The system uses聽proximity sensors聽in vests, helmets and other devices that are linked to the machinery operating on site. When a hazardous situation is detected, the system triggers a triple alert 鈥� physical, visual and acoustic 鈥� to avoid an accident.
The goal is to聽eliminate the risk of workers being hit by heavy machinery, one of the main causes of injuries on construction sites.
The project is part of Ferrovial鈥檚 Safety, Health, Wellbeing Innovation Lab, an innovation programme aimed at聽improving the safety of employees聽through the use of new technology. It was first tested in the US by Ferrovial鈥檚 construction subsidiary Webber.
Following the聽successful first trial, pilot projects were rolled out on the Club del Mar expansion project in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and on the Oporto Metro extension in Portugal.
The devices were supplied by GKD Technologies, an English company based in Wimborne, Dorset.
Ferrovial said that it is 鈥渇irmly committed to innovation and technology, particularly in applications to improve the safety of both workers and users of the company鈥檚 infrastructures. Health and聽safety are core features of the company鈥檚 strategy, with prevention as a key element鈥�.
The company is a pursuing a number of other initiatives to improve safety through technology. It provides聽training courses on how to operate in risky situations聽using virtual reality goggles and the Infraverse 鈥� its own version of the so-called metaverse.
This makes it possible to replicate dangerous situations and give trainees the necessary safety knowledge to respond correctly to the risks associated with specific operations.
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