The UK construction workforce consists of around 3.1m skilled and talented people. Given that this is such a substantial number, there are still prevalent problems concerning workforce management. Paul Devlin, president and COO at Causeway Technologies, explains how technology can be used to tackle them
It’s no secret that the construction industry is facing significant challenges when it comes to technological transformation and the use of digital tools that can address its most pressing challenges – from workforce shortages to compliance and safety regulations.
That said, the software to help companies streamline operations and improve efficiency already exists.
One solution for the industry to consider is the adoption of digital ID for workers, which are becoming an essential part of modern construction projects.
Streamlining workforce mobility
Construction sites are dynamic environments, with workers frequently moving between projects and locations. Managing this workforce mobility has long been a challenge.
Conventional methods of keeping track of employee certifications, qualifications and management on time or on-site through the use of physical paperwork and other manual processes have always caused errors, delays and wastes.
This can be solved by a digital identification system that allows workers to move seamlessly from one site to another and back without any restrictions, knowing that all of their credentials and qualifications are always up to date and easily accessible.
Several industry leaders from adjacent industries have turned to digital worker ID solutions to streamline their operations.
Network Rail uses a digital ID system to manage worker access across its extensive network of sites. The system allows workers to authenticate their identity and qualifications with a single scan, reducing the administrative overhead associated with traditional paper-based systems.
Similarly, Thames Water has implemented a digital ID solution to manage its workforce across multiple projects, improving both compliance and productivity.
Meanwhile, Kier has embraced digital ID technology to better manage its supply chain workforce. By providing a centralised system for tracking worker qualifications and certifications, Kier has been able to reduce onboarding times, improve site safety and ensure that the right people are always in the right place at the right time.
Digital ID can also solve the issue of endless paperwork. Rather than having workers repeatedly providing the same information for every new site, a digital ID centralises the data – leading to greater workforce mobility and ensuring projects progress smoothly.
Streamlining compliance
Digital ID plays an important role in ensuring compliance, helping to streamline the enforcement of regulations across multiple sites.
For instance, if a worker has completed a safety course or a health check, this information is automatically recorded on their digital profile; site managers can access this data instantly, ensuring that only those with the appropriate qualifications are assigned to hazardous tasks.
This not only reduces the risk of accidents but also helps businesses to comply with government regulations such as the Building Safety Act 2022.
In addition, the use of biometric verification technology – as incorporated in many digital ID solutions – further enhances security on construction sites. By using fingerprints or facial recognition, digital ID can ensure that only authorised individuals enter restricted areas, mitigating the risk of unauthorised access and improving overall safety.
Driving productivity through data insights
Beyond compliance and workforce mobility, digital worker ID offers valuable data insights that optimise workforce management and enhance productivity.
These systems track a range of key data points, such as attendance, skills and certifications, allowing construction companies to make more informed decisions about resource allocation and workforce utilisation.
Since construction workers represent such a large portion of the workforce, ensuring optimal resource allocation is important. Digital ID helps by providing real-time data on worker skills and performance, allowing companies to identify underutilised talent.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) found that 35% of construction workers could be performing more skilled work, yet poor data visibility limits their potential.
Digital ID eliminates this problem by providing a clear picture of who possesses what skills, helping managers deploy workers more effectively.
Digital ID are more than just a tool for managing workforce mobility and compliance – they are a powerful, data-driven solution that can enhance efficiency and optimise resource use across the construction industry.
For more information about digital worker ID, download Causeway’s e-book, Is true digital worker ID the next leap forward in workforce management?
