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

A deep neural network algorithm-based approach for predicting recovery period of accidents according to construction scale

Despite ongoing safety efforts, construction sites experience a concerningly high accident rate. Notwithstanding that policies and research to reduce the risk of accidents in the construction industry have been active for a long time, the accident rate in the construction industry is considerably higher than in other industries. This trend may likely be further exacerbated by the rapid growth of large-scale construction projects driven by urban population expansion. Consequently, accurately predicting recovery periods of accidents at construction sites in advance and proactively investing in measures to mitigate them is critical for efficiently managing construction projects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose a framework for developing accident prediction models based on the Deep Neural Network (DNN) algorithm according to the scale of the construction site. This study suggests DNN models and applies the DNN for each construction site scale to predict accident recovery periods. The model performance and accuracy were evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-square error (RMSE) and compared with the widely used multiple regression analysis model. As a result of model comparison, the DNN models showed a lower prediction error rate than the regression analysis models for both small-to-medium and large construction sites. The findings and framework of this study can be applied as the opening stage of accident risk assessment using deep learning techniques, and the introduction of deep learning technology to safety management according to the scale of the construction site is provided as a guideline.

Predictive worker safety assessment through on-site correspondence using multi-layer fuzzy logic in outdoor construction environments

Construction sites remain highly perilous work environments globally, exposing employees to numerous hazards that can result in severe injuries or fatalities. To resolