New HDB projects to use Al to boost worksite safety

It will be integrated with CCTV monitoring to detect potential hazards in real time

- Therese Soh

More than 50 new Housing Board projects will have live video surveillance of their construction sites that will be analysed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to flag potentially unsafe conditions or behaviour.

The AI system will analyse video footage and alert safety supervisors to high-risk situations that arise, enhancing worksite safety.

It will be integrated with closedcircuit television (CCTV) monitoring of construction sites, which the AI algorithm will sweep to detect potential hazards in real time.

HDB on May 27 said it requires the contractors of 22 new housing projects tendered from January 2023 to use such video analytics for worksite safety inspections.

The firms are at various stages of adopting a suitable AI system.

Contractors of 30 housing projects tendered out before January 2023 will also have to roll out AI systems, as their works are still in the early stages and there is enough time for them to do so.

HDB said its adoption of such analytics comes ahead of new industry requirements by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

From June 1, video surveillance systems must be used at construction sites for projects valued at $5 million or more.

The maximum fine for workplace safety breaches will be raised from $20,000 to $50,000 from that date, said MOM on May 27.