A series of apps for Apple and Android platforms covering hazard spotting (HazzApp) and site inspections (EasiApp) have been designed and developed by demolition contractor Coleman & Company.
The company hopes the apps will transform paper based methods, which it argues are ‘outdated’. Giving the example of best practice for hazard spotting – typically using a paper pad or card system – Coleman explains how these methods rely on the hazard being spotted, the pad or card being completed, and it being legible once it makes it back to the health and safety team. After close inspection, the Coleman & Company HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment and Quality) team found that employees used their mobile device to document works and share information electronically.
According to Coleman & Company, HazzApps loaded on a trusted phone is available at the touch of a button, allowing the user to log in, select a site, supervisor and area of works, take a photograph of the hazard, write a short comment and register it immediately in Coleman & Company’s online database. The firm explains this is 
then seen as an “open” safety observation, to be “closed out” by the site team. All team members are notified, action is taken, typically closing out the hazard by uploading a closure photograph to evidence the rectification of site issues, says Coleman.
The EasiApp (Electronically Accessed Site Inspections) works on the same principle, where the areas for inspection are chosen from a predetermined list, with photos and comments attached, adds the company.
Coleman & Company says HazzApp and EasiApp will be available to download (free of charge) from the App Store through Apple and Android.
