#Japan #construction #Shibuya #NITACO #KY-AI

Transforming Safety Protocols in Construction with KY-AI

In an industry where safety is paramount, NITACO, a company specializing in sales outsourcing, BPO, and AI solutions for construction, has officially launched KY-AI, an AI-driven service designed to support daily safety activities known as KY (Kiken Yochi) at construction sites. This innovative tool significantly reduces the time spent preparing KY sheets, traditionally taking 15 to 30 minutes to just about 30 seconds!

Background of Development: Addressing Stagnation and Legal Requirements

The necessity for KY activities has been challenged due to the repetitive nature of manually drafted KY sheets, often leading to stagnation in meaningful safety checks. Workers frequently faced the issue of duplication of effort, writing similar entries day after day. In contrast, alarming statistics show that in 2024, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported 1,257 heat-related casualties in workplaces—the highest ever recorded, with the construction sector accounting for 10 of the 31 fatalities.

In light of the forthcoming enforcement of the revised Labour Safety and Health Regulations on June 1, 2025, all companies must comply with measures to prevent heat stress in environments where the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 28°C or where the ambient temperature reaches 31°C for prolonged periods. Recognizing the urgent need for compliance, NITACO developed KY-AI to both expedite the preparation of KY sheets while ensuring adequate records of heat stress countermeasures are automatically logged each day.

Key Features of KY-AI

1. Automated Hazard Prediction:
KY-AI utilizes AI to generate risk assessments that can be read aloud at the work site, based on the day’s weather and specified job tasks. Using the standard terminology aligned with the KYT 4-round method, the AI creates a draft for the supervisor to review and modify if necessary, following the usual process of confirming and signing off by all personnel. This maintains the tradition of collaborative checks while enhancing efficiency.

2. Heat Stress Management Compliance:
Each morning, KY-AI automatically records the site's WBGT based on data from the Japan Meteorological Agency. On days when WBGT exceeds 28°C or if the temperature is above 31°C, the system automatically integrates heat stress management measures into the KY documentation. This ongoing record facilitates compliance with legal mandates without additional manual input.

3. Ease of Use for Supervisors:
Supervisors can access the app using an invitation link generated by administrators, removing barriers such as the need for separate login details. Records are conveniently stored in the cloud, enabling easy access to KY logs and summary reports from any office interface.

Application in Public Works

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism considers safety measures essential in their performance assessments, including documentation of safety patrols and KY practices. The daily accumulation of KY documents and WBGT records from KY-AI can be directly utilized to demonstrate compliance, showcasing innovative safety management techniques in official reports.

Affordable Pricing Structure

NITACO offers KY-AI at a monthly fee of ¥9,800 (excluding tax) per company, covering up to five operational sites. Companies with more than five sites can easily add additional locations for a nominal fee of ¥3,000 per site. There’s no initial setup cost, and organizations are encouraged to test the platform with a 14-day free trial, gaining access to all functionalities.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, NITACO plans to expand the functionalities of KY-AI, including the ability to export documentation in formats specified by primary contractors, while also developing management capabilities that allow for comprehensive monitoring of heat-related safety measures across projects. NITACO’s commitment leverages its expertise in BPO and AI to advance the digitization of safety management in the construction sector. For more information and inquiries, visit NITACO's official website.

Company Overview

NITACO pursues the mission of creating a workforce equivalent to one million laborers in the construction industry by harnessing “Technology” and “BPO” to address labor shortages effectively. The company offers various services, including Tsukunobi BPO, Tsukunobi AI, Tsukunobi Work for side jobs, and Tsukunobi Sales for outsourcing sales efforts to contribute to the flourishing of the construction sector.