System and method for the protection of workers on a construction workplace

Abstract

A system and a method for protecting workers in a construction workplace are described. The system (2100) comprises an alcohol level measuring device (90), which is installed on board a vehicle (80) intended to be operated by the worker on the construction site, wherein the alcohol level measuring device (90): - communicates with a remote server (30) via a router (50) so as to transmit a unique identification code ID associated with the worker to the remote server (30), - communicates electrically with the vehicle's engine (80), and - comprises an alcohol sensor (92), composed of a sensor capable of detecting the presence of flammable gases such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and other vapours inside the vehicle (80), and a touchscreen display (91), which is configured to display warning messages to the worker and allow the worker to enter his own unique identification code (ID), which is then transmitted to the remote server (30).

Description

[0001] “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS ON A

[0002] CONSTRUCTION WORKPLACE”

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates, in general, to the technical field of safety in the workplace. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for protecting workers in a construction workplace, such as a construction site.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] As well known, a construction site is a place where workers can encounter various types of risks while carrying out their duties. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the construction industry remains one of the sectors with the greatest risks for workers' health and safety. Using dangerous equipment, working in elevated positions, moving loads, and using mechanical equipment all pose potential risks to workers, who must be adequately protected through a Safety and Coordination Plan (SCP) and a Risk Assessment (RA).

[0008] The main types of risks encountered on a construction site during work activities include the following: exposure to constant, loud noise and / or vibrations, which can cause hearing loss or musculoskeletal disorders; falls from heights, such as from scaffolding, roof decks, ladders, or roofs, which can result in serious or even fatal injuries for the worker involved in the fall; contact with chemical agents, such as paints, solvents, powdered cement, and fresh concrete, which can cause irritation or intoxication.

[0009] Safety in the workplace is ruled by a series of provisions intended to guarantee the protection of workers in the workplace. Therefore, careful management of safety in the workplace becomes a regulatory requirement which must be met in order to avoid penalties and compromise continuity of operations.

[0010] In Italy, safety in the workplace is governed by Italian Legislative Decree 81 dated 9 April 2008 (Legislative Decree 81 / 08), which establishes rules, procedures, and preventive measures to ensure safe workplaces by minimising workers' exposure to work-related risks and injuries.

[0011] In particular, according to Article 20 of said decree, every worker must take care of his own health and safety and that of other people present in the workplace who are affected by his actions or omissions, in accordance with his training, instructions, and the equipment provided by the employer. Furthermore, workers must comply with the provisions and instructions given by the employer, senior managers, and supervisors for collective and personal protection, making sure they make proper use of the work equipment, hazardous substances and preparations, means of transportation, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to them.

[0012] Personal protective equipment (PPE) means any equipment intended to be worn or held by workers to protect them from one or more risks that could threaten their safety or health while working, as well as any accessory or complement intended for this purpose. Personal protective equipment comes in various types, is related to the worker's activity, and protects workers from multiple risks inherent to their work.

[0013] With particular reference to personal protective equipment used in the construction industry, such equipment includes, among other things, hard hats, gloves, safety footwear, glasses and visors, ear defenders, earplugs, helmets, and harnesses.

[0014] Hard hats protect the worker's head against the risk of falling from a height and / or falling material. They must meet certain requirements, including shock absorption, resistance to penetration by solids, and fireproofing, and must have a suitable chin strap.

[0015] Furthermore, each hard hat must be labelled with classification and technical specifications.

[0016] Gloves are available in various types and made of materials, such as leather, canvas, and synthetic materials, and are used to protect hands from abrasions, cuts, punctures, and lacerations. It is very important that gloves are chosen appropriately for the actual risks and the type of work being performed, as they must be comfortable to wear while still protecting the worker.

[0017] Safety footwear features appropriate protective toecaps, typically made of steel or composite aluminium (to protect the toes from crushing), a puncture-resistant midsole, typically made of steel or fabric (to protect the sole from punctures), and a raised, nonslip sole. They are also equipped with a quick release system if the working environment and / or activities carried out pose a risk of foot entrapment.

[0018] Harnesses are used, wrapped around the body, to arrest a fall. They can be attached at the back or the front and are held in place by connecting lanyards, which must be checked constantly. Anchorage is achieved using carabiners and connectors.

