On-site Mobile Application for Command, Control and Communication of Safety and Quality

Safety and quality are two factors that play an important role in construction projects success. Management involvement in safety, effective communication and control during the construction phase have been identified as fundamental parameters that lay the foundations for effective construction. Focused on the emerging mobile computing technology, smartphones and tablet, an application for command, control and communication of construction safety and quality management was developed. The application makes use of tags, which are physically attached to the workers and equipment (such as scaffoldings, formworks and crane). All safety procedures can be implemented using the application, including, safety specifications, safety and quality checklists, forms, reports, safety risk assessment and safety and quality audits and records. The information can be accessed on real-time by all members of the project management team and senior company levels. To evaluate the applicability, the system was implemented in a pilot project. Safety and quality key performance indicators were established and implemented prior, during and following the implementation in order to examine and quantify the potential benefits. The observation of the key performance indicators provided a clear evidence of the potential of the proposed mobile application in improving both safety
and quality of construction activities.