Integrating the data science of predictive analytics into the workflows of construction is a daunting task, but the potential benefits for safety and efficiency could be significant, according to a new white paper from an industry technology group.

The Predictive Analytics Strategic Council, a coalition of more than a dozen major contractors, insurers and technology firms,has released its first white paper. In it, PASC outlines how predictive analytics can be incorporated into a construction firm’s workflows in ways that reduce safety incidents by warning companies of similar situations that have led to previous accidents and disasters.

 By ingesting large volumes of project data, images and safety reports, the white paper proposes that predictive algorithms can find connections in the data, revealing insights into the conditions that precede serious safety incidents on construction jobsites.

But the paper cautions that companies should not view predictive analytics as certainties, rather as probabilistic models of potential hazards. The paper’s authors write: “We are all experts in reading reports. Where we need assistance is in the deployment and interpretation of predictive results.”

In addition to the technological expertise from visual-analysis AI firm Smartvid.io, the PASC white paper includes input from its members, including insurers Aon and AXA-XL, and construction firms Bagetelos Architectural Glass Systems, Barton Malow Co., Bouygues Construction, DPR Construction, Ferrovial, JE Dunn Construction, Lithko Contracting, Messer Construction, Mortenson Construction, Obayashi Corp., Shawmut Design and Construction, Skanska, Suffolk Construction Co., VINCI Construction and Webcor Builders.

The PASC white paper can be downloaded at www.pasc.ai.