Zurich and Arrowsight Join Forces to Enhance Construction Safety Across the U.S.

Zurich and Arrowsight's Partnership for Safer Construction

In a notable move to enhance safety on construction sites across the United States, Zurich North America has partnered with Arrowsight, a specialist in video-based safety technology. This strategic collaboration is designed to integrate advanced camera-enabled coaching solutions into construction operations, following the successful results of a pilot program in New York City that revealed a remarkable reduction in worker compensation claims.

Dramatic Safety Improvements

The pilot program verified the efficiency of Arrowsight's camera systems in improving job site safety. Over three years, it was evident that locations using Arrowsight technology experienced a consistent decrease of more than 50% in workers' compensation claim frequency. The New York City pilot encompassed eight major construction projects worth over $2 billion, demonstrating a practical application and verification of safety enhancement through observed behaviors.

According to Tobias Cushing, Zurich's Head of Construction, the astonishing results showcased the merging of technology with human insight to enact measurable safety changes. "Our goal is to ensure workers return home safely each day, and the drop in claims reflects our commitment to this objective," he stated.

Innovative Technology in Action

The Arrowsight system employs fixed-point cameras that monitor job sites and facilitate real-time coaching. By flagging both unsafe behaviors and exemplary practices daily, the system allows for relevant adjustments and timely interventions driven by analytics and human oversight. Zurich's partnership with Arrowsight means that this recognized solution will be available across the nation, supported by Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS) risk engineers who will provide essential guidance to contractors.

Arooran Sivasubramaniam, Head of ZRS in North America, emphasized the importance of continual coaching in establishing safe habits within daily operation frameworks. He remarked that this innovative approach not only saves lives but also reduces disruptions in project timelines and enhances profitability for contractors.

Real-World Impact and Future Implementation

The evidence of success is transformative, with compliance rates for worker safety soaring from approximately 70% prior to Arrowsight's involvement to an impressive 97%–100% for many contractors. This significant increase in compliance, particularly in critical safety areas such as fall protection, highlights the company's commitment to addressing one of the leading causes of construction-related injuries.

Prominent contractors involved in this safety initiative have echoed similar sentiments. Executives from companies like Skanska, Suffolk, and Gilbane highlighted how the collaboration with Zurich and Arrowsight elevated their safety programs, leading to better risk management and unprecedented reductions in claims. Posillico Inc., a civil construction firm, reported its Experience Modification Rate dropped dramatically, resulting in lower insurance costs and a safer work environment.

Why This Matters

The construction industry is known for its challenging risk landscape, where worker safety is paramount. With Arrowsight’s introduction of remotely monitored video coaching, Zurich aims to revolutionize safety standards, making construction sites increasingly resilient against risks. Their robust system, designed to thrive even in challenging environments, is a key part of Zurich's future strategy and one that is anticipated to spread across various job sites in the U.S.

Conclusion

As Zurich North America continues to forge ahead with its collaboration with Arrowsight, the construction industry stands on the brink of a new era in safety management. With concrete data supporting significant reductions in worker injuries and accidents, the partnership signals a promising trend towards sustaining a safer work environment for all involved in construction projects. This initiative is not just about reducing claims; it's fundamentally about ensuring the welfare of every worker on the site, thereby reinforcing a culture of safety and care in one of the most hazardous professions.