Social ID cards and AI in construction: unlocking the potential for smarter and safer work.

The future of safe, fair, and transparent work in the European construction sector took centre stage on 18 November at the joint conference of the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the building trade (BG BAU) and the European Labour Authority (ELA). Under the title “Smart Work, Safe Work: Learning from Europe's Best Practices and Building an AI-based Ecosystem for Risk Assessment in Europe”, experts, policymakers, and industry representatives gathered to explore how digital tools and artificial intelligence can transform occupational safety.

Strong momentum for digital social ID cards

A major focus of the event was the role of social ID cards in the construction industry. Countries such as Austria, Sweden, and Finland already rely on these digital identification systems and showcased their benefits. Their experiences demonstrate how social ID cards create transparency on construction sites, prevent abuse of labour standards, and form a reliable foundation for future AI-driven safety tools. By ensuring that worker qualifications are properly documented and verifiable, the cards help both employers and authorities uphold fair working conditions.

Germany is preparing to introduce its own system in 2026. According to BG BAU, this will be a decisive step for occupational health and safety.

Artificial intelligence for safer workplaces

Another central topic was the potential of AI to improve safety in construction. Today, digital technologies already offer promising opportunities for risk prevention. Intelligent risk assessments, real-time detection of hazards, and digital assistance systems can help companies identify dangers earlier and respond more effectively. AI-supported tools can enhance efficiency and precision, but experts emphasised that human judgment must remain at the core of all safety decisions.

Successful implementation requires involving workers and ensuring that new technologies remain understandable and accessible. The speakers praised the positive results of existing European pilot projects, including AI-supported approvals in Austria and the use of AI to prevent accidents at work in the construction industry. Many highlighted that digitalisation and AI are not abstract future visions. They are tools that can already make construction sites safer, fairer, and more transparent.

A Timely Discussion

The conference took place at a moment of important legislative developments. Only days before, the European Commission launched a call for evidence for the upcoming Construction Services Act. The goal is to reduce barriers to cross-border access in the construction and installation sectors. Digital systems, including social security cards and AI-based security tools, will play a significant role in this. They are intended to enable a more integrated European market while ensuring the protection of employees.