Fall 2017 issue of Horizons

Yet, as 3-D printing becomes more prevalent in the industry, construction companies and regulators will get more comfortable with utilizing the changing technology. Exoskeletons Lastly, another advancement already being used on some job sites are exoskeletons or power assist suits. Worn over clothing, these suits help workers operate heavy machinery and tools for a long period of time while minimizing the stress put on the body. Not only does this help protect a worker’s physical well-being, but it also improves the quality of the work by helping the worker stay focused over longer periods. Exoskeletons can also help workers lift heavy objects by redistributing the load of an object to stronger muscles within the body, reducing strain on a worker’s back. There are some risks to current versions of the suits, namely that they limit a worker’s mobility and that the weight of the devices

themselves could inadvertently increase the pressure on unforeseen areas of the body. As with 3-D printing, there is currently insufficient data to generate proper safety standards or to determine any possible long- term health effects, but the potential for increased work quality and employee health is tremendous. As is the case when any new technology is unveiled, those in the construction industry will have to approach the innovations on the horizon with skepticism and caution. However, when considering the potential gains in workplace efficiency, job safety and financial results that technological innovation has to offer, it’s easy to get excited about what the future might have in store for contractors and how they build our world.

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES GROUP

RubinBrown provides services to general contractors, specialty subcontractors and related companies in the construction industry. For more information, visit www.RubinBrown.com/Construction .

Ken Van Bree, CPA, CGMA Partner-In-Charge Construction Services Group 314.290.3429 ken.van.bree@rubinbrown.com

Mark Jansen, CPA, CGMA Partner & Vice Chair Construction Services Group 314.290.3208 mark.jansen@rubinbrown.com

Matt Beerbower, CPA Partner & Vice Chair Construction Services Group 303.952.1252 matt.beerbower@rubinbrown.com

Zach Fritz, CPA Manager Construction Services Group 816.859.7916 zach.fritz@rubinbrown.com

Pat Miller, CPA Manager Construction Services Group 314.290.3217 pat.miller@rubinbrown.com

Chris Coleman, CPA, CCIFP Partner & Vice Chair Construction Services Group 314.290.3263 chris.coleman@rubinbrown.com

Fall 2017

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