[0019] Furthermore, a variety of vehicles move around a construction site, such as mobile elevating work platforms, tower cranes, mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes, self- propelled forklifts with a driver on board, agricultural or forestry tractors, earthmoving machinery (hydraulic excavators, cable excavators, front loaders, backhoe loaders, tracked dump trucks), and concrete pumps. Each vehicle must be driven and / or operated by personnel with specific licences and qualifications pursuant to Article 73.5 of Italian Legislative Decree 81 / 2008 and subsequent amendments and State-Region Agreement File No. 53 / CSR dated 22 February 2012. There are commonly known systems and methods for monitoring and controlling safety in a production area, which involve, for example, the use of cameras to acquire image data from the production area and equipment for processing the image data acquired by the cameras. In particular, the image data is processed to select images of workers moving around the production area and determine whether the images are associated with one or more items of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, earplugs, ear defenders, hard hats, safety gloves, and / or safety footwear, and whether the personal protective equipment is worn correctly. These commonly known systems also include signalling devices, such as an audible alarm, which are activated by the processing devices to signal if any one or more items of personal protective equipment are missing or worn incorrectly.

[0020] While effective in reporting proper use of personal protective equipment, these commonly known monitoring systems and methods have the drawback of not being configured to check whether a worker is wearing the required personal protective equipment preventively, i.e. before work activities are started. Consequently, the absence or incorrect positioning of one or more items of personal protective equipment may be signalled too late.

[0021] Secondly, these systems require constant maintenance and calibration of sensors and cameras, resulting in increased operating costs and a potential reduction in reliability over time. Furthermore, if these detection devices malfunction, dangerous situations may not be signalled, thereby jeopardising workers' safety. Furthermore, use of visual monitoring systems may raise concerns about worker privacy, as the cameras could collect personal data beyond that strictly necessary for safety purposes. The management of this data must comply with data protection legislation, adding further administrative complexity.

[0022] A final issue could be related to communication difficulties during work on construction sites, where there is no signal coverage or there may be electromagnetic interference.

[0023] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The main object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system and method for protecting workers in a construction workplace that overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of the commonly known protection systems and methods outlined above.

[0025] More specifically, the main object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for protecting workers in a construction workplace that enables preventive checks, i.e., checks before starting work, to ensure a worker is wearing the required personal protective equipment and / or meets all the requirements to operate a vehicle, such as an excavator, a crane, a concrete pump, a bulldozer, and the like.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for protecting workers in a construction workplace that enables efficient and timely monitoring of workers during their activities on the construction site.

[0027] A still further object of the present invention is to integrate real-time monitoring features to ensure continuous, immediate oversight of worker safety conditions.

[0028] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system for monitoring the deadlines of documents relating to workers' safety in the workplace.

[0029] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system for protecting workers in the workplace that is designed to be structurally simple and can be produced at competitive costs while also being effective in protecting workers.

[0030] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method for protecting workers in the workplace that can be implemented simply and immediately. These and further objects, which will be shown later in this description, are achieved by a system and method for protecting workers in a construction workplace according to independent Claims 1 and 9. Preferred features of the apparatus are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0031] A first aspect of the invention therefore concerns a system for protecting workers in a construction workplace and at least one item of personal protective equipment that can be worn by each worker present in the workplace.

[0032] The system is characterised by the fact that each item of personal protective equipment comprises a short-range communication module and also comprises a smart device that can be worn by each worker present in the workplace.

[0033] The wearable smart device comprises a short-range communication module which is configured to communicate with the short-range communication module of each item of personal protective equipment to verify the distance. The wearable smart device is configured to generate an alarm signal for the worker if, following verification, at least one detected distance exceeds a pre-set minimum distance, indicating that the corresponding personal protective equipment is not being worn or is being worn incorrectly by the worker.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the wearable smart device communicates with a remote server via a router to transmit a unique identification code associated with the worker and the type of activity to be performed to the remote server and to receive a list of mandatory personal protective equipment for the type of activity from the remote server.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, there is a table stored on the remote server in which each work tool is associated with the one or more items of personal protective equipment that the worker must wear when performing a particular operation in the construction workplace.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the wearable smart device includes a gyroscope configured to detect the movement of the worker's wrist while using a work tool.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises one or more portable devices that communicate with the remote server via a wired or wireless connection and are configured to allow the table and / or unique identification code to be updated and / or integrated directly on the remote server.

