Real-Time Fatigue Evaluation Using Ecological Momentary Assessment and Smartwatch Data: An Observational Field Study on Construction Workers

Abstract

Managing the fatigue of construction workers is crucial to productivity, quality of work, and accident risk reduction. However, the current practice for assessing fatigue is limited when applied to construction sites. This study proposed a framework to objectively and subjectively evaluate construction workers’ fatigue in real-time using an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) application and smartwatch data. Fatigue data were collected from 100 construction workers over three days. The results revealed that objective fatigue factors (heart rate and physical activity) were easily affected by the characteristics of the construction field (i.e., starting early, changing and demanding schedules, and overworking hours), whereas subjective fatigue steadily increased with working time. Most workers were aware of physical fatigue at the end of work for the day, when the EMA scores were the highest in a day. However, objective and subjective fatigue did not completely concur throughout the work period. Our findings are expected to improve the management of construction site health and safety with priority given to construction workers. The proposed framework, which utilizes EMA and wearable devices as a fatigue assessment method, reflects the comprehensive aspect of work-related fatigue.