A Nigerian doctoral researcher at the University of Alabama, Solomon Ajasa has developed a hybrid technology system designed to detect and prevent accidents on construction sites.
In a statement issued Wednesday in Lagos, Ajasa said the innovation was driven by the hazardous conditions often faced by construction workers in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The system combines multiple technologies to identify potential fall hazards and issue early warnings, significantly reducing the risk of workplace accidents.
Ajasa’s research focuses on integrating technology and data-driven solutions into occupational safety, with particular emphasis on the construction and mining industries.
He revealed that the project also contributed to the development of heat stress training materials under a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiative.
“This technology-driven approach aims to protect workers across various industries from emerging threats such as extreme weather, infectious diseases, and evolving construction hazards,” Ajasa said. “Through data-backed research and hands-on training, we are positively impacting workplace safety in the U.S. and beyond.”
Ajasa noted that the hybrid system has already been used to train over 400 surface miners and 800 construction workers, providing them with vital knowledge to identify early symptoms of heat exposure and take preventive actions.
He said his passion for research in occupational safety was deeply personal, tracing it back to his time as a field officer in Nigeria, where he witnessed two tragic construction site accidents.
In addition to his work in construction safety, Ajasa has played a key role in advancing mine safety training, in response to data showing that new and inexperienced surface miners account for approximately 26% of mining accidents.
His research has gained international recognition, having been presented at major conferences, including the International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE) and the Construction Research Congress (CRC).
