Fit for Work app helps construction firm report covid-free sites
By: Fit For Work
Tags: Apps, Health And Safety, Covid 19, Technology, Construction

Tottenham Court Road Station during the first UK lockdown, 2020

Through different forms of lockdown this year, construction firms have needed to work extra hard to keep projects moving. UK construction supply chains initially had to wait for, and then adapt quickly to C-19 guidance outlined by the government and construction leadership councils.

When the first UK lockdown was ordered in March 2020, subcontractors like Design Rationale Limited (DR)— a specialist in architectural metalwork and glazing - needed to put mitigation measures in place to protect their workers on site and to reassure the main contractors that work was safe to continue.

Fit for Work app used to check into site safely

Enhanced C-19 compliance with app on site

DR began rolling the Fit for Work app out in May to enhance health and safety, monitoring and compliance. The company needed real-time visibility on what was being reported at site level so that C-19 information could go straight ‘up the chain’ as things happened. Early detection was key to minimising disruption as sites reopened after lockdown.

The app has ensured staff engage with the latest H&S information and C-19 measures at the beginning and end of their shift, using their mobile phone to report key information (like PPE availability and temperature checks). By using the app’s location and facial recognition technology, DR have been able to record the location of workers at the start and end of each shift, providing vital contact-tracing information should they need it.

Smart thermometer being used with the app to check for signs of C-19

Visibility gives project managers peace-of-mind

As construction sites began to reopen through June and July, DR were able to get work going again with enhanced safety measures in place. Mark Hitchcock, Project Manager at DR says: “The App has 2 great features from my perspective…

“1 — our teams need to work closely together on site (within the 2m working area) so I want to be 100% sure that the guys are healthy before the shift starts. The app gives me piece of mind that our teams are in a safe working environment…

“2 — the facial recognition and GPS lets me know which of the guys are working at which sites. We have teams spread across multiple sites so its impossible as a PM to be in all of the places at once. The app supports me in my role.”

Tottenham Court Road Station, London — completed

Digital PPE for the modern workforce

For DR and many other organisations, daily checks are now part of the culture. The app has been helping to keep good sanitation front and centre in the fight against the virus. DR staff have been happy to use it, knowing that it is there to keep everyone safe. The app gives each worker reassurance and responsibility as they check in and out of sites.

DR have used it to create a more engaging process that is building a culture of H&S. In addition to the health and safety benefits, the app can provide time-stamped location, ID verification and project data that can feed into existing systems to streamline payroll, invoicing, payments and incident reporting.

In a challenging year for H&S, DR have been able to complete work at Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon stations, and have also received an award in recognition of their commitment to improving safety and efficiency.