Capabilities of an Assessment System for Construction Worker Physiology

Abstract

Limited data exists on how construction activities physically impact construction workers. This research explores the use of physiological status monitors (PSMs) to assess the impact of construction activities, individual characteristics, and environmental factors on construction worker physiology. The fundamental objective of the study is to explore the potential for and effectiveness of using off-the-shelf devices and software to measure physical indicators related to heart rate, breathing rate, core temperature, and physiological and mechanical loads to assess construction worker physical status and wellbeing. The secondary objective to demonstrate various opportunities for decision makers to use such a system to analytically and visually evaluate the health and productivity of individuals performing various construction activities. The research was completed in three phases and compares data from individuals of varying experience performing four construction activities. While findings may or may not be generalizable, they suggest that fitness impacts the physical stress experienced by construction workers; findings also suggest that stress varies considerably across individuals and construction activity. Such findings highlight significant opportunities and potential strategies for monitoring and assessing construction worker health and productivity. Specifically, the contribution of the research is to describe and document the innovative capabilities of a monitoring system, which collects construction worker instantaneous and cumulative physiological measures.