[0038] Preferably, the wearable smart device is a smartwatch.

[0039] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for protecting workers in a construction workplace and an alcohol level measuring device, which is installed on board a vehicle intended to be driven by the worker within the construction workplace. The alcohol level measuring device communicates electrically with the vehicle's engine and comprises an alcohol sensor, composed of a sensor capable of detecting the presence of flammable gases such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and other vapours inside the vehicle, and a touchscreen display, which is configured to display warning messages to the worker and allow the worker to enter, preferably via an on-screen keypad, his own unique identification code, which is then transmitted to the remote server.

[0040] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for protecting workers in a construction workplace implemented using a system as defined above.

[0041] In a first embodiment, the method is characterised by the fact that it comprises the following steps: a) a worker in the construction site putting on a smart device comprising a short-range communication module; b) checking, via the smart device worn by the worker, the distance between the short- range communication module and a short-range communication module of at least one item of personal protective equipment (PPE) which must be worn by the worker in order to detect the presence and correct positioning of said item on the worker; and c) the wearable smart device generating an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors if at least one detected distance exceeds a pre-set minimum distance, indicating that the corresponding personal protective equipment is not being worn or is being worn incorrectly by the worker.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the method envisages a step, upstream of the verification step (a), in which the wearable smart device transmits a unique identification code associated with the worker and the type of activity to be performed to the remote server and receives a list of mandatory items of personal protective equipment for that type of activity from the remote server.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps between steps (a) and (b): bl) the worker entering his own unique identification code into the wearable smart device; b2) the wearable smart device querying the remote server to verify the validity of the unique identification code entered and compliance of the worker's documents with applicable legislation, and, in the event of compliance: b3) sending a request to the remote server to obtain the list of items of personal protective equipment to be worn, as specified in a table stored on the remote server.

[0044] In an embodiment, the method also comprises, upstream of step b3), a step to initiate motion detection using a gyroscope integrated into the wearable smart device. In an embodiment, step c) is also envisaged, in which an alarm signal is issued consisting of the generation of a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message displayed on the wearable smart device.

[0045] In a second embodiment, the method is characterised by the fact that it comprises the following steps: d) detecting, through the alcohol sensor of an alcohol level measuring device installed on board the vehicle, whether the alcohol level exceeds the limit; and in affirmative case, e) preventing the vehicle's engine from starting.

[0046] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: f) entering the unique identification code via a touchscreen display on the alcohol level measuring device; g) transmitting the unique identification code entered to the remote server; h) verifying, via the remote server, whether the worker's driving licence is valid for a particular vehicle or complex machine and whether it is still in date; and if one or more of these conditions is not met, i) displaying a message on the touchscreen display warning the worker that he is not permitted to drive the particular vehicle.

[0047] In a third embodiment, the method is a combination of said first embodiment and said second embodiment.

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Further characteristics and advantages of the system and method for protecting workers in a construction workplace according to the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments, wherein identical or corresponding parts of the protection system are distinguished by the same reference numbers. In the drawings:

[0050] Figure l is a schematic view of a system for protecting workers in a construction workplace according to a first embodiment according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system for protecting workers in a construction workplace according to a further, alternative embodiment according to the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a system for protecting workers in a construction workplace according to a still further embodiment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Figure 1 illustrates a system for protecting workers on a construction site according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The system, which is overall denoted by the reference number 100, comprises a wearable smart device 10, such as a smartwatch, one or more items of personal protective equipment (PPE) 20, 22, and a remote server 30. Preferably, the remote server 30 is a back-end system hosted on a cloud infrastructure.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the personal protective equipment consists of a hard hat 20 for head protection and ear defenders 22 for hearing protection, which are typically worn by a worker while performing drilling activities, such as drilling holes in the ground and rock for the construction of foundation piles, retaining walls, and for the installation of elements for ground improvement and / or consolidation. It is understood, however, that other personal protective equipment may be provided, such as gloves, safety footwear, glasses and visors, ear defenders, earplugs, or hard hats and harnesses, depending on the specific work activity carried out. Each item of personal protective equipment 20, 22 comprises a short-range or SRT (Short-Range Technology) communication module 21, 23, preferably a Bluetooth module, which is configured to communicate with a corresponding short-range or SRT (Short-Range Technology) communication module 12, preferably a Bluetooth module, of the smartwatch 10.

