Exosuits: A Rising Star in Construction Safety

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Due to the extreme physicality of their job, it’s no surprise that as many as 30% of construction workers end up missing work due to back injuries. The long hours, repetitive movements, unequal lifting, and heavy tool belts make construction the number one occupation resulting in lower back pain. However, new technology is offering hope to the backs of construction crews, health care workers, soldiers, and agricultural workers everywhere in the form of exosuits.

What are they?

Exosuits, sometimes called exoskeletons, are wearable frameworks that provide back and joint support and lower the forces that can lead to injury, chronic pain, and fatigue. Exosuits have been around since the 1960s, but their bulk and rigid structure restricted movement and made working in tight spaces difficult. Despite the better physical support for users, this inability to complete their jobs quickly and efficiently led many workers to abandon their use. 

Exosuit creators have been listening to feedback, and many new models appeared on the market in the last several years, with even more technological enhancements expected to appear by 2025. 

Types of Exosuits

“Soft-shell” suits, also called soft exosuits, are becoming popular because they provide extended mobility while still providing support. Corporations like Toyota and Walmart have started testing new suits with sensors that alert workers when they’re engaging in risky movements. These suits also collect data that give employers insight into which jobs and tasks pose the highest risk of injury. If successful, employers could then use this data to improve workplace design and equipment.  

New robotic exosuits are also expected to revolutionize the construction industry. Originally designed by the military and later used in healthcare, these suits might make you think of Tony Stark and Ironman. Consisting of a metal framework fitted with motorized muscles, these suits multiply the wearer’s strength, making objects feel significantly lighter and leading to fewer injuries on the jobsite.

Suits also come in two categories: passive, which means there are no batteries, actuators or motors to assist with physical activity; or active, with technology that takes on some of the load for the wearer. Some examples of passive suits include overhead exosuits that offer neck, shoulder, and arm support while workers perform overhead installation work, and chairless chairs, which lock in place to support workers who are crouching or standing in the same position for a long period of time. 

Active suits might include arm support limbs that let workers lift heavy tools, as well as full body suits that use compressed air to take most of the lifting load off the wearer. 

The Future of Exosuits

While most employers would jump at the opportunity to keep their workers safe and compliant, the cost of exosuits has often been a deterrent. However, exosuit prices have been dropping since 2015. As technology gets better and more affordable, it’s only a matter of time before every construction site adopts this powerful tech. 

Whether it’s active or passive, soft-shell or robotic, we’re excited to see how exosuit technology will continue to expand, creating new and innovative ways to protect our workers and make sure your projects are done on time, every time. 

Doing More with Less: Facing the Labor & Supply Shortage

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As projects and funding increase, labor and supplies still remain at an all-time low. Expectations have also returned to pre-pandemic levels, but construction leaders are still struggling with limited resources and project delays. 

To manage this tight situation we’re facing, construction leaders must better manage their assets to deliver on projects despite fewer workers and more expensive or unavailable materials. 

Here are some ways you can do more with less:

Technology

Harnessing the right construction technology could be your saving grace. The right software can help you bid and build better project teams, track data to improve workflow, cut down on costs, and improve teamwork and resource allocation across projects. 

When staffing options are limited, technology can also increase the candidate pool and improve safety conditions. One great example of this is using remote controlled excavators. 

Watch this recorded webinar to learn more about how you can best use technology. 

Renting

When choosing the right equipment or staffing the right operators, going with a rental service like Steadfast ensures you’re perfectly matched with what you need. 

Don’t buy equipment that sits in a warehouse, unproductive, after the project scope changes or you can’t afford a repair. By renting, you’ll get help identifying the right equipment and operator on the front side, and then be able to use them efficiently only where they’re needed.

Renting saves time, money, and energy, allowing you to do more with less. 

Relationships 

There’s a reason that word of mouth is king in the construction industry: personal connections and project teams are the backbone of this field. Especially in these difficult times of labor and supply shortages, establishing strong relationships with other vendors, clients, and your employees could be the answer to your long-term success. 

Communicate effectively, offer a reasonable level of transparency, and show that you care. Explore new opportunities for staffing, follow through on vendor promises, and maintain integrity in your work. These efforts will translate to strong community ties that will support you through difficult times. 

