US construction adopts AI to boost safety on the job site
Shawmut Design & Construction, a Boston-based contractor with revenue close to US$ 2 billion, runs more than 150 simultaneous job sites, bringing together around 30,000 workers including direct employees, third parties and subcontractors. Since 2017, the company has used artificial intelligence to strengthen workplace safety.
AI for risk prediction
Shawmut applies AI models that collect diverse data, such as weather conditions, changes in the work crew and equipment use, to calculate a daily risk index for each site. The information is analyzed at least once a day, allowing management to adjust procedures based on potential risks, even if not in real time for now.
GPS control and PPE monitoring
During the pandemic, the company expanded its use of AI via smartphones to ensure social distancing. The system identified critical proximity, below 1.8 m, and issued automatic alerts. On site, the technology also checks whether workers are correctly using safety harnesses, ladders, scaffolding and other critical equipment.
Strengthened privacy
Although the use of AI for monitoring raises ethical questions, Shawmut guarantees that all data is anonymized and used only for safety purposes. Experts recommend transparency, voluntary consent and restricted data use, measures the company adopts as standard.
Implementation challenges
The sector faces obstacles such as data quality: incomplete, inaccurate or outdated information can be costly, as the global industry loses around US$ 1.8 trillion per year due to poor data. There is also the risk of overreliance on AI, which can reduce human oversight, something the company and experts warn is essential to maintain.
Next steps with AI
In the coming months, Shawmut plans to roll out new features:
- Real-time alerts via digital badges that signal when a worker approaches hazardous areas;
- Systems that automatically adjust safety rules according to each state's regulations, ideal for projects that change legislation when crossing borders.
The impact of artificial intelligence on civil construction
Shawmut's adoption of AI illustrates how technology can transform job sites, delivering concrete benefits:
- Early risk detection, based on weather, crew and equipment usage patterns;
- Active monitoring of worker behavior, such as correct PPE use and distancing;
- Privacy and ethics, through anonymization and consent, making use responsible;
- Continuous safety improvement, with real-time alerts and adaptation to regional regulations;
- Real challenges, such as ensuring data quality and keeping the balance between machine and human.
