Wates chooses Smart Hoist to increase safety
In the redevelopment of Gascoigne West safety has been Wates Group’s top priority. The project was awarded to Wates Group by the local council and development manager Be First. The redevelopment of Gascoigne West is aimed to help shape the future of Barking by constructing high quality council housing and fostering new opportunities for the local community. To do so Wates recruited a large part of their crew locally to offer education and job opportunities to develop new skills. Because of all the new employees, safety considerations have taken center stage. To address this, Wates has upgraded the hoists at the fifth tower to Smart Hoists.
Mitigating Inefficiencies in Traditional Construction Hoists
Traditional hoists often lead to inefficiencies, delays, and potential safety lapses due to limited information available to hoist operators. Wates recognizes the significance of maintaining a high level of safety, not just for the sake of constructing affordable council housing but as a fundamental commitment. To address potential challenges, Wates opted for a free trial of the Smart Hoist AI Software, prioritizing safety for all.
Smart Hoist Upgrade: Promoting Safety and Efficiency
By introducing a display in each hoist, operators now receive suggested routes and alerts to enhance both safety awareness and efficiency. The AI-camera within the hoists detects whether individuals are wearing their 5-point PPE, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Moreover, the AI software analyses data to suggest optimal efficient hoist usage, such as reducing wait time by having operators waiting with the hoist doors closed.
Weekly Video Reports by AI Assistant Cara: A Comprehensive Safety and Efficiency Evaluation
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, Wates receives weekly video reports presented by the AI-assistant Cara. These reports focus on actionable insights to enhance both safety and efficiency. Cara monitors critical aspects such as the proper daily check of hoists, safe operating conditions based on wind speeds, continuous hoist manning, and adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Safety Insights in Weekly Videos:
- Proper daily checks by hoist operators
- Safe operation in current wind speeds
- Continuous hoist manning
- Adherence to safety gear (helmets, gloves, protective eyewear, etc.)
Efficiency Insights in Weekly Videos:
- Hoist waiting times during specific hours
- Extended waiting periods on certain floors
- Activities on each floor during specific hours
- Average response time per hoist
- Idle time and activities on locked floors
Successful Trial and Positive Impact
After five weeks of utilizing the Smart Hoist AI software, Wates is convinced of its success. The trial has led to a 10% reduction in waiting and response times, coupled with an increase in safety awareness. This achievement is particularly significant for a construction site hosting approximately 600 people daily. Wates looks forward to continuing this successful collaboration, further improving safety and efficiency at Gascoigne West.