standards across the projects. And, it helps us to comply with the strictest regulations and predict dangerous scenarios, ensuring that all site tasks are in compliance with health and safety requirements.

Working as safety professionals, we have to equip ourselves with the knowledge of traditional site safety management, as well as keeping an open mind to adopt new technologies to streamline our daily management works. While it may be a challenge to introduce new concepts to the profession, we have the duty as safety professionals to contribute to the evolvement of the construction industry to the digital era, bringing site safety management to higher and more effective level.

This article is contributed by Ir Victor W F Tse with the coordination of the Safety Specialist Committee.