[0056] The smartwatch 10 is also configured to communicate with the remote server 30 and with a variety of work tools, which may be used by the worker to carry out various tasks on the construction site. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the work tool consists of a drilling machine 40. In particular, the smartwatch 10 communicates with the remote server 30 through a router 50.

[0057] Each worker operating on the construction site is assigned a unique identification code ID and during communication with the remote server 30, the smartwatch 10 sends a request via TCP / IP protocol (specifically via HTTP) containing the unique identification code ID associated with each worker and the type of activity about to be carried out. This communication occurs via a wireless connection, preferably via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The router 50 receives the request from the smartwatch 10 and routes it to the remote server 30 via an Internet connection. The remote server 30 (which is equipped with a database that stores the safety logic required for the various operations) processes the request received and verifies what personal protective equipment is required for the specific activity being carried out. The remote server 30 then responds to the smartwatch 10 by sending a list of the items of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are mandatory for the specific operation, in this case, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22.

[0058] The remote server 30 also has a table T in the database, in which each work tool is associated with one or more items of personal protective equipment that the worker is required to wear when carrying out a particular task on the construction site. For example, in the case of the drilling machine 40, the associated items of personal protective equipment include a hard hat 20 for head protection and ear defenders 22 for hearing protection, as well as gloves, dust masks, and safety shoes. If drilling activities are carried out in specific environments that involve the risk of falling from a height, the worker must also wear the necessary fall arrest devices.

[0059] A further example of a tool / personal protective equipment combination could be a circular saw, which would be associated with cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask. Using a welding machine, meanwhile, would require fireproof gloves, a welding mask, and a fireproof apron.

[0060] The table T and the unique identification code ID for each worker are stored in the remote server 30 and subsequently updated or integrated, if necessary, using, for example, one or more smart portable devices, such as a smartphone 60 or a laptop 62, each of which communicates with the remote server 30 via either a wired or a wireless connection. The portable devices 60 and 62 therefore perform the function of enabling supervisors to update and integrate the data in the table T and the workers' personal data, including the unique identification code ID, directly on the remote server 30.

[0061] The smartwatch 10 is also equipped with a gyroscope 14, which is configured to measure the movement of the worker's wrist while using a work tool, for example, during drilling performed using the drilling machine 40.

[0062] Once the movement has been measured, the smartwatch 10 queries the remote server 30 to determine which personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn by the worker who is drilling (in this case, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22) and verifies, using its short-range communication module 12, the distance between the short-range communication modules 21 and 23 of the hard hat 20 and the ear defenders 22, respectively, and its own short-range communication module 12. If this check shows that at least one of these distances is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, meaning that the hard hat 20 or the ear defenders 22 or both are not being worn correctly by the worker, the smartwatch 10 generates an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors, for example, by producing a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message on the display.

[0063] The operation of the system 100 according to the invention is clear from the description to those skilled in the art and, in particular, is as follows.

[0064] A worker required to carry out a drilling operation using a drilling machine 40 is an illustrative example.

[0065] First of all, the worker enters his own unique identification code ID into the smartwatch 10. Subsequently, the smartwatch 10 queries the remote server 30 to verify the validity of the unique identification code ID entered and compliance of the worker's documents with applicable legislation.

[0066] If the unique identification code ID is valid, the smartwatch 10 sends a request to the remote server 30 to obtain the list of items of personal protective equipment to be worn, as specified in the table T. After receiving the list of required equipment (in this example, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22), the smartwatch 10 activates the short- range communication module 12 to locate said personal protective equipment within a short range (approximately 1 metre).

[0067] In particular, the smartwatch 10 uses its short-range communication module 12 to check the distance between the short-range communication modules 21 and 23 of, respectively, the hard hat 20 and the ear defenders 22 and its own short-range communication module 12. If this check shows that at least one of these distances is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, meaning that the hard hat 20 or the ear defenders 22 or both are not being worn correctly by the worker, the smartwatch 10 generates an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors, for example, by producing a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message on the display.

