Construction sites are notoriously hazardous environments, but a new wave of technology aims to mitigate risks and improve efficiency. Wijs Safety Software has recently launched enhanced workflows powered by digital assistants, designed to streamline compliance, reduce downtime, and create safer workplaces. The announcement, made on , signals a shift towards proactive risk management in an industry facing increasing labor shortages and project demands.
According to Wijs CEO Steve Hall, approximately two-thirds of construction leaders anticipate challenges in meeting demand over the next 5 to 10 years, compounded by a persistent shortage of skilled labor. “Construction firms won’t be able to hire their way out of the problem,” Hall stated. “Wijs alleviates some of the pressure to do more with less by having intelligent automation do the repetitive tasks, information-sharing, and risk and compliance monitoring for them.”
The core of this new approach lies in automating tasks that traditionally consume significant amounts of time and resources. Wijs’s intelligent workflows complement existing automation of compliance, hazard, and corrective action management, operating in real-time. This automation isn’t intended to replace human oversight, but rather to augment and accelerate the work of construction professionals, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks like improving safety protocols and value-added on-site work.
The benefits extend beyond simply saving time. Wijs clients reportedly save thousands of resource hours annually, leading to reduced bottlenecks, fewer interruptions, projects delivered on schedule, and improved project margins. The system’s capabilities include automated incident management – generating reports for significant safety incidents and notifying relevant parties, including regulatory authorities and insurance providers – as well as service requests triggered by form submissions or failed equipment inspections, automatically generating work orders for maintenance.
Real-time data synchronization is another key feature. Information from the construction site is seamlessly synced to the head office, providing immediate visibility into operations and facilitating faster, more informed decision-making. The system also incorporates risk assessment and management tools, utilizing trend analysis and risk registries to identify potential disruptions before they occur. Guided workflows ensure data accuracy by prompting workers for necessary information and documentation, resulting in standardized data collection in the field.
The implementation of these intelligent workflows isn’t merely about efficiency gains; it’s also about laying the groundwork for the adoption of more advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Wijs’s standardized digital safety management system and clean data provide a critical foundation for integrating AI into construction operations. Hall emphasizes that Wijs offers a manageable entry point for contractors looking to introduce intelligent automation and risk management, preparing them for future technological advancements.
Wijs describes itself as a leading Lean construction safety and analytics platform, designed to simplify compliance and improve efficiency across all levels of a construction organization. The company’s focus on Lean principles, intelligent workflow automation, and predictive analytics aims to create a safer, more efficient, and more human-centered construction environment.
The move towards digital assistance in construction reflects a broader trend across industries grappling with labor shortages and increasing demands for safety and efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time insights, Wijs aims to empower construction professionals to proactively manage risks and deliver projects successfully. Further information about Wijs and its intelligent workflows can be found at wijssafety.com or by contacting Steve Hall at 1 (647) 290-4255.
