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Dodoo JE, Al-Samarraie H, Alzahrani AI, Lonsdale M, Alalwan N. Digital Innovations for Occupational Safety: Empowering Workers in Hazardous Environments. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:84-95. [PMID: 38193448 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231215811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quest to increase safety awareness, make job sites safer, and promote decent work for all has led to the utilization of digital technologies in hazardous occupations. This study investigated the use of digital innovations for safety and health management in hazardous industries. The key challenges and recommendations associated with such use were also explored. METHOD Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a total of 48 studies were reviewed to provide a framework for future pathways for the effective implementation of these innovations. FINDINGS The results revealed four main categories of digital safety systems: wearable-based systems, augmented/virtual reality-based systems, artificial intelligence-based systems, and navigation-based systems. A wide range of technological, behavioral, and organizational challenges were identified in relation to the key themes. CONCLUSION Outcomes from this review can inform policymakers and industrial decision-makers about the application of digital innovations for best safety practices in various hazardous work conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Eva Dodoo
- Department of Business Studies, College of Distance Education, Cape Coast University, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Hosam Al-Samarraie
- School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Instructional Technology and Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Nasser Alalwan
- Computer Science Department, Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Begerowski SR, Hedrick KN, Waldherr F, Mears L, Shuffler ML. The forgotten teammate: Considering the labor perspective in human-autonomy teams. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Jin Z, Gambatese J, Karakhan A, Nnaji C. Analysis of prevention through design studies in construction: A subject review. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2023; 84:138-154. [PMID: 36868642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concept of addressing and minimizing construction site safety risks in the early phase of a project has generated research interest, especially since the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) launched its national Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative in July 2007. In the last decade, several studies on PtD with differeing goals and methods have been published in construction journals. To date, few systematic examinations of the development and trends associated with PtD research have been conducted in the discipline. METHOD This paper presents a study of the latest PtD research trends in construction safety management through analysis of publications in prominent construction journals from 2008 to 2020. Both descriptive and content analyses were conducted based on the number of papers published annually and clusters of topics covered in the papers. RESULTS The study shows an increasing interest in PtD research in recent years. Research topics covered mainly focus on the perspectives of PtD stakeholders, PtD resources/tools/procedures, and technology applications to facilitate PtD implementation in practice. This review study provides an improved understanding of the state-of-the-art of PtD research in terms of accomplishments and research gaps. The study also compares the findings from journal articles with industry best practices related to PtD to guide future research in this domain. PRACTICAL APPLICATION This review study is of significant value to researchers to overcome the limitations of the current PtD studies, and to extend the scope of PtD research, and can be used by industry professionals when considering and selecting appropriate PtD resources/tools in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Jin
- Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - John Gambatese
- School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Ali Karakhan
- Department of Reconstruction & Projects, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Chukwuma Nnaji
- Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Soltanzadeh A, Mohammadfam I, Mahdinia M, Sadeghi-Yarandi M. Construction accident data mining: A retrospective study using structural equation modeling based on 10-year data. Work 2023; 75:1341-1350. [PMID: 36710709 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The data mining of construction accidents based on a robust modeling process can be used as a practical technique for reducing the frequency of construction accidents. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to data-mine construction accidents. METHODS This study was conducted in 2020 on construction accidents in Iran for ten years (2009-2018). The instruments to collect the required data were the checklists and descriptive reports of the accidents. The dependent variables of the study included reactive safety indicators related to construction accidents (lost working days (LWD) and total accident costs (TAC)). The independent variables consisted of four latent factors: personal variables, organizational variables, unsafe working conditions, and unsafe acts. The data were collected based on the conceptual model designed for data mining. The data mining process was carried out based on the structural equation modeling by IBM AMOS V. 23.0. RESULTS A total of 5742 construction accidents occurring in 10 years were analyzed. The means of TAC and LWD indicators were estimated to be 248.20±52.60 days and 1893.10±152.22 $. These two indicators directly correlated with the two latent factors of unsafe conditions and unsafe acts and their related variables and were indirectly influenced by latent personal and organizational factors. The relationship between unsafe conditions and unsafe acts was significantly positive. The relationship between latent personal and organizational factors and the two construction accident indicators was significantly negative (p <0.05). CONCLUSION The model results showed that personal and organizational variables could, directly and indirectly, affect reactive safety indicators in construction projects. Thus, these findings can be used to design and improve safety strategies to prevent and decrease construction accidents and incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Soltanzadeh
