Solomon Ajasa, a Nigerian-born doctoral researcher at the University of Alabama, has developed an innovative hybrid technology system aimed at preventing accidents at construction and mining sites by identifying hazards before they occur.
Ajasa, who made the announcement on Wednesday in Lagos, said the system was designed in response to the rising number of workplace hazards faced by construction workers in Nigeria and other developing regions.
He stated that his invention integrates multiple technologies to detect fall hazards and issue early warnings, dramatically reducing the risk of injury or death on-site.
Ajasa’s passion for improving safety standards stemmed from his early experiences as a field officer in Nigeria, where he witnessed two fatal construction accidents. That firsthand exposure motivated him to pursue a career focused on occupational safety through data and innovation.
“This hybrid system is not only about fall detection,” he explained. “It’s part of a larger effort to use data-driven research and emerging technologies to protect workers from evolving threats like extreme weather, infectious diseases, and modern construction challenges.”
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As part of his research, Ajasa collaborated with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop heat stress training materials.
His work has so far contributed to the training of over 800 construction workers and 400 surface miners, teaching them to recognize early symptoms of heat exposure and other occupational risks.
Ajasa’s initiative was particularly aimed at addressing vulnerabilities among new and inexperienced surface miners, who account for about 26% of mining-related accidents, according to U.S. data.
The hybrid safety system and accompanying research have gained attention at global academic platforms, including the International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering and the Construction Research Congress, where Ajasa presented findings on the impact of integrated safety solutions in high-risk environments.
Ajasa said the system has the potential to scale across various industries where occupational hazards are prevalent. “We’re not just trying to fix the problems of today,” he said. “We’re preparing for the safety needs of tomorrow.”
With backing from OSHA and growing interest from international bodies, his innovation could soon become a cornerstone of safety standards in developing countries like Nigeria, where regulatory enforcement remains a challenge.
NAN
