If you walk around the block and see more buildings than last month, it may not just be in your head. The construction sector has witnessed massive improvements in speed in recent times, with the results visible in industries like education and healthcare. One of the significant driving factors of this growth is 3D printing – a technological innovation that has brought speed and efficiency to construction.
The basic idea is simple: Construction companies can use 3D printers to deposit the required materials. This robotic, CAD-led process works excellently for prototyping and making molds. Global Market Insights predicts that 3D printing in construction will cross $103 billion by 2032. Market watchers also attribute this growth to the customizability that 3DP offers, which appeals to individual and business clients.
An assessment shared by ScienceDirect notes that construction companies can use 3D printing to lower waste and achieve sustainability. Moreover, more homes and commercial properties demand intelligent additions like temperature regulation and fire protection. Modern technologies like the Internet of Things make them feasible and affordable.
However, to make 3DP lucrative, companies need skilled labor and collaborative management attuned to the changing times. It also demands escalated safety protocols for the project’s durability and personnel protection.
How 3DP Can Raise Risks for Construction Workers
The safety risks of 3D printing arise primarily from the ultrafine particles released before or during printing. Many printers use a thermoplastic filament containing chemicals like poly-lactic acid and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Some studies doubt their safety, noting the possibility of structural and molecular interferences caused by PLA-NPLs oxidative stress.
The CDC reports that workers can encounter 3DP hazards from solvents and electrical components. They can damage eyes and skin or cause burns in personnel unless they are adequately trained and supported.
Printers that use filament extruders may not be completely safe either. The US EPA finds that the particle emission rates in these alternatives are considerable. Moreover, the potential risks escalate with specialty filaments that have metal particles.
Construction workers are more vulnerable to these risks if they lack the required know-how on 3D printing technologies. A 2024 McKinsey report found that the construction sector faces severe workforce issues. A scarcity of available workers with the necessary skills can impede projects and affect their quality. The report noted that around 83% of construction personnel claim inexperienced workers are their biggest safety concern.
Managerial Interventions for Safe 3DP Use in Construction
Managers must address these challenges by proactively implementing administrative controls to lower risk. A detailed risk management framework will cover engineering controls like sufficient ventilation and air filters at the construction site.
Further, the management should implement administrative policies that optimize new technologies for construction projects. These can include upskilling the workforce to enhance their productivity on-site.
In changing times, construction firms can benefit from the expertise of an OSHA safety consultant who can conduct safety inspections and compliance training. They can also perform audits for site and business safety. That way, companies can rest assured that they have covered all the bases, including scaffolding and material handling.
In an increasingly volatile environment, it is also vital for the management to be vigilant and participatory. Gathering feedback from the stakeholders on monumental decisions, like using 3DP and automation, will nip any disagreements at the outset. OSHA Staff Safe notes that partnering with industry experts can also help in legal proceedings that stem from violations.
A cautious approach is crucial for modern-day construction projects involving new technologies like virtual reality and robotics. It can help companies prevent losses that can set back their revenue targets.
Worker Safety at an Individual Level: Taking Charge at Work
While managerial support will be essential to optimize the advantages of 3D printing, workers must also follow caution with hitherto unexplored technologies. It can start at the most elementary level: equipping oneself with the knowledge to be safe at various printing stages. These include preparing and cleaning – all of which can cause particulate exposure in workers.
Employees must demand adequate personnel protection for projects that use 3DP. It should be comprehensive, from protective gear to heat regulation and electrical safety. Familiarizing oneself with the noise and waste produced will also be critical.
Besides personal safety, 3DP can also trigger other apprehensions in construction workers. The World Economic Forum predicts that workforce displacement could be another unintended consequence of 3DP. Automation saves time and costs and may also reduce the need to hire a large team for a project. This possibility can antagonize some workers and make them reluctant to optimize 3DP.
However, the technology can also enable construction firms to take on more complex jobs that need more customization. It can also create new jobs for overseeing and maintaining printers. Channeling these opportunities will require drive and willingness at an individual’s end.
The construction sector is going through a riveting time. Things are looking up after the chaos of COVID-19, and more companies are exploring innovative projects that demand newer methodologies. Amid the growing popularity of 3D printing, leading players in construction must prioritize the safety of their workforce.
At present, industry leaders are treading with care on 3DP. Business owners and their legal teams are examining concerns on intellectual property and ethics. Workers are adapting to newer ways of work, admiring groundbreaking commercial and personal spaces made possible with 3D printing.
As long as all the involved parties stay alert and invested, 3DP seems well-poised to catalyze the resurgence of the construction sector in 2025.