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Iraj Mohammadfam
- Department of Ergonomics, Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mahdinia
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sadeghi-Yarandi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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On-Body Placement of Wearable Safety Promotion Devices Based on Wireless Communication for Construction Workers-on-Foot: State-of-the-Art Review. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22093134. [PMID: 35590824 PMCID: PMC9101669 DOI: 10.3390/s22093134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
High auditory noise levels and limited visibility are often considered among the main factors that hinder seamless communication on construction sites. Many previous research studies have leveraged technology to overcome these obstacles and communicate using the hearing, sight and touch senses. However, the technological efficacy does not secure the users’ perceptivity of the wireless communication devices. Statistical data regarding the number of fatal accidents on construction sites have remained steady despite regular efforts. This study analyzed prior research on wearable safety promotion devices for personnel that move around the jobsite on foot. A seven-point checklist was utilized to shortlist prior studies (2005–2021) attempting to provide safety information wirelessly to the construction workers-on-foot. The reasoning behind various on-body placements was investigated along with the information conveyed using the three communication modalities. A novel communication network is also introduced to visualize the technical details. Lastly, limitations and future recommendations have been presented to gain insights about the factors that might affect the placement of the wearable safety promotion devices.
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Nnaji C, Jin Z, Karakhan A. Safety and health management response to COVID-19 in the construction industry: A perspective of fieldworkers. PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION : TRANSACTIONS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS, PART B 2022; 159:477-488. [PMID: 35068710 PMCID: PMC8766253 DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted the construction industry. The pandemic can exacerbate an already dire safety and health situation in the industry and negatively impact construction employees and employers. The present study investigates the safety and health measures implemented by construction firms in the United States (US), their effectiveness and usefulness, and workers' satisfaction with these COVID-19 measures. A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to construction fieldworkers in the US to collect their perspectives on the implemented COVID-19 measures in the construction industry. A total of 187 valid responses were received and analyzed to achieve the aim of the study. Results revealed that strategies implemented to increase social distance and minimize group gathering to 10 persons in certain workstations were perceived to be substantially more effective than job-site screening strategies. Furthermore, smaller contractors implemented fewer safety measures and perceived them to be significantly less effective than those used by medium- and large-sized contractors. Fieldworkers were favorably disposed toward using technologies, such as video-conferencing apps and wearable sensing devices, to slow the spread of COVID-19 on construction job sites. The present study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying safety and health measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in construction. Practically, the study findings provide valuable insights to inform the successful implementation of safety strategies in the construction industry during a pandemic. The results are crucial for industry practitioners responsible for developing and revising pre- and post-pandemic safety and health plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuma Nnaji
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama, 3043 HM Comer, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Ziyu Jin
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, University of New Mexico, Centennial Engineering Center Room 3052, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Ali Karakhan
- Department of Reconstruction & Projects, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq
