Mechanization offers opportunity

Innovative solutions for construction and demolition

The construction and demolition industries continue to see steady change. Contractors, labourers and project managers are pushing for safer and more productive solutions to transform modern jobsites while facing an ever-growing backlog of projects fueled by the US$1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. At the same time, “The Great Resignation” and Baby Boomer mass retirements contribute to labour shortages across the board.

With all these factors at play, relying on manual labour is simply unsustainable in terms of worker recruitment and retention, safety, productivity, and overall cost-effectiveness. As a result, successful contractors work to think outside the box and supplement experienced crew members with technologically advanced equipment like robotic demolition machines to increase efficiency and reduce the physical strain on labourers. Additional mechanization options help contractors take advantage of current opportunities while accommodating industry trends.

Productivity boost

Handheld pneumatic breakers and other highly physical methods have been commonplace on jobsites for decades. However, increased jobsite mechanization has allowed contractors to revolutionize productivity.

A demolition robot paired with a hydraulic breaker, for example, improves productivity with an impressive hitting power, on par with excavators three times their size, and offer industry-leading power to weight ratios. These compact machines access some of the most confined and restrictive jobsites — including those with dust, vibration, and noise restrictions as well as low floor loads. At 79 cm wide and weighing 560 kb, the most compact units are small enough to fit through standard doorways and light enough to be transported on passenger elevators, making them ideal for confined spaces and interior demolition projects. Larger models are available with higher power ratios for more challenging applications.

By employing these heavy-hitting machines, contractors can greatly increase efficiency in applications previously limited to large crews with handheld equipment. For example, one contractor was able to cut their demolition crew by a third during the nearly 92,903-m2, multi-level tear out. The two 990-kg demolition robots could access floors where even skid steers were deemed too heavy. With each robot only requiring a single operator, the contractor was able to better utilize remaining employees across simultaneous jobsites while increasing productivity and lowering overall labour costs.

Safety benefits

For many in construction and demolition, increased safety is one of the biggest benefits of mechanization. Remote-controlled demolition equipment addresses some of the most pressing safety concerns these industries face.

With an operating distance of up to 300 m, remote-controlled units physically distance employees from harmful silica dust, as well as the strong vibrations of handheld equipment such as breakers, rivet busters and chipping guns. Long-term use of these common demolition tools is linked to a number of chronic injuries, including carpel tunnel syndrome, nerve damage, and hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Additionally, remote-controlled demolition machines help prevent one of the most common causes of serious work-related injury and death in construction — falls. A remote-controlled unit allows operators to remain a safe distance from ledges and other fall hazards. This provides peace of mind for workers and project managers, but also increases productivity by minimizing the need for erecting fall protections.

For contractors using remote-controlled machines, these safety benefits can quickly add up to significant savings on workman’s comp and insurance premiums. Remote operation paired with smaller crew size can significantly lower worker liability costs by limiting personnel in confined spaces or hazardous operations. One concrete cutting contractor who made the switch to demolition robots has seen a decrease in annual workers’ compensation claims by about 50%. The company has also seen a 25% decrease, or about US$40,000 to US$50,000 savings, in injury costs per year. Another concrete cutting operation reduced its experience modification rate (EMR) by adding demolition robots to their equipment fleet. Insurance companies calculate EMR based on a company’s safety record. Higher EMRs result in higher insurance premiums.

Recruitment and retention

Implementing innovative technology also offers some powerful recruitment and retention tools. When it comes to safety, for example, the workforce is well-aware that quality of life and length of career can be significantly affected by injuries and silica dust exposure. Currently, the median age of a construction worker is 42.3 years. Contractors who invest in mechanization reduce the amount of dangerous and hard manual labour workers must perform, which is a powerful benefit to young and experienced workers alike. A young employee may consequently see construction as a long-term profession while an experienced worker may see it as more realistic to remain in the industry for the duration of their career.

Innovative technology also attracts younger workers. For one concrete cutting company, including advanced robotic technology in their fleet helped reduce the median age of their 300-strong workforce to just 25 years old and cut turnover 10%. The machines also allowed the contractor to do more work with fewer people, increasing productivity 17% over three years.

The mechanization advantage

Opportunities abound for contractors, especially those who find creative ways to recruit, retain and best use the skills of their workers. Technological advances, such as robotic demolition, can help change the way contractors work and make it possible to thrive in today’s environment while preparing for the future. Mechanization allows companies to quickly adapt to changes in labour, process, or regulation, keeping them ahead of the curve — and the competition. 

Jeff Keeling is the vice president of sales and marketing for Brokk Inc.

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