Shawmut Uses AI to Enhance Safety for 30,000 Workers Across 150 Construction Sites

A Boston-based construction management company, Shawmut, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the safety of approximately 30,000 employees, contractors, and subcontractors. With an annual revenue of about $2 billion and over 150 active construction sites at any given time, the company has found AI to be a valuable tool in creating a safer work environment while maintaining growth and efficiency. According to Shaun Carvalho, Shawmut’s Chief Safety Officer, AI has become an indispensable asset for achieving these goals. ### Using Data and AI to Promote Construction Safety Shawmut began integrating AI technology in 2017, initially focusing on data collection, risk assessment, and worker safety compliance. The AI system predicts potential accidents by analyzing various data points, such as temperature forecasts from the National Weather Service, weather events, and their possible impacts, such as frozen pipes. Additionally, the AI monitors personnel changes. For example, if a site sees a sudden influx of new workers without a proportional increase in management staff, the system flags this as a potential risk. Data is updated at least once a day, allowing management to promptly communicate with their teams and make necessary adjustments. Carvalho notes that while real-time capabilities are still being refined, AI has already significantly improved safety on Shawmut’s construction sites. ### Combining GPS Data with AI Features During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shawmut further expanded its use of AI. Marianne Monte, the company’s Chief People and Operations Officer, explains that they introduced GPS tracking software on workers' smartphones to monitor distances. If two workers come within six feet of each other, the AI system automatically sends an alert. This technology has since been extended to monitor proper usage of safety harnesses and scaffolding. Monte emphasizes that these tools are designed to be non-intrusive and have been very effective in enhancing site safety. She points out that AI not only monitors physical conditions but also considers workers' psychological well-being, which is crucial for overall safety. ### Privacy Concerns in AI Adoption While AI has proven effective in improving construction safety, some experts have raised ethical concerns. Benjamin Lange, a researcher in the intersection of technology and ethics, highlights issues such as privacy, informed consent, and data security. Lange argues that companies must be transparent about their data collection practices, ensure that tracking is limited to safety purposes, and provide workers with the option to opt in or out, thus protecting individual autonomy and privacy. In response to these concerns, Shawmut has decided to anonymize data from the outset. Carvalho explains that this approach helps maintain worker trust while maximizing the benefits of AI technology. ### The Future of AI in the Construction Industry AI holds significant potential for the construction industry, but it also faces challenges, including data reliability and the need for human oversight. AI systems depend on high-quality, accurate data, and any errors or biases can lead to costly mistakes or unsafe conditions. Furthermore, the varying complexities of different construction sites make it difficult for AI models trained on past projects to be universally effective. Industry research indicates that low-quality data is a major obstacle in the widespread adoption of AI in construction. A report by Autodesk and FMI Consulting shows that incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent, or outdated data costs the industry $1.8 trillion annually, with 95% of construction data going unused. Despite these challenges, Shawmut plans to expand and enhance its AI projects within the next three to five months. Carvalho envisions a future where all Shawmut employees wear badges connected to a digital map of the construction site. The AI system could then issue real-time alerts when workers approach hazardous areas. He also hopes that future AI technology will account for varying state regulations, automatically updating site policies to ensure compliance, which would further enhance safety. Industry experts recognize Shawmut’s innovative use of AI to improve safety and efficiency. While privacy and data issues remain, Shawmut’s approach offers a valuable model for the construction industry to follow. Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading building management company based in Boston, has been at the forefront of using advanced technology to enhance safety and management efficiency on construction sites. With its cutting-edge AI applications, Shawmut is not only protecting its workforce but also setting new standards for the industry.