Whatever your struggle, the construction industry is here for you! Explore construction articles online or email us at info@steadfastentities.com for more information about our rental and staffing services. 

The 5 Biggest Construction Cyber Risks

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October is cybersecurity month, so we’re spotlighting the risks construction companies are now facing and how you can prevent them! 

While this hasn’t always been the top concern for construction leaders, cybersecurity is quickly rising in the ranks as more and more construction firms are targeted in malware and ransomware attacks.

Why is construction a target? 

Construction data doesn’t include the same amount of compromising client information as data from a bank might. While this seems like a good thing at first, it also means there are significantly fewer regulations around privacy and data security in the construction industry. 

At the same time, technology is exploding with new possibilities for the future of construction. Without these important security regulations in place, however, these new technologies present a big risk to an enterprising construction tech company.

What are the 5 biggest risks?

  1. Phishing is when someone uses a fake email address, posing as someone trusted, to try to get information from your organization. Rushed employees might overlook the red flags and provide them what they need, compromising your organization. 
  1. Domain imposters purchase domain names similar to your own or to a trusted partner, then email from them. Even if it’s someone you don’t recognize, the domain name creates a false sense of trust. 
  1. Password guessing via computers can also be surprisingly easy, allowing a hacker access to a legitimate employee’s account. From there, a hacker can send emails or access sensitive information.
  1. Ransomware is the scariest of the bunch. After gaining access to your construction company’s system (possibly using one of the methods above), the hacker will block access and demand a ransom for operations to resume. 
  1. Fraudulent wire transfers can also devastate a company. Using one of the above methods along with social engineering (manipulating people into doing what you want), an unsuspecting employee could transfer money to a hacker, all while thinking they were doing their job to keep the company running smoothly.

How do I protect my company?

You’re probably already very familiar with locking and securing your physical equipment. So now you need to learn how to be just as vigilant with your data. 

  • Learn about cybersecurity (by reading articles like this!) and stay on top of the latest hacking methods. 
  • Teach yourself and your staff to recognize suspicious domains and email addresses. Nothing is so urgent that you can’t double-check the sender’s request! 
  • Create strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
  • Set up cybersecurity software, like email spam filters and malware protection.
  • Keep backups of all your data so you won’t be vulnerable to ransomware. 
  • Consider cybersecurity insurance or a third-party cybersecurity company. 

Some of these protections can be set up in just minutes! Protecting yourself and your business is easy when you get in the habit of good security. Explore cybersecurity more at Cox Blue.

Remote Control Excavation

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The remote control capabilities for heavy equipment have never been so exciting!

Big equipment brands like Caterpillar are rolling out advanced, effective remote options that will protect operators from hazardous conditions and save money on construction jobs. 

The latest in Caterpillar’s lineup, Cat Command for Excavating allows operators to safely and remotely manage excavation projects. This new option is available as a line-of-sight, handheld control or as a 100% remote, “virtual” operation. 

The line-of-sight handheld console is portable, reaching distances of up to 437 yards away. This option is more flexible for quickly-changing environments and doesn’t require additional infrastructure. The other Cat Command option is a full Command station that simulates the machine cab interior and allows the operator to control the machine from a seated, off-site position. The Command station can be nearby the worksite or thousands of miles away.

“Scalable technologies built to flexibly meet customer needs, Cat Command helps to enhance safety and increase productivity for a variety of applications. Remote control provides full machine maneuverability from a safe distance when working in potentially hazardous environments.”

Caterpillar

The Cat Command system allows operators to feel the same machine response as if they were operating the machine directly, allowing for almost instantaneous reaction times and smooth motion. In addition, technologies like this serve to…

  • Reduce hazards
  • Prevent injuries
  • Reduce operator fatigue
  • Reduce mistakes
  • Save money by avoiding repairs, injuries, and project delays
  • Increase the labor pool for construction projects

This new offering joins Caterpillar’s other semi-autonomous technologies previously available for wheel loaders, dozers, and compactors. As big brands like Caterpillar continue to increase their tech-forward options, worksites will become safer, more efficient, and more fun!

Photos from ForConstructionPros.com

Floor Load for Dummies

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Construction often requires complex maneuvering in tight spaces or over existing structures that can’t be damaged. In these cases, operators are responsible for effectively completing projects while using various pieces of heavy equipment, yet without damaging the surrounding floors, walls, or ceilings. Sounds impossible, but it’s no magic act – it’s structural engineering at work!

