The status of emergency alert systems for construction project sites

Abstract

Worker safety is of the utmost importance; consequently, construction project sites use alert systems to notify project team members of emergencies on the job site. Various emergency alert systems are available in the construction industry, from the simple air horn to the more complex remote and app-based systems. This research aims to improve construction safety by investigating emergency alert systems that notify workers of widespread emergencies on the project site. The objectives are to identify the types of emergency alert systems available in the construction industry, explore the industry professionals’ perceptions of the existing emergency alert systems, and identify any gaps in the market for new technologies or the potential for improving existing ones. This study utilizes a survey of 34 industry professionals to identify the most commonly used emergency alert systems on jobsites and their knowledge and perceptions of app-based and remote emergency alert systems. Results indicate that while the air horn is the most used method of emergency alerts, the construction industry may be willing to spend more on remote emergency alert systems than app-based emergency alert systems. The primary concerns of the construction industry are the overall cost, the reliability of the high-tech systems, and the potential for false alarms. It appears that if the construction professionals’ concerns are addressed, they would be willing to spend more on app-based systems.