[0068] Furthermore, if the unique identification code ID is valid, the smartwatch 10 initiates motion measurement using the integrated gyroscope 14. When motion associated with the use of a specific tool is detected (in this case, the drilling machine 40), the smartwatch 10 sends a request to the remote server 30 to obtain the list of items of personal protective equipment that must be worn, as specified in the table T. After receiving the list of required equipment (in this example, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22), the smartwatch 10 activates the short-range communication module 12 to locate said personal protective equipment within a short range (approximately 1 metre). Once again, the smartwatch 10 uses its short-range communication module 12 to check the distance between the short-range communication modules 21 and 23 of, respectively, the hard hat 20 and the ear defenders 22 and its own short-range communication module 12. If this check shows that at least one of these distances is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, meaning that the hard hat 20 or the ear defenders 22 or both are not being worn correctly by the worker, the smartwatch 10 generates an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors, for example, by producing a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message on the display.

[0069] Figure 2 illustrates a system for protecting workers on a construction site according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The system, which is overall denoted by the reference number 1100, comprises a wearable smart device 10, such as a smartwatch, one or more items of personal protective equipment, specifically a hard hat 20 for head protection and ear defenders 22 for hearing protection, and a remote server 30. Preferably, the remote server 30 is a back-end system hosted on a cloud infrastructure.

[0070] As described above with reference to the system 100 in Figure 1, each item of personal protective equipment 20, 22 comprises a short-range communication module 21, 23, preferably a Bluetooth module, which is configured to communicate with a corresponding short-range communication module 12, preferably a Bluetooth module, of the smartwatch 10.

[0071] The smartwatch 10 is also configured to communicate with the remote server 30 via a router 50, and with a variety of work tools, (specifically a drilling machine 40) which may be used by the worker to carry out various tasks on the construction site.

[0072] Each worker operating on the construction site is assigned a unique identification code ID and during querying with the remote server 30, the smartwatch 10 sends a request via TCP / IP protocol (specifically via HTTP) containing the unique identification code ID associated with each worker and the type of activity about to be carried out. This communication occurs via a wireless connection, preferably via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The router 50 receives the request from the smartwatch 10 and routes it to the remote server 30 via an Internet connection. The remote server 30 (which is equipped with a database that stores the safety logic required for the various operations) processes the request received and verifies what PPE is required for the specific activity being carried out. The remote server 30 then responds to the smartwatch 10 by sending a list of the PPE that is mandatory for the specific operation, in this case, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22.

[0073] The remote server 30 has a table T in the database, in which each work tool is associated with one or more items of personal protective equipment that the worker is required to wear when carrying out a particular task on the construction site. For example, in the case of the drilling machine 40, the associated items of personal protective equipment include a hard hat 20 for head protection and ear defenders 22 for hearing protection.

[0074] Verification by the smartwatch 10 is performed constantly, repeatedly, for the entire duration of the work activity, until the maximum usage time for the drilling machine 40 is reached. The table T and the unique identification code ID of each worker are stored in the remote server 30 and subsequently updated or integrated, if necessary, using, for example, one or more smart portable devices, such as a smartphone 60 or a laptop 62, each communicating, via either a wired or a wireless connection, with the remote server 30. The portable devices 60 and 62 therefore perform the function of enabling supervisors to update and integrate the data in the table T and the workers' personal data, including the unique identification code ID, directly on the remote server 30.

[0075] The smartwatch 10 is also equipped with a gyroscope 14, which is configured to measure the movement of the worker's wrist while using a work tool, for example, during drilling using the drilling machine 40. Once the movement has been measured, the smartwatch 10 queries the remote server 30 to determine which personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn by the worker who is drilling (in this case, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22) and verifies, using its short-range communication module 12, the distance between the short-range communication modules 21 and 23 of the hard hat 20 and the ear defenders 22, respectively, and its own short-range communication module 12. If this check shows that at least one of these distances is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, meaning that the hard hat 20 or the ear defenders 22 or both are not being worn correctly by the worker, the smartwatch 10 generates an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors, for example, by producing a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message on the display. Alternatively or additionally, in the event of failure or incorrect use of one or more items of personal protective equipment, the system 100 transmits a notification to all the main supervisors within the workplace (as required by Italian Legislative Decree 81 / 2008), so that they are promptly notified and can therefore intervene promptly.

[0076] In addition to information regarding the personal protective equipment required to be worn while performing work on the construction site and the work tool required to be used, the worker's unique identification code ID is also associated with information regarding the type of driving licence held by the worker, the validity of the driving licence, the job title, and the worker's personal data, as well as information regarding the type of qualification pursuant to State-Region Agreement File No. 53 / CSR dated 22 February 2012, the medical certificate issued by the occupational health practitioner, and general and specific training received pursuant to Article 37 of Italian Legislative Decree 81 / 2008, and similar provisions.

