How Two-Way Radios Benefit Construction
Construction sites are noisy and dangerous work environments.
Workers must be kept safe.
Deadlines must be met.
Competition for bids is increasing and cost effective measures must be leveraged.
Most communications devices aren’t built to withstand the harsh working conditions created by construction sites.
However, two-way radios are tough and built to work on a construction site no matter how harsh the work conditions may be.
Digital two-way radios have many safety features including the ability to interrupt a transmission to interrupt an emergency.
Why Choose Digital Two-Way Radios for Your Construction Site
Two-way radios are rugged and durable devices.
Radios with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 67 and 68 are tightly sealed to protect against water and dust intrusion.
Read our blog for more information on how to read the IP rating on your two-way radio.
Most two-way radios are also able to withstand shakes and drops, so even if they fall at a job site, they will sustain a lot of damage and don’t have to be as frequently replaced as smartphones.
Two-way radios also allow you to have multiple talk groups, so you can communicate with multiple people simultaneously.
In comparison, you must contact everyone using a cellphone individually, which is a very time consuming process.
Here are some other benefits of digital two-way radios:
- Clear audio
- Built-in safety features including an emergency alarm and Man Down and Lone Worker safety applications
- Rugged devices that meet military specifications for durability
- Long battery life that will last beyond a full work shift
- GPS Tracking of your workforce
- No penalties when driving with two-way radios as they conform to Distracted Driving laws
- Drivers keep their eyes on the road with mobile two-way radios with optional built-in Bluetooth
Built-In Safety Features
Two-way radios can have many safety features including a Man Down alert.
This lets the safety team know when the radio’s accelerometer has detected it is in a horizontal or diagonal tilt or a lack of movement for a set amount of time.
The radio sends a warning to the user when the timer expires.
If it is not promptly acknowledged, the radio will send an emergency call to a response team.
There is also a Transmit Interrupt button which, when pressed, allows a manager or supervisor to interrupt a broadcast.
The Transmit Interrupt feature allows for specific radio users with high level access to interrupt ongoing transmissions to deliver priority one messages to other talk groups or all radios.
This allows everyone on the channel to immediately know about an emergency and respond.
Know where your workers are any time with GPS tracking.
Solutions for Everyone on Your Team
Site Supervisor – Keep track of your workforce no matter where they are using GPS tracking on a two-way radio.
You can also improve productivity by assigning tasks to your crew using Work Order Tickets.
Some Motorola digital two-way radios can last up to 28 hours on a single battery, so you can use them for multiple shifts.
Labourer / On-Site Staff – Be heard loud and clear no matter where you are at a construction site.
Rugged digital two-way radios have productivity-enhancing applications including Work Order Ticket Management, which allows you to accept or reject jobs.
Two-way radios also have Ingress Protection (IP) ratings for dust and water intrusion.
They also meet military specifications, so you know which radios can withstand shocks, shakes, drops and other daily working hazards.
Lastly, they are built for wear and tear, and can withstand the harsh work environment at a construction site.
Safety Manager – Safety is of utmost importance at a job site.
Some two-way radios have an emergency button that can be pressed when a worker is injured, broadcasting an alarm signal.
Some digital two-way radios, including Motorola MOTOTRBO models, also come with additional safety features such as the Man Down and Lone Worker safety applications.
The Man Down application alerts designated people if a motion censor detects a horizontal tilt on the radio and the user does not turn off the alarm within a predetermined time.
The Lone Worker application periodically checks in with users who work remotely, who must check in using the radio to verify their status.
Top Construction Digital Two-Way Radios
The Motorola XPR 3300e is a rugged and durable digital two-way radio featuring clear audio and many safety features.
Motorola CP200d – The Motorola CP200d is a rugged and durable 4-watt radio that is both analog and digital capable.
It can withstand shakes, drops and other daily working hazards that occur at a construction site.
This radio can work up to 18.5 hours so you can use it for multiple shifts.
Motorola MOTOTRBO XPR 3330e – This radio delivers excellent audio, ensuring you are heard at a loud construction site.
Safety is not sacrificed as there are many built-in safety features such as an emergency button and the ability to interrupt a transmit if there is an emergency.
With a battery that can last up to 28.5 hours, you can be sure that this radio will work for a long time.
Motorola MOTOTRBO XPR 5550e – This mobile radio for vehicles is a powerhouse for demanding users.
With superb audio quality as well as GPS Location Tracking and Work Order Ticket Management, you can improve the accountability and safety of your workforce.
Top Two-Way Radio Accessories for Construction
Windporting ensures you can still be heard in windy conditions.
These hands-free devices are convenient to use, allowing you to keep your eyes on your work.
Some models have a rating of IP57 for water submersibility and dust intrusion, so you can use them at a job site with confidence.
Carrying Cases – Protect your two-way radio investment against drops and dust intrusion by using a carrying case.
Spare Batteries – You can’t work if your radio’s battery doesn’t. Carry spare batteries and quickly swap them out if they die while you are on the job.
Multi-Unit Chargers – Multi-unit or gang chargers allow you to quickly charge multiple two-way radios at a time.
TURBO CONNECT
Get seamless coverage with the TURBO CONNECT Wide-Area Digital Push-To-Talk & GPS Network.
Reach your workforce no matter where they are in the Southwestern and Central Ontario coverage zone.
Track your workforce with the TURBO TRACK GPS vehicle tracking system.
TURBO CONNECT leverages Motorola rugged and durable two-way radios.
With flat monthly rates and no long-distance fees, you can seamlessly connect your workforce and unify your team.
Get more information on TURBO CONNECT, or contact one of our two-way radio experts.
The TURBO TALK smartphone app allows your smartphone talk between smartphones and two-way radios.
TURBO TALK
Download the TURBO TALK smartphone push-to-talk app and instantly transform your smartphone into a push-to-talk device.
Reach your workforce no matter where they may be in the world and talk to both smartphones and two-way radios on TURBO CONNECT.
TURBO TALK features one-on-one and one-to-many calls as well as integration with the TURBO CONNECT network.
Find out more about TURBO TALK or contact us to schedule your free demo today.
Conclusion
Two-way radios are the most rugged and durable devices built to withstand the harsh working conditions of a construction work site.
They can also have many safety applications to prevent and reduce worker injuries.
You can also create seamless communication between smartphones and two-way radios using the TURBO TALK smartphone app, or track your workforce with our TURBO CONNECT wide area network.
For more information or to purchase your two-way radios, contact our two-way radio experts.
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