Glasgow Architect App
New app helps architects and building designers make workplace safer for construction workers.
19:35 04 August 2019
A new app designed by a team of researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) contains a database of potentially hazardous scenarios at building sites. Experts say that the app could be used to determine and prevent mistakes and common problems, such as trip hazards, heavy lifting and fire containment that could injure or even cause death to workers.
Architects and designers can use the app to determine possible hazards and will have the option to eliminate, reduce or inform problems instead of relying on contractor controls. An initial trial of the app showed promising results with architects using the technology able to identify more than three times the number of hazards without it.
Prof Hare, who lectures in construction management at GCU, said: "Academics in the past have attempted to create systems that tell architects and designers the 'safest' design option, but this approach is too simplistic and those who make design choices don't work that way.
"We wanted to create a knowledge database that recognises there are many design options and each has its own pros and cons when it comes to health and safety. Therefore, designers can make informed decisions."
He added: "A key factor for this research was the visual nature of the digital app's content, which seemed to work best with new graduates.
"Its real potential lies in being able to capture knowledge from more experienced designers for the next generation to counter the age-old problem of 'organisational memory loss' and prevent the same old mistakes that cause accidents and ill-health being repeated.
"We are now looking for partners to develop the prototype digital app for full-scale industry use."