What is floor load?

Floor load is the maximum weight a floor can safely carry, if evenly distributed. It’s also called ground pressure. At its most basic level, the goal is to find the weight capacity of the floor and compare it to the weight of the heavy equipment, called “machine load.”  

First, let’s look at the weight capacity of the floor itself.

Dead vs. Live

Dead load is the weight a floor must always support, like walls, wood-frame, carpeting, ceilings, and other permanent fixtures. Live loads are the variable, moving weights a floor must support, including people, machines, or furnishings. 

Building codes tell us the minimum live loads a structure must support, and how much the floor may bend in order to absorb the weight. As with any material, there’s a maximum pressure the floor will be able to handle before it breaks. 

Machine Load

Machine load is going to add to the live weight on a floor. That’s just how much the machine weighs, right? Not quite. According to For Construction Pros, this is how you get machine load:

(empty machine weight + max occupied platform capacity)
_____________________________________________
(chassis length x chassis width)

This math takes into account that the machine’s weight isn’t evenly distributed, so there’s more pressure in a smaller area. That tells us the true amount of weight the floor will have to support in that particular area. This is measured in pounds per square foot, or PSF.

Below you’ll see examples of machine load calculated based on different brands, provided by Hy-Brid Lifts. 

Finding Floor Load

Once you have your true machine load weight and total floor load capacity, you can clearly see whether you’re able to use a machine in a space. Understanding these floor load basics is important to understanding the many components of safe and effective heavy equipment operation! 

This information is meant as a general FYI, allowing operators to understand their equipment and the spaces within which they operate. If a project requires accurate floor load computations, please refer to a structural engineer who can account for joist load capacity and the structural properties of building materials.  

Recycled Asphalt and Vegetable Oil: How the City of Phoenix Created a Recipe for Success

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While mixing recycled asphalt and vegetable oil probably won’t make you popular in the kitchen, it has made an Arizona city one of the first to use recycled asphalt (RAP) on city roads and highways. 

Being the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of over 4.8 million people and 1,400 miles of paved road, Phoenix spends a lot of time and money repairing its major passageways. One way to save the city some money? Recycled asphalt. 

Misconceptions about the durability of RAP, as well as a lack of shared research, have led many in road construction to overlook it as a more efficient means of paving laned roads. Solterra Materials, a Phoenix-based asphalt mix company, was convinced that it could be used and began performing a series of experiments mixing RAP with various rejuvenators. Eventually, they landed on the perfect recipe: RAP, Cargill’s engineered vegetable oil-based Anova® rejuvenator, and a slight asphalt grade bump.

Working in tandem with the city, Solterra procured a one-mile section of road in a highly industrial, heavily trafficked area for their testing. There they evaluated RAP properties at 10%, 15% and 20%, and worked closely with the Cargill team to add the exact amount of rejuvenator. The results found that the 20% RAP mix performed as well as virgin mixes, and had a 10% cost savings. It showed a flexibility index increase from 12 to 18.5 as measured by the I-fit, and had enhanced low temperature cracking resistance. 

After seeing the results, it was a no-brainer for the City of Phoenix. Beyond its great performance, the 20% RAP mix also uses less energy, takes up less landfill space and ultimately costs taxpayers less money. They have included RAP in their standard paving strategy, and plan to start paving more roads with the mix this month. They’ll continue to monitor the performance of these roads over the next several months, but all those involved expect to see continued satisfaction. 

Thanks to companies like Solterra materials sharing their research, perceptions around recycled asphalt are beginning to shift. As a company that prides itself in green building and the most efficient use of resources, Steadfast is thrilled to see moves like this being made in the asphalt industry. With the high performance, lower cost, and increased environmental friendliness, we expect it won’t be long until RAP starts making it way to those of us on the East Coast. When it does, we’ll be happy to see it.

Construction Technology to Look Out for in 2021

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For many in the construction and labor industries, there’s a certain skepticism surrounding technology. Automation and robots often strike fear into hard-working men and women who are worried their jobs will be eliminated. 

Though change is always daunting, technology doesn’t pose quite the threat many believe. It can instead be a huge asset to both management and the average worker through safety improvements, increased visibility and coordination, and better communication among teams. As technology improves the safety, efficiency, and cost of projects, this opens up a world of clients and workers that might not otherwise be able to start something new. 

