Physiological Metrics Across Construction Activity

9 pages•Published: December 11, 2023

Abstract

Safety management and occupational health are essential for construction work. Several studies examine the extent to which physical activity impacts the health and safety of construction workers. To date, however, few studies directly assess the impact of construction activities. This research analyzes physiological and environmental data to explore the impact of construction activity on individual workers, under a range of ambient conditions. Vital signs and physical indicators including heart rate, breathing rate, core temperature, physiological load, mechanical load and posture were collected from a relatively homogeneous set of US Air Force Academy cadets while performing four different construction activities. Results suggest average physiological measures (i.e. mean Heart Rate, Breathing Rate etc.) statistically vary by individual even for individuals similar in age, health, and fitness. Despite individual distinctions, statistical trends and patterns are observable across construction activities. Specifically, the results demonstrate that concrete and asphalt placement are generally more physically demanding, followed by, heavy equipment operation and surveying activities respectively. In addition, the ambient variable, Heat Index, plays a significant role and merits future research. The primary contribution of the research is to demonstrate a method for monitoring and assessing discrete physiological metrics across individuals as well as construction activity.

Keyphrases: Construction Worker Health, Physiological Metrics, Physiological status monitoring technology, safety

In: Tom Leathem, Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 59th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 4, pages 426--434

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/l3BP
	https://doi.org/10.29007/b1x1