May 7, 2025

Solomon Ajasa, a Nigerian Doctoral Researcher at the University of Alabama, says he has developed a hybrid technology system to detect and prevent accidents at construction sites.

Ajasa said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos that the technology became necessary on the backdrop of the hazards being faced by many construction workers in Nigeria, while carrying out their duties.

The doctoral student said the system utilised a combination of technologies to identify potential fall hazards and provide early warnings, reducing the risk of accidents.

Ajasa noted that his research explored ways to integrate technology and data-driven approaches into occupational safety, particularly in the construction and mining industries.

He said the project had led to the development of heat stress training materials under an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Ajasa emphasised that the innovation was paving the way for improved workplace safety and had the potential to impact industries beyond construction.

“The technology-driven approach aims to protect workers across industries from emerging threats such as extreme weather, infectious diseases, and evolving construction risks.

“Through data-driven research and hands-on training, we have impacted workplace safety in the United States and beyond, “Ajasa said

The doctoral student said the system had been used to train over 400 surface miners and 800 construction workers, equipping them with crucial knowledge to recognise early heat exposure symptoms and take preventive measures.

Citing instances, he said that his passion for research and training in occupational safety stemmed from when he witnessed two tragic construction accidents in Nigeria as a field officer.

He noted that through the programme, in addition to construction safety, he had played a significant role in mine safety training.

This initiative, he said, was developed in response to data showing that new and inexperienced surface miners accounted for approximately 26% of total mining accidents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the research has been presented at international conferences, including the International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE) and the Construction Research Congress (CRC).