Technology creates opportunities and deepens the skillset of an already massive industry, and here at Steadfast Enterprises, we’re excited to share these opportunities with you. 

Let’s see some of the technologies on the horizon in 2021! 

Chemistry

Millions every year are invested in our infrastructure, so there’s a whole science dedicated to improving the materials we use every day. One exciting new advancement is self-healing concrete. This revolutionary discovery would save countless taxpayer dollars while improving safety and the longevity of roads and buildings. Dutch scientists discovered a special bacteria that creates limestone when wet, so concrete with this bacteria is able to essentially fill in its own cracks as the bacteria do their work. 

Another such chemistry-based achievement is transparent aluminum. This Star Trek idea is no longer just scifi! Soldiers, aquariums, NASA, and construction will all immensely benefit from this bullet-proof material that is four times as strong as glass but just as transparent. 

Robotics

We’ve all heard about drones. While this technology isn’t the latest on the scene, it’s one that has far-reaching and ongoing benefits for the construction world. Drones are ideal for site inspections/surveys, architectural modeling, project management, and accessing hard-to-reach places. Drones not only make workers’ jobs easier, they make them safer.

Drones are nothing compared to swarm construction technologies that combine robotics with the building techniques of termites. These small robotics work together to build an array of items, similar to robotic brick layers that are programmed to build structures alongside skilled masons, reducing the need for heavy lifting. 

Automation & AI

Of course, there are countless AI, analytics, and automated technologies that have changed the way we create and build. From 3D printed houses to predictive analytics, modern methods of managing construction sites streamline operations, reduce hazards, navigate safety concerns, and increase productivity. 

AI can identify safety hazards in photos, analyze past data to create ideal project schedules, assess risk on an ongoing project (and make decisions or changes as needed), and much more. 

Change is inevitable and if you’re ready for it, it can be exciting, offering new heights and depths to the construction industry. 

Steadfast Entities is already providing technology to the construction world through labor-saving tools. What do you think about technology in construction? What will the future bring? Leave a comment below!

Construction Software Comparison

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There are so many amazing construction software options out there nowadays to help you with your next project. Don’t know which one to choose? This Steadfast comparison chart will help you decide between construction software options and make your next project a success!

PriceCustomer ServiceBusiness SizePlatformProsCons
Procore

Starts at $4,500/yearGoodAny SizeProcore connects everyone on your project, including owners, contractors, and subs. This fully integrated and comprehensive product offers the full array of accounting, mobile, estimating, and project management features.This can be an expensive option. If you don’t need all the integrations and features, you may pay for options you don’t end up using.
CMiC Construction Platform


Quote RequiredJust OKSmall or MediumCMiC is great for small and medium construction companies, from contractors to heavy/civil projects and project owners.Features Not Included:
Equipment Tracking
Incident Reporting
Residential Projects
Viewpoint Spectrum

Quote RequiredJust OKAny SizeSpectrum is good for commercial general contractors, civil contractors, electrical contractors, mechanical, plumbing and HVAC contractors.Difficult to navigate some of the features.

Features Not Included:
Estimating
Residential Projects
HCSS

$20/month/userGoodAny SizeThis product is ideal for heavy/civil and general contractors. Also design/build, facilities management, & more.Features Not Included:
Accounting
Contracts
CRM
Equipment Tracking
Estimating
Mobile or Offline Access
Subcontractor Management
JobNimbus


$25.00/month/user
GoodSmall or MediumThis product is perfect for home service businesses that need help managing contacts, tasks, jobs, documents, and financial info.Features Not Included:
Commercial Projects
Equipment Tracking
Incident Reporting
Offline Functions
RFI & Submittals
Monday.com

$7.80/month/userGoodAny SizeIntuitive interface, capable of managing multiple teams, cross-functional, and a great platform for many different industries. Many customization options.Features Not Included:
Accounting Integration
Offline Access
Residential Projects
CoConstruct

$49.00 one timeExcellentSmall or MediumGreat for companies who build residential environments, including home builders, remodelers, design/build, hardscaping contractors, and more.Features Not Included:
Commercial Projects
Equipment Tracking
Offline Access
RFI & Submittals
ProjectTeam

$59.00/month/userExcellentAny SizeProjectTeam is perfect for general contractors and architects looking for a customizable project system. Many easy-to-use tools for any kind of project.Features Not Included:
Estimating
Offline Access 
Residential Projects
BuilderTrend


$299.00/monthGoodAny SizeBuildertrend is ideal for homebuilders, remodelers, specialty contractors, and general contractors.Features Not Included:
Equipment Tracking
Offline Access

Data pulled from several websites, most notably Capterra.com. Click here to view the full array (over 300!) of software options and compare your favorites.

