TRADIES GO HI-TECH TO SPOT FEVER

Published 16 September 2020, Herald Sun

by Keiran Rooney

Hi-tech hard hats and vests will measure the temperature of workers for signs of fever, in a world-first trial to keep construction sites safe from coronavirus.

The study, run by Incolink and Deakin University, will use wearable sensors in safety gear to monitor temperatures across different parts of the body. If the technology detects signs of a fever, it will alert supervisors who can then follow up with testing.

Incolink chief executive Erik Locke said the scheme was the next step in keeping the construction industry running, with 85 per cent of workers tipped to be back on site by the end of the month.

“Even with the biggest program of onsite testing of any industry in the state, so far, we’ve had seven positive tests onsite, so this is an industry that is doing the right thing and getting results,” he said.

“We are looking at every possible innovation and technology solution to keep this industry working, which is critical to keeping the Victorian economy afloat.”

Industry Professor Tony Arnel is leading Deakin University’s research team for the trial and said personal sensors were even more accurate than infra-red cameras or thermometers.

“Since body temperature fluctuates throughout the day due to several factors and fever can come on at any time, wearable sensors will clearly provide better real-time data,” he said.