- Thanks to the use of computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies, the company automatically verifies that personal protective equipment is being worn before granting access to the job site.
ITERCON, a global operator specializing in the design and construction of highly complex infrastructure, has implemented an artificial intelligence-based personal protective equipment (PPE) detection system at one of the data centers it is currently building in Madrid.
The system is installed at the project entrance and allows for real-time verification of whether workers are wearing the required PPE before entering the construction site. The goal is to implement an additional preventive measure that minimizes the risk of workers entering the site without any of the mandatory protective equipment and, at the same time, involves each worker in verifying their own safety.
“People are the driving force behind our projects. That’s why protecting their safety and ensuring their well-being is the most important commitment we make every day on the job site,” says Ignacio Martínez, ITERCON’s Health and Safety Manager.
As he puts it, “There is no success without safety.” In this regard, technology has become a powerful ally for the company in strengthening preventive measures and continuing to raise safety standards on construction sites.
The system combines computer vision and artificial intelligence. A camera installed in the tunnel leading to the construction site captures images of the worker and analyzes whether they are wearing a hard hat with a chin strap, a high-visibility vest, safety goggles, and gloves. During the check, an indicator light shows an orange light to indicate that the analysis is in progress; if it detects all PPE items, the light turns green and automatically unlocks the entrance turnstile. If any item is missing, a red warning is displayed, and access remains blocked until the worker corrects the issue.
Automatization allows this check to be performed continuously and efficiently, without the need to assign a person exclusively to this task. In addition, the result is displayed directly to the worker, who can verify in a few seconds whether they meet the established requirements before gaining access. This system also helps raise workers’ awareness of the importance of self-protection. Data processing currently takes place in the cloud, with an approximate response time of one to two seconds. The tool is in the initial implementation and fine-tuning phase, during which its detection parameters are being continuously optimized for different environmental conditions.
Driven by its unwavering commitment to worker health and safety, ITERCON, in collaboration with a technology partner specializing in computer vision and artificial intelligence, plans to expand the scope of the project. Among the features being considered are the detection of people or vehicles in restricted areas and the identification of situations where workers come into close proximity with machinery, with the ability to generate alerts that facilitate the response of health and safety teams.