What is Biometrics?
Firstly, what is biometrics? If the results of a quick survey in the On Track Recruitment Solutions office are any indication to go by then the use of Biometrics in Construction is relatively unknown at this stage. The term biometrics is derived from the Greek words bio meaning life and metric meaning to measure. Biometrics can be defined as the measurement and statistical analysis of people’s unique physical and behavioural characteristics. The technology is mainly used for identification, access control & record management. The basic premise of Biometric authentication is that every person can be accurately identified by his or her intrinsic physical or behavioural traits.
So for example, Instead of using a key or pin code to gain access to a building, biometrics uses who you are to identify you. Biometrics can use physical characteristics, like your face, fingerprints, irises or veins, or behavioral characteristics like your voice, handwriting or typing rhythm. Unlike keys and passwords, your personal traits are extremely difficult to lose or forget. They can also be very difficult to copy. For this reason, many people consider them to be safer and more secure than keys or passwords.
What benefits are there for Civil, Rail & Construction companies?
The manual verification of time sheets, attendance records, individual certifications & qualifications and training records are still widely managed on paper records. This manual input is time consuming for employers and employees, is inefficient and open to costly mistakes or potential fraud.
A Biometric identity system would allow contractors record, manage and report on individuals coming to and from their sites. The technology could be used to simplify the recording of such things as verification of time and attendance, training certifications, site inductions, staff fatigue and accidents.
While the Biometric systems are well-known for the efficiencies that can be realised and ultimately where money can be saved for the employer, the potential to improve health and safety measures for the employee is equally as large. For example, at the point of sign-in a worker could be required to confirm their use of specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and their understanding of site specific health and safety requirements. If PPE requirements changed on a project, then the system can be easily updated with registered individuals notified by email or text, as well as at the point of entry when they next sign-in.
How can On Track Recruitment Solutions Help?
Whilst we are probably some time away from widespread use of biometrics in the construction industries, On Track Recruitment Solutions can assist clients today by managing the training requirements and/or RIW (Rail Industry Worker) cards for our employees on clients sites ensuring that they are correctly qualified before & during the time they are contracted. Feel free to contact us today if you would like to know more about this service or click here to go to the relevant page.
Leave A Comment