Skanska USA Building has introduced a suite of AI tools, known as Sidekicks, to enhance workplace safety and efficiency. The latest addition, Safety Sidekick, empowers employees by providing instant access to critical safety data and facilitating proactive planning. This tool exemplifies how AI can transform traditional workflows in the construction industry, offering tailored solutions for daily challenges.

Anita Nelson, Chief Strategy Officer for Skanska USA Building, emphasizes the importance of starting small when integrating AI into business processes. By leveraging generative AI trained on company-specific data, Skanska ensures that its tools deliver relevant and actionable insights. The benefits include time savings, improved engagement, and better hazard management, all while maintaining user-friendly interfaces.

Pioneering Workplace Safety Through Technology

Safety Sidekick represents a significant leap forward in how construction teams manage site hazards. By enabling workers to query safety-related information instantly via mobile or desktop devices, this tool ensures that crucial data is always at hand. Its ability to analyze images of site conditions adds another layer of functionality, making it an indispensable resource for planning and addressing emerging risks.

The development of Safety Sidekick stemmed from the need to make safety data more accessible and actionable in real-time. Using AI trained on Skanska’s proprietary safety datasets, the tool generates custom toolbox talks, observations, and proactive suggestions. Workers can now obtain immediate support for morning huddles or new hazards, streamlining their daily routines. Moreover, its seamless integration into existing workflows ensures that using the tool does not disrupt established processes. Feedback from early users highlights improvements in preparation time and jobsite engagement, underscoring the tool’s effectiveness in enhancing overall safety practices.

Implementing AI Solutions for Smaller Contractors

For smaller contractors eager to adopt similar technologies, Anita Nelson advises starting with manageable goals. Focusing on readily available data and identifying specific areas where AI can add value are key steps. While building custom solutions may seem daunting, off-the-shelf products offer viable alternatives for testing and scaling AI implementations.

Nelson’s experience underscores the importance of piloting initiatives before full-scale deployment. By gathering real-time feedback from early users, Skanska refined its tools to ensure they met practical needs effectively. Challenges often arise from data quality rather than technological limitations, emphasizing the necessity of robust data infrastructure. For smaller firms, beginning with operational risk assessments or general chatbots can provide valuable insights without overwhelming resources. Ultimately, the journey toward AI adoption should be gradual, ensuring each step builds a solid foundation for future advancements. As Nelson aptly puts it, “You want to walk before you run.”