A cloud-edge computing architecture for monitoring protective equipment

The proper use of protective equipment is very important to avoid fatalities. One sector in which this has a great impact is that of construction sites, where a large number of workers die each year. In this sector as in others, employers are responsible for providing their employees with this equipment. In addition, employers must monitor and ensure its correct use. These tasks are usually performed using manual procedures. Existing tools to automate this process are unreliable and present scalability issues. In this paper, we research the benefits of using a cloud-edge computing architecture to automate the monitoring of protective equipment. The solution we propose successfully addresses all the problems that appear in hostile and unstructured work environments such as construction sites. Although these sites are used as a use case, the approach presented can also be deployed in other sectors with similar characteristics and restrictions.