[0077] Naturally, any other information suitable for the purpose can be associated with the worker's unique identification code ID.

[0078] The table T and the unique identification code ID for each worker are stored in the remote server 30 and subsequently updated or integrated, if necessary, using, for example, one or more smart portable devices, such as a smartphone 60 or a laptop 62, each of which communicates with the remote server 30 via either a wired or a wireless connection.

[0079] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the system for protecting workers in a construction workplace includes an alcohol level measuring device 90, which is installed on a vehicle 80 (such as an excavator, a crane truck, a concrete pump, a bulldozer, and the like) which must be operated by a worker on a construction site. The alcohol level measuring device 90 comprises an alcohol sensor 92 and a touchscreen display 91.

[0080] The touchscreen display 91 is configured to display warning messages to the worker and to allow the worker to enter his own unique identification code ID, preferably via an on-screen keypad 93.

[0081] In particular, the touchscreen display 91 of the alcohol level measuring device 90, for example the on-screen keypad 93 of the touchscreen display 91, is used by a worker to enter his own unique identification code ID, which is transmitted to the remote server 30 via a router 50. In turn, the remote server 30 verifies whether the worker's driving licence is suitable for a specific vehicle / complex machine pursuant to State-Region Agreement File No. 53 / CSR dated 22 February 2012 and whether it is in date, and likewise the worker's qualification and fitness for work.

[0082] If any one or more of the aforesaid conditions is not met, the remote server 30 commands a message to be displayed on the display 91 of the alcohol level measuring device 90, warning the worker that he is not allowed to drive the specific vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, in the event of failure or incorrect use of one or more items of personal protective equipment, the system 100 transmits a notification to all the main supervisors within the workplace (as required by Italian Legislative Decree 81 / 2008), so that they are promptly notified and can therefore intervene promptly. The alcohol level measuring device 90 is electrically connected to the engine of the vehicle 80, and if the alcohol sensor 92 measures an alcohol level above the maximum level, for example, an alcohol level above 0, engine start-up is prevented. The alcohol sensor 92 consists of a sensor, called MQ-3, which is an electronic component designed to detect the presence of flammable gases such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and other vapours in the air inside the vehicle 80. It is equipped with a gas-sensitive element that varies its resistance based on the concentration of gases measured.

[0083] This second embodiment of the system according to the invention can be implemented in combination with the first embodiment, as exemplified in Figure 2, where the operation of the system 1100 according to the invention is evident from the description to those skilled in the art, and in particular is as follows.

[0084] A worker required to carry out a drilling operation using a drilling machine 40 and subsequently the excavator 80, is an illustrative example.

[0085] First of all, the worker enters his own unique identification code ID into the smartwatch 10. Subsequently, the smartwatch 10 queries the remote server 30 to verify the validity of the unique identification code ID entered and compliance of the worker's documents with applicable legislation.

[0086] If the unique identification code ID is valid, the smartwatch 10 sends a request to the remote server 30 to obtain the list of items of personal protective equipment to be worn, as specified in the table T. After receiving the list of required equipment (in this example, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22), the smartwatch 10 activates the short- range communication module 12 to locate said personal protective equipment within a short range (approximately 1 metre).

[0087] In particular, the smartwatch 10 uses its short-range communication module 12 to check the distance between the short-range communication modules 21 and 23 of, respectively, the hard hat 20 and the ear defenders 22 and its own short-range communication module 12. If this check shows that at least one of these distances is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, meaning that the hard hat 20 or the ear defenders 22 or both are not being worn correctly by the worker, the smartwatch 10 generates an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors, for example, by producing a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message on the display. Alternatively or additionally, in the event of failure or incorrect use of one or more items of personal protective equipment, the system 100 transmits a notification to all the main supervisors within the workplace (as required by Italian Legislative Decree 81 / 2008), so that they are promptly notified and can therefore intervene promptly.

