Garney Construction has recently trialed a new smart device from Kenzen to help protect workers from heat stress.
The devices, which were worn on the arms of 28 Garney workers at 10 worksites throughout the U.S., monitor key physiological indicators of each worker, including core body temperature, heart rate, and exertion level. Detecting changes in these factors can lead to proactive prediction and prevention of heat injuries and illnesses.
The wearable sensors alert workers by sending vibrations to the device and notifications to their smart phones. Notifications are also sent to supervisors via their phones and a web dashboard that provides the real-time health status of each worker. The alerts escalate from an initial “stop work” message to subsequent alerts for additional measures to avoid emergency situations. Follow-up alerts indicate when a person’s core body temperature has returned to a safe level to resume work.
The collected data can be analyzed to create custom heat stress prevention and treatment strategies at various locations and climates. Garney used the location-specific information to adjust break times and educate employees about the best clothing choices and how to acclimatize to warm working conditions.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Indie Energy's geothermal technology earns U.S. Department of Energy funding
Indie Energy Systems Company, LLC announced today that it has been awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Energy for the continued development of the Company's smart geothermal technologies for commercial and public buildings. The $2.45 million grant will contribute to an innovative geothermal conversion of the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers office campus in Countryside, Illinois.
| Aug 11, 2010
Sustainable Buildings as Teaching Tools: 4 Strategies for Integrating Buildings into Experiential Learning
4 Strategies for Integrating Buildings into Experiential Learning
| Aug 11, 2010
Las Vegas announces Green Building Rebate Program
The city of Las Vegas announced it will begin a Green Building Rebate Program to stimulate new green building construction and provide energy efficiency retrofits to existing buildings. The green building program provides rebates for new construction and existing commercial and residential retrofits for buildings who construct buildings or projects to green building program standards.
| Aug 11, 2010
Morphosis builds 'floating' house for Brad Pitt's Make It Right New Orleans foundation
Morphosis Architects, under the direction of renowned architect and UCLA professor Thom Mayne, has completed the first floating house permitted in the U.S. for Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans.The FLOAT House is a new model for flood-safe, affordable, and sustainable housing that is designed to float securely with rising water levels.
| Aug 11, 2010
SPRI expands membership to include green roof and photovoltaic component suppliers
SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, recently approved a bylaw revision expanding its membership to include companies that represent emerging technologies, such as photovoltaic and vegetative roof components.
| Aug 11, 2010
Halsey Taylor introduces 14-gauge, vandal-resistant water coolers
Adding to its extensive collection of high-quality, durable drinking fountains and water coolers, Halsey Taylor introduces the new 14 Gauge Vandal-resistant Water Cooler. Available in both single and bi-level models (HVR8HD, HVR8HD-BL), this new water cooler line is ideal for any high-traffic application, especially those prone to tampering or misuse, such as schools, recreation centers and correctional facilities.
