First deployed in Suwon; rollout planned for more than 60 sites nationwide

Workers at Dong-A Construction Industry's apartment construction site in Pyeongdong, Suwon, scan QR codes on their hard hats with smartphones on Tuesday to check safety and health information and pre-work risk assessments. [SM Group]
Workers at Dong-A Construction Industry's apartment construction site in Pyeongdong, Suwon, scan QR codes on their hard hats with smartphones on Tuesday to check safety and health information and pre-work risk assessments. [SM Group]

SM Group's construction division is expanding a smart safety management system that lets workers scan QR codes on their hard hats to access safety and health information at construction sites across the country.

The division announced Wednesday it plans to deploy the system sequentially across more than 60 sites nationwide. The system lets workers scan a QR code on their hard hat with a smartphone to instantly view site-specific safety and health information as well as pre-work risk assessment details.

Previously, such documents were posted on physical bulletin boards at job sites. The new system converts that process to a digital format, enabling workers to check and share the information they need on the spot.

The system will also be used during pre-work safety briefings, known as toolbox meetings. Workers can review hazard factors directly and participate in related safety activities before starting their tasks.

SM Group's construction division first applied the system last month at the Suwon Yeok Honorsville Time One apartment construction site in Pyeongdong, Suwon, built by Dong-A Construction Industry. The group plans to expand it to more than 60 sites it manages and operates nationwide.

The rollout is part of SM Group's broader AI transformation, or AX, strategy. The group aims to use AI and digital technology to improve operational efficiency and productivity while strengthening its safety and quality management capabilities.

Under the AX strategy, SM Group's construction division regularly holds an "AI Work Innovation Competition" led by the division head. The smart safety management system was among the outstanding cases selected through that competition.

"We have created an environment where safety managers on site can reduce time spent on routine tasks and focus on their core responsibilities — identifying hazards and taking preemptive action," said Jo Yu-seon, head of SM Group's construction division. "We will continue to drive work innovation by exploring ways to apply AI across various areas including safety, construction and quality management."

Meanwhile, Dong-A Construction Industry was selected Monday as the preferred negotiating contractor for a redevelopment project in Hyeonjeo-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, under the Moa Town initiative. It marks the first time an SM Group construction affiliate has been named preferred negotiating contractor for a Seoul redevelopment or reconstruction project, and the group said it plans to expand its pursuit of urban renewal contracts in the city.


quq@heraldcorp.com