[0088] Furthermore, if the unique identification code ID is valid, the smartwatch 10 initiates motion measurement using the integrated gyroscope 14. When motion associated with the use of a specific tool is detected (in this case, the drilling machine 40), the smartwatch 10 sends a request to the remote server 30 to obtain the list of items of personal protective equipment that must be worn, as specified in the table T. After receiving the list of required equipment (in this example, a hard hat 20 and ear defenders 22), the smartwatch 10 activates the short-range communication module 12 to locate said personal protective equipment within a short range (approximately 1 metre). In particular, the smartwatch 10 uses its short-range communication module 12 to check the distance between the short-range communication modules 21 and 23 of, respectively, the hard hat 20 and the ear defenders 22 and its own short-range communication module 12. If this check shows that at least one of these distances is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, meaning that the hard hat 20 or the ear defenders 22 or both are not being worn correctly by the worker, the smartwatch 10 generates an alarm signal for the worker and / or the main supervisors, for example, by producing a vibration on the worker's wrist or a message on the display.

[0089] Once the drilling is finished, the worker climbs into the excavator 80 and, using the touchscreen display 91 of the alcohol level measuring device 90 (for example the onscreen keypad 93 of the touchscreen display 91), enters its own unique identification code ID, which is transmitted to the remote server 30 via a router 50. In turn, the remote server 30 verifies whether the worker's driving licence is suitable for a specific vehicle / complex machine pursuant to State-Region Agreement File No. 53 / CSR dated 22 February 2012 and whether it is in date, and likewise the worker's qualification and fitness for work. If any one or more of the aforesaid conditions is not met, the remote server 30 commands a message to be displayed on the touchscreen display 91 of the alcohol level measuring device 90, warning the user that he is not allowed to drive the specific vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, in the event of failure or incorrect use of one or more items of personal protective equipment, the system 100 transmits a notification to all the main supervisors within the workplace (as required by Italian Legislative Decree 81 / 2008), so that they are promptly notified and can therefore intervene promptly.

[0090] The alcohol level measuring device 90 is electrically connected to the engine of the vehicle 80, and if the alcohol sensor 92 measures an alcohol level above the maximum level, for example, an alcohol level above 0, engine start-up is prevented.

[0091] Although in the protection system 1100 in Figure 2, the alcohol level measuring device 90 is shown in association with the smartwatch 10, as mentioned, different embodiments are also possible, wherein the protection system comprises at least one item of personal protective equipment that can be worn by each worker present in the workplace, or alternatively, the protection system comprises an alcohol level measuring device.

[0092] In this second case, the protection system is configured to check whether a worker meets all the requirements to operate a vehicle, such as an excavator, a crane truck, a concrete pump, a bulldozer, and the like.

[0093] This protection system, overall denoted by the reference number 2100, is illustrated in Figure 3 and comprises a device 90 (alcohol level measuring device), comprising a touchscreen display 91 and an alcohol sensor 92, and a remote server 30. The alcohol level measuring device 90 is installed on board a vehicle 80 (such as an excavator, a crane truck, a concrete pump, a bulldozer, and the like) which must be operated by a worker on a construction site. Preferably, the remote server 30 is a back-end system hosted on a cloud infrastructure.

[0094] The touchscreen display 91 of the alcohol level measuring device 90 preferably comprises an on-screen keypad 93, which is used by a worker to enter his own unique identification code ID, which is transmitted to the remote server 30 via a router 50. In turn, the remote server 30 verifies whether the worker's driving licence is suitable for a specific vehicle / complex machine pursuant to State-Region Agreement File No. 53 / CSR dated 22 February 2012 and whether it is in date, and likewise the worker's qualification and fitness for work. If any one or more of the aforesaid conditions is not met, the remote server 30 commands a message to be displayed on the touchscreen display 91 of the alcohol level measuring device 90, which warns the user that he is not allowed to drive the specific vehicle.

[0095] The alcohol level measuring device 90 is electrically connected to the engine of the vehicle 80, and if the alcohol sensor 92 detects that the alcohol level has been exceeded, for example, an alcohol level above 0, it prevents the engine from starting.

[0096] The unique identification code ID of each worker is stored in the remote server 30 and subsequently updated or integrated, if necessary, using, for example, one or more smart portable devices, such as a smartphone 60 or a laptop 62, each communicating, via a wired or a wireless connection, with the remote server 30.

[0097] The operation of system 2100 is entirely identical to that described above with reference to system 1100 in Figure 2.

