TORONTO — EllisDon, one of Canada’s leading construction firms, is redefining how artificial intelligence (AI) integrates with jobsite safety. By combining technology with strong ethical governance, the company aims to set a new standard for responsible AI use in the construction industry.
EllisDon’s approach leverages computer vision systems that analyze both interior and exterior footage from active job sites. These systems identify safety risks — such as missing guardrails, unsecured materials, or workers not wearing protective gear — allowing supervisors to correct issues before they escalate.
AI-Powered Hazard Detection and Monitoring
According to Patrick LaLonde, EllisDon’s Senior Director of Digital Project Delivery, the company uses 360-degree photo walkthroughs to capture and analyze safety conditions.
“We do 360 photo walkthroughs. Essentially, we’ll take a camera, walk through our job site on a regular basis with a 360 photo, and it kind of creates like this Google Street View sort of version of the job site. When we upload that to our system, it’s able to analyze each photo and pick out safety infractions,” LaLonde explained.
Beyond hazard detection, EllisDon’s AI monitors deliveries, vehicle activity, and worker movement, creating a comprehensive data set for site management. This enables remote supervision of complex or high-risk environments and gives teams access to historical records to analyze trends or investigate incidents.
However, LaLonde emphasizes that AI is designed to assist, not replace, human expertise.
“Our approach will always be an assistance to our traditional process to help us be more accurate and be more efficient with our reporting and creating safer job sites,” he said. “But not in any way a replacement to any human interaction.”
Prioritizing Privacy and Responsible Governance
In a time when digital surveillance raises growing privacy concerns, EllisDon maintains a human-centered approach. The company relies on standard site cameras, rather than more invasive systems requiring personal data.
“We did see some resistance from tools like workforce management systems,” LaLonde noted. “People weren’t comfortable sharing their cell numbers or email addresses — it just felt too intrusive.”
To ensure ethical deployment, EllisDon reviews each AI application case-by-case under a structured governance policy. This policy evaluates the ethical implications, data sensitivity, and transparency of every new AI tool.
“The AI use cases are continuing to grow and evolve,” LaLonde said. “We’re absolutely taking those case by case and treating them with caution.”
Trying to Set an Example for the Industry
EllisDon is part of a broader shift within construction, where AI is increasingly used to automate repetitive tasks and streamline communication. The company believes that the most effective AI applications focus on constant vigilance — an area where machines can outperform humans in endurance and consistency.
LaLonde encourages industry leaders to apply AI strategically and ethically:
“The best application right now is reducing a lot of that manual human reliance on things like site monitoring and repetitive tasks. We can’t have eyes everywhere 24-7 — a human can’t, but AI can help bridge that gap.”
By embracing AI as a supportive partner in construction safety, EllisDon demonstrates that innovation and ethics can progress hand in hand. The company’s transparent, responsible governance model serves as an example for firms seeking to harness AI without compromising worker trust or safety.
Conclusion
As the construction industry continues to evolve, EllisDon’s approach highlights the balance between innovation and responsibility. By embedding ethics, transparency, and safety into every layer of its AI strategy, the company is helping shape a smarter, safer, and more human-centered future for construction.