Optimizing Construction Work–Rest Schedules and Worker Reassignment Utilizing Wristband Physiological Data

Abstract

Construction workers are exposed to long physically demanding work hours and require sufficient work rests to avoid strenuous fatigue, productivity loss, and adverse health effects. In the literature, limited efforts incorporated standardized work–rest periods in the construction schedule without accounting for the variation among the workers’ live physiological conditions. Rather than focusing on the worker’s fatigue data collection, this paper utilizes sample cardiovascular stress and energy exertion data from health-related studies, collected using wearable Fitbits. The paper then proposes a framework for the analysis and utilization of this physiological data to design optimum work–rest schedules and worker reassignment plans as two strategies to mitigate workers’ fatigue. The framework uses a constraint programming schedule optimization model that minimizes workers’ physiological strain through optimized work rests and worker reassignments. Using a hypothetical schedule with the workers’ fatigue data, the model proposed two 20-min breaks for one worker and two 5-min breaks for other workers and reassigned eight workers to different tasks. The framework helps project managers to efficiently improve the health and safety of workers and improve productivity, leading to a more inclusive work environment.