Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) awarded its 2024 Innovator of the Year award to Paul Spies of Iron Head Roofing in Corvallis, Ore. The award recognizes a roofing contractor who contributes to the advancement of the roofing industry.
Spies was nominated for developing a unique solution that leverages technology and AI to address safety issues that he was experiencing in his roofing company. He invented an AI-powered camera system that uses real-time monitoring to detect whether workers’ harness ropes are properly secured, notifying site managers when a safety risk is identified. After finding success using the technology within Ironhead Roofing, he created Smart Safety Solutions LLC to share the safety solution with the industry.
“[Spies] is truly an innovator who leveraged the power of technology to help his workers stay safer,” says Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, RT3 award task team leader and past RT3 board president. “This technology represents a proactive approach that prioritizes workplace safety and ultimately reduces fatalities in our industry.”