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Howard J, Murashov V, Cauda E, Snawder J. Advanced sensor technologies and the future of work. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:3-11. [PMID: 34647336 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure science is fundamental to the field of occupational safety and health. The measurement of worker exposures to hazardous agents informs effective workplace risk mitigation strategies. The modern era of occupational exposure measurement began with the invention of the personal sampling device, which is still widely used today in the practice of occupational hygiene. Newer direct-reading sensor devices are incorporating recent advances in transducers, nanomaterials, electronics miniaturization, portability, batteries with high-power density, wireless communication, energy-efficient microprocessing, and display technology to usher in a new era in exposure science. Commercial applications of new sensor technologies have led to a variety of health and lifestyle management devices for everyday life. These applications are also being investigated as tools to measure occupational and environmental exposures. As the next-generation placeable, wearable, and implantable sensor technologies move from the research laboratory to the workplace, their role in the future of work will be of increasing importance to employers, workers, and occupational safety and health researchers and practitioners. This commentary discusses some of the benefits and challenges of placeable, wearable, and implantable sensor technologies in the future of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Howard
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Vladimir Murashov
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Emanuele Cauda
- Center for Direct Reading and Sensor Technologies, Pittsburgh Mining Research Division National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - John Snawder
- Center for Direct Reading and Sensor Technologies, Health Effects Laboratory Division National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Cincinnati Ohio USA
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Martínez-Rojas M, Gacto MJ, Vitiello A, Acampora G, Soto-Hidalgo JM. An Internet of Things and Fuzzy Markup Language Based Approach to Prevent the Risk of Falling Object Accidents in the Execution Phase of Construction Projects. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21196461. [PMID: 34640781 PMCID: PMC8511994 DOI: 10.3390/s21196461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm is establishing itself as a technology to improve data acquisition and information management in the construction field. It is consolidating as an emerging technology in all phases of the life cycle of projects and specifically in the execution phase of a construction project. One of the fundamental tasks in this phase is related to Health and Safety Management since the accident rate in this sector is very high compared to other phases or even sectors. For example, one of the most critical risks is falling objects due to the peculiarities of the construction process. Therefore, the integration of both technology and safety expert knowledge in this task is a key issue including ubiquitous computing, real-time decision capacity and expert knowledge management from risks with imprecise data. Starting from this vision, the goal of this paper is to introduce an IoT infrastructure integrated with JFML, an open-source library for Fuzzy Logic Systems according to the IEEE Std 1855-2016, to support imprecise experts’ decision making in facing the risk of falling objects. The system advises the worker of the risk level of accidents in real-time employing a smart wristband. The proposed IoT infrastructure has been tested in three different scenarios involving habitual working situations and characterized by different levels of falling objects risk. As assessed by an expert panel, the proposed system shows suitable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Martínez-Rojas
- Department of Economics and Business Management, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Málaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain;
| | - María José Gacto
- Department of Computer Science, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
| | - Autilia Vitiello
- Department of Physics “Ettore Pancini”, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Giovanni Acampora
- Department of Physics “Ettore Pancini”, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.V.); (G.A.)
| | - Jose Manuel Soto-Hidalgo
- Department of Computer Architecture and Technology, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Eitzen I, Renberg J, Færevik H. The Use of Wearable Sensor Technology to Detect Shock Impacts in Sports and Occupational Settings: A Scoping Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:4962. [PMID: 34372198 PMCID: PMC8348544 DOI: 10.3390/s21154962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Shock impacts during activity may cause damage to the joints, muscles, bones, or inner organs. To define thresholds for tolerable impacts, there is a need for methods that can accurately monitor shock impacts in real-life settings. Therefore, the main aim of this scoping review was to present an overview of existing methods for assessments of shock impacts using wearable sensor technology within two domains: sports and occupational settings. Online databases were used to identify papers published in 2010-2020, from which we selected 34 papers that used wearable sensor technology to measure shock impacts. No studies were found on occupational settings. For the sports domain, accelerometry was the dominant type of wearable sensor technology utilized, interpreting peak acceleration as a proxy for impact. Of the included studies, 28 assessed foot strike in running, head impacts in invasion and team sports, or different forms of jump landings or plyometric movements. The included studies revealed a lack of consensus regarding sensor placement and interpretation of the results. Furthermore, the identified high proportion of validation studies support previous concerns that wearable sensors at present are inadequate as a stand-alone method for valid and accurate data on shock impacts in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Eitzen
- Department of Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF Digital, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Julie Renberg
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Digital, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hilde Færevik
- Department of Health Research, SINTEF Digital, 7034 Trondheim, Norway
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