[0098] The characteristics of the system and method for protecting workers on a construction site according to the present invention and likewise the advantages thereof are clear from the above description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system (2100) for protecting workers in a construction workplace comprising a alcohol level measuring device (90), which is installed on board a vehicle (80) intended to be operated by the worker on the construction site, wherein the alcohol level measuring device (90):- communicates with a remote server (30) via a router (50) so as to transmit a unique identification code (ID) associated with the worker to the remote server (30),- communicates electrically with the vehicle's engine (80), and- comprises an alcohol sensor (92), composed of a sensor capable of detecting the presence of flammable gases such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and other vapours inside the vehicle (80), and a touchscreen display (91), which is configured to display warning messages to the worker and allow the worker to enter his own unique identification code (ID), which is then transmitted to the remote server (30).

2. The system according to Claim 1, wherein said remote server (30) is a back-end system hosted on a cloud infrastructure.

3. A method for protecting workers in a construction workplace implemented by using the system (2100) according to Claim 1 or 2, said method being characterised by comprising the following steps: d) detecting, through an alcohol sensor (92) of an alcohol level measuring device (90) installed on board the vehicle (80), whether a worker's alcohol level exceeds the limit; andin affirmative case, e) preventing the vehicle's engine (80) from starting.

4. A method according to Claim 3, further comprising the following steps: f) entering the unique identification code ID via a touchscreen display (91) of the alcohol level measuring device (90); g) transmitting the unique identification code (ID) entered to the remote server (30); h) verifying, via the remote server (30), whether the worker's driving licence is valid for a particular vehicle or complex machine and whether it is still in date; and, if one or more of these conditions is not met, i) displaying a message on the touchscreen display (91) which warns the worker that he is not permitted to drive the particular vehicle / complex machine.

5. A system (100) for protecting workers in a construction workplace comprising at least one item of personal protective equipment (20, 22) that can be worn by each worker present in the workplace, characterised by the fact that each item of personal protective equipment (20, 22) comprises a short-range communication module (22, 23) and by the fact that said system also comprises a smart device (10) that can be worn by each worker present in the workplace, wherein the wearable smart device (10) comprises a short-range communication module (12), which is configured to communicate with the short-range communication module (21, 23) of each item of personal protective equipment (20, 22) in order to verify the distance thereof, and wherein the wearable smart device (10) is configured to generate an alarm signal for the worker if, following verification, at least one detected distance is greater than a pre-set minimum distance, which indicates that the corresponding personal protective equipment (20, 22) is not worn or is worn incorrectly by the worker.

6. The system (100) according to Claim 5, wherein the wearable smart device (10) communicates with a remote server (30) via a router (50) so as to transmit a unique identification code (ID) associated with the worker and the type of activity to be performed to the remote server (30) and to receive a list of the items of personal protective equipment (20, 22) that are mandatory for the type of activity from the remote server (30).

7. The system (100) according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the wearable smart device (10) consists of a smartwatch.

8. A method for protecting workers in a construction workplace implemented by using the system (100) according to any of Claims 5-7, said method being characterised by comprising the following steps: a) a worker in the construction site wearing a smart device (10) comprising a short- range communication module (12); b) checking, via the smart device (10) worn by the worker, the distance between the short-range communication module (12) and a short-range communication module (21, 23) of at least one item of personal protective equipment (20, 22) which must be worn by the worker in order to detect the presence and correct positioning of said item on the worker; and c) the wearable smart device (10) generating an alarm signal for the worker if at least one detected distance exceeds a pre-set minimum distance, indicating that the corresponding personal protective equipment (20, 22) is not being worn or is being worn incorrectly by the worker.

9. The method according to Claim 8 comprising, between step a) and step b), the following steps:bl) the worker entering his own unique identification code (ID) into the wearable smart device (10); b2) the wearable smart device (10) querying the remote server (30) to verify the validity of the unique identification code (ID) entered and compliance of the worker's documents with applicable legislation: and, in the event of compliance, b3) sending a request to the remote server (30) to obtain the list of items of personal protective equipment (20, 22) to be worn, as specified in a table (T) stored on the remote server (30).

10. A method for protecting workers in a construction workplace implemented by using a system (1100) that combines the system (2100) according to Claim 1 or 2, with the system (100) according to any of Claims 5 to 7, said method being characterised by performing both the steps of the method according to Claim 3 or 4 and the steps of the method according to Claim 8 or 9.

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