Technology is transforming how we live at a rapid rate, and nowhere is this phenomenon more noticeable than in the world of technology.
While soaring skyscrapers, heavy machinery and innovative tools receive most of the attention when it comes to technological upgrades in construction, safety cones are receiving an upgrade as well.
Safety cones are an important component of maintaining worksite safety with technological advances aimed at improving how safety cones maintain a safe environment. A variety of innovative changes are taking place in the world of construction, with safety cones at the center of these shifts. Let’s take a look at some of these technologies.
Wireless sensors and alarms on safety cones
Among the conditions continuing to be developed are safety cones that contain wireless sensors that connect to portable alarms. These sensors activate when a car strays close to or into a work zone, triggering the portable alarm to sound an alarm of the approaching vehicle. Having a wireless sensor and portable alarm system allows road crews to evacuate an area in the event of a stray vehicle, as such incidents are one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death for road crews.
Traffic cones can also be configured with lights to flash in sequence and are connected to an inflatable tube to activate the lights when a car encroaches into a worksite. This technology is similar to the alarm system used elsewhere in the world, with lights warning workers when a worksite becomes safe and flashing lights warning motorist where not to drive.
Video cameras in safety cones
Maintaining worksite safety doesn’t just revolve around protecting workers. The Covert Traffic cone video surveillance system has a built in video recorder that provides wireless, digital and self-contained video recording with high resolution. Recording worksites helps to prevent unwanted persons from accessing sites while recording any trespassing, nefarious or dangerous activity. Such information proves invaluable for protecting the property within a construction site as well as providing evidence in the event of any transgressions.
Solar powered safety cones with lights
Safety cones are an important safety feature during nighttime worksites, particularly at airports and at road work sites. Having an illuminated safety cone helps to direct activity, protect sensitive spaces and keep workers safe.
LED, solar-powered safety cones are another emerging technology with regard to safety cones. These safety cones charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night, providing 360 degrees of red, LED light for maximum visibility.
Given that these cones are also weatherproof and collapsible, they make for a convenient and portable safety feature that can be relocated anywhere.
Seismic monitors, thermometers and microphones in safety cones
Safety cones are inherently malleable and adaptable to technology given their shape and open design, and Smartcone has become a pioneer in improving traffic safety through innovative safety cones.
Smartcones can be fitted with thermometers, seismic monitors, microphones, alarms, solar panels and lights to provide customized warning features relative to the worksite. More important, Smartcones can be synchronized with one’s phone to provide warning features when approaching a cone positioned to protect a dangerous area.
Alarms can also be fitted to wristbands and hard hats, while features such as thermometers are being integrated to measure the core temperature of construction workers to prevent overheating during warmer months.
Automated safety cone setting
Laying traffic cones for a worksite can be a time-consuming and hazardous task, particularly at night. The X-Cone is a one-person cone-laying mobile that has a cone laying apparatus positioned on the back of the truck.
As the driver operates the truck, the cone-laying apparatus can continuously lay the cones along the designated area. The machine is also capable of picking up traffic cones when work is complete, making it a versatile and functional apparatus for long stretches of highway.
While safety cones are a construction and worksite feature overlooked by many, properly placed safety cones can actually save lives.
Technological improvements in safety cone design, including features such as lights, alarms, monitoring equipment and video recording capacities, can make worksites even safer and prevent avoidable death and injury. While risk will always be involved with a variety of worksites, having technology-fueled safety cones will shine a new light on workplace safety.