Technology Improves Project Safety

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There’s no doubt that advances in technology have made our lives easier. From medicine to smart phones, we’re right in the middle of the technology revolution! The heavy equipment world is no different. Check out these 4 innovations that have helped improve project safety dramatically in recent years.

No More Taglines

The modern crane assistance device Torquer offers a patented remote-controlled orientation system, HALO (Hands free Autonomous Load Orientation). The tool eliminates the need for taglines or workers directing from the ground, so fewer workers will be injured in accidents. Easy to install and operate, with a 20Te capacity, this is one technology to watch out for!

Identify Risk Early

Flipping the switch over to high-tech, new Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities allow trained computers to identify risk factors on a job site before anyone sets foot on it, during work, and after construction. One AI engine, “Vinnie,” analyzed millions of job site photos and videos to then be able to recognize hazards like standing water, ladders, lack of protective equipment, material and structural defects, and more. 

Willmott trials robotic exoskeleton vest on live site | Construction News

Protect Workers

Robotic, powered exoskeletons will dramatically change the construction industry by lifting the burden off workers, site managers, and recruiters alike. Imagine Iron Man, but without the evil villians – this wearable exoskeleton allows a single individual to match the productivity of a whole team while avoiding injuries or accidents. Reducing the load on the individual also opens up the role to a wider range of individuals, expanding diversity in the field and helping recruiters. 

Aerial Drone Inspections

Drones are utilized more and more in the construction world to view and assess the structural integrity of work sites and cranes. Drones also help workers reach small spaces, see potential obstacles or hazards, and identify needed equipment or materials. Having better visuals on the front side allows projects to run more smoothly and safely. 

Technology is advancing every day and we can’t wait to see what new tools come out next!

The Future of Augmented Reality

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What is it?

Augmented Reality or AR is an interactive digital experience overlaid onto a surrounding real-world environment. The physical surroundings are enhanced by computer-generated imagery or information. While this technology has been in use for decades in video games (for example, Pokémon GO), AR has left the entertainment sphere behind over the past 15 years! Recent predictions showed the AR global market was expected to grow $90 billion by 2020.

AR is an especially exciting new construction technology trend thanks to the multitude of streamlined applications it presents. Engineers, project managers, contractors, and more can benefit from using this advanced camera and sensor technology. 

So how does it work?

“This amazing technology increases accuracy and efficiency by reducing errors related to managing time, money, and resources,” says eSub Construction Software.   

One example is Building Information Modeling (BIM), an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the resources to more efficiently and effectively design, construct, and manage infrastructure. Various other versions of this and other AR construction technology apply to almost every facet of design, construction, and site management:

  • Augmented reality gear and wearables like smart glasses and Microsoft’s Halolens can measure a space’s physical elements, including depth, height, and width without the need for measuring equipment, ladders, or lifts. 
  • Morpholio is an app used by architects to more accurately design a project. 
  • Mixed reality applications can also show underground construction, preventing expensive and dangerous work accidents or delays. 
  • Safety and inspections are more accurate with AR. 

How does it affect me?

If you’re a project manager or executive, augmented reality construction technology could help streamline and improve almost every stage of your job, from design and coordination to implementation and ongoing project oversight. Plan with accurate measurements, predict and account for obstacles, improve efficiency, reduce wasted labor and materials, and stack up incredible long-term cost savings.

There are countless benefits for the individual contractors as well. Augmented technology could lead to better health and safety outcomes on the job site, faster yet more effective training, and the tools needed for better on-the-job performance.

Building the Future

There’s no doubt that the future of construction technology includes extensive use of augmented reality software. From contractors to executives, it’s a no-brainer to adopt more modernized operations. It will be exciting to see where construction technology takes us next! 

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