Bastille's Feature | Safeguard of Site Scaffolds: Smart Site System Serves as A Fortified Shield Against Construction Hazards

The Wang Fuk Court Fire has exposed multiple vulnerabilities in construction site management. In response, a Hong Kong startup has developed a smart safety system tailored to the unique challenges of local construction sites. The system uses AI image analysis to detect smoking on site, check whether workers are wearing proper safety gear, and even assess the structural safety of bamboo scaffolding, which has already been adopted by government departments, including the Water Supplies Department.

In an interview with Bastille Post, Mr. Chris Man, Consulting Manager of Smart Site System, said the company's self-developed NexSite smart safety platform leverages proprietary AI and IoT technologies to shift the focus from post-accident response to pre-accident prevention.

AI-Powered Detection Captures Unsafe Behavior

One of NexSite's standout features is its AI image analysis system, which can identify smoking in no-smoking areas by detecting smoke trails and hand gestures. It can also instantly flag risky behaviors, such as workers using mobile phones or security guards leaving their posts, and send out real-time alerts. In addition, the system checks whether workers are wearing safety helmets and whether the chin straps are properly fastened in line with Hong Kong safety standards, thereby elevating site safety management from "investigating after an accident" to "preventing before an accident."

One of NexSite's standout features is its AI image analysis system, which can identify smoking in no-smoking areas by detecting smoke trails and hand gestures. Photo source: Smart Site System

Chris explained that the AI can be trained to recognise helmets in any colour — purple, pink, or otherwise — as well as different types of reflective vests, as long as the relevant image data is provided.

IoT System Monitors Bamboo Scaffolding

Given the widespread use of bamboo scaffolding on Hong Kong construction sites, NexSite has also developed an IoT-based monitoring system for scaffolding structures. Sensors are installed at key load-bearing points on the scaffolding and connected to electronic circuits. If the scaffolding becomes loose, experiences abnormal vibrations, or is overloaded, the system will detect the anomaly and interrupt the circuit. Alerts are then sent to site managing staff via cloud platform, mobile phone, WhatsApp, and SMS, enabling rapid on-site inspection and repair, helping to prevent scaffolding collapse accidents.

NexSite has also developed an IoT-based monitoring system for scaffolding structures. Photo by Bastille Post

In extreme weather conditions, the system can also monitor water levels and rainfall in real time, providing early warnings for low-lying areas, which shifts construction site safety from reactive to proactive.

Successfully Deployed in Multiple WSD Projects

Chris noted that NexSite has been deployed in several water distribution reservoir projects under the Water Supplies Department (WSD), including those at Ngau Tam Mei and O Tau, etc. Given the dispersed locations and limited space of the sites, the company team adopted a lightweight, flexible deployment strategy, including setting up mobile live-streaming cameras in confined spaces along with tripods and waterproof casings, and providing technical training to on-site personnel. The system supports fixed cameras, portable lenses, and even body cameras worn by workers, all transmitting real-time footage via 4G networks. Electronic locks and 360-degree cameras are also used to monitor the surroundings of heavy machinery.

Chris noted that the government is actively promoting the adoption of "Smart Site System." His team brings together expertise in both IT and construction technology, giving them a clear understanding of the blind spots and delays inherent in traditional manual site inspections.

He pointed out that the biggest difference between NexSite and other solutions on the market is that all core technologies are developed entirely in-house, which allows the system to be rapidly optimized in response to changes in government policy or evolving site needs, offering far greater flexibility than solutions that rely on third-party vendors.

All core technologies of the system are developed entirely in-house. Photo source: Smart Site System

As for the biggest challenge in promoting the system, Chris said it has been the low acceptance of new technology among construction site workers, who tend to rely on traditional manual management methods.

When asked whether the system's continuous monitoring might raise privacy concerns, Chris said he did not believe it would be a major issue. He explained that the system operates similarly to Hong Kong's existing CCTV networks, with the primary focus on worker safety rather than personal surveillance. Moreover, the company clearly explains the system's purpose to contractors and workers, and most workers understand and accept it, as everyone wants to reduce workplace accidents.

Mr. Chris Man, Consulting Manager of Smart Site System, Photo by Bastille Post

Currently, NexSite is being used on about 10 construction sites in Hong Kong. Chris revealed plans to incorporate robotic surveillance, additional AI analysis modules, and a wider range of IoT sensors. The company is now in discussions with a railway project to use robots to monitor worker activity and lighting conditions inside tunnels, ensuring tunnel safety and further expanding the applications of smart safety management.

CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (May 26) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.

Latest case information

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The case involves a 44-year-old male. He developed itchiness and a skin rash at his lower body from May 13 onwards and attended the Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic (SocHS) of the DHon May 18. The CHP subsequently arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition.

According to information provided by the patient, he has not been vaccinated against Mpox and had high-risk exposure in a hotel in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case, will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with him and will report the case to the World Health Organization.

Follow-up on the "Hutong" cases in Mong Kok

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In addition, the CHP continues to follow up on the two cases announced yesterday (May 25), and urges anyone who visited the premises on Shanghai Street on or after May 1, especially those who hadsexual contact with strangers there, to call the CHP's designated Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373) as soon as possible, so that the CHP can provide health assessments and advice.The hotline operates daily from 9am to 6pm. As of 6pm today, the CHP has successfully contacted 140 persons who visited the premises on or after May 1. All are asymptomatic. The CHP has provided them with health education and will put them under medical surveillance. As investigations are still ongoing, the premises will be closed for 21 days starting from today.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 87 Mpox cases (70 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had history of high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.

Mpox vaccine

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Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for highrisk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:

individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;

healthcare workersresponsible forcaring forpatients with confirmed Mpox;

laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and

animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in caseof Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.

Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

For more details, please visit the CHP's page onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: AI-found images