Construction firms face a responsibility in ensuring the well-being of their employees. The health and well-being of construction workers is of fundamental concern. Electric construction machines can offer significant benefits in this area, both by improving worksite air quality and reducing noise pollution.
Reduced Noise Pollution
Construction workers are exposed to high levels of noise on a daily basis, which can lead to hearing loss and other health problems. Noise levels from construction machines can often exceed 90 decibels (dB), which is the level at which hearing damage can begin to occur. Electric construction machines are significantly quieter than combustion engines, operating at noise levels that are typically 20-30 dB lower. This can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of workers, reducing the risk of hearing loss and other noise-related illnesses.
A number of studies have found that noise exposure can lead to decreased productivity in workers. This suggests that the reduced noise levels from electric construction machines could lead to significant productivity gains.
Extended Working Hours
The impact of construction noise extends beyond the worksite. Noise pollution can be a significant inconvenience for the communities surrounding construction areas. In response to noise concerns, urban and suburban areas often impose strict regulations that limit the operational hours during which construction machinery can be used.
These restrictions can severely hamper project timelines and ultimately lead to delays and increased costs. Electric construction machines could help to extend working hours, giving construction firms more flexibility and allowing them to complete projects more efficiently. Their considerably lower noise levels make them more neighbor-friendly, reducing disruptions and noise-related stress for those living in the vicinity of construction sites.
Reduced Vibrations
Diesel-powered engines, due to their combustion nature, generate substantial vibrations during operation. These vibrations can be transmitted throughout the entire machine, leading to an uncomfortable working environment for operators.The constant exposure to these vibrations can contribute to various health issues among construction workers, including hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and whole-body vibration-related ailments.
By contrast, electric construction machines significantly reduce vibrations. Their operation, devoid of internal combustion engines, results in smoother and quieter performance. As an added advantage, less vibration also leads to a decrease in wear and tear on the machinery, potentially extending the lifespan of these valuable tools.
Moreover, the SKY 1000‘s remote operation capability minimizes the risk of accidents, especially in scenarios where the working environment might be unsafe due to debris, unstable terrain, or during specific high-risk tasks such as demolition. The ability to control the machine from a distance enables the operator to make quick adjustments without being in direct proximity to potentially dangerous areas.
Improved Air Quality
Diesel-powered construction machines emit harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. These pollutants can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer. Electric machines produce zero emissions, which can significantly improve air quality on construction sites and in the surrounding area.
In addition to these environmental benefits, electric construction machines also offer a number of economic benefits. Electric machines are cheaper to operate and maintain than diesel machines. They do not require fuel, which can save construction companies significant amounts of money over the long term. Electric machines also have fewer moving parts than diesel machines, which means they are less likely to break down and require less maintenance.
The construction industry is beginning to transition to electric machines, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. The upfront cost of electric machines is higher than the cost of diesel machines, but the long-term savings on operating and maintenance costs can offset this initial investment. Additionally, the charging infrastructure for electric construction machines is not yet as widely available as the fueling infrastructure for diesel machines.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of electric construction machines are clear. Electric machines can help to improve air and noise quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save construction companies money in the long term. As the technology continues to develop and the charging infrastructure becomes more widely available, electric construction machines are poised to become the new standard in the construction industry.
In addition to the savings on operating and maintenance costs, electric construction machines can also help construction companies to improve their environmental performance and corporate image.
