KEVIN GARCIA
FEATURE
The Intertwining of
Safety &
Technology
KEVIN GARCIA
T he difference between a safe workday and a close call often comes down to split-second decisions and having the right information at the right time. The technologies that contractors are implementing on paving projects today aren’ t just about precision or productivity— they’ re fundamentally about protecting people. From automated machine guidance to digital data collection from the air and ground, modern paving workflows empower teams to make faster, more informed decisions. Instead of relying on assumptions or outdated data, equipment operators and field personnel now have instant access to precise measurements from the protected environment of their cabs. As the industry embraces these advancements, the focus is shifting from simply reacting to risks to proactively preventing them. Here are a few key areas where innovation is paving the way to more secure jobsites.
Less Time, Less Risk
From a protection standpoint, less work means fewer chances for accidents. That doesn’ t mean working slower; it means working smarter.
Instead of surveyors and construction crews navigating around active equipment while exposed to live traffic, motor graders and milling machines equipped with 3D guidance know exactly where they are and what they’ re cutting. The data streams to the office instantly, allowing project teams to verify volumes and confirm surfaces meet tolerance specifications, all while keeping everyone clear of harm. This is automation and verification through digital workflows. When teams get the work right the first time, there’ s no need to return to potentially dangerous situations for corrections.
Amplifying Skills
Current technology-enabled equipment is largely focused on automating highly repetitive tasks so operators can concentrate on the critical decisions that require human judgment. Take automatic steering for pavers, for instance. The technology keeps the machine on its defined path, allowing the operator to focus on monitoring haul trucks delivering materials with no risk of drifting into traffic or clipping curbs. Examples from other industries, like automotive driver-assist systems, show that operators using automation arrive fresher, with more energy and better situational awareness. The same principle applies here— when technology handles the monotonous steering corrections, operators stay sharper throughout their shifts and remain more responsive to their surroundings. Importantly, task automation isn’ t replacing skill; it’ s amplifying it by letting operators prioritize what matters most. Complementing this approach, the ongoing development of avoidance zone capabilities built into 3D guidance solutions provides another layer of protection. These virtual“ fences” alert operators with visual and audible warnings when they move into unsafe areas, which is particularly valuable when working on steep slopes, exposed underground utilities, active road and railways, etc.
Mobile and Mapped
Collecting accurate site data has always been essential to paving work. However, more conventional methods typically require survey crews to navigate around live traffic and active work zones. Today’ s mobile data collection technologies are changing that equation entirely. Not that long ago, drone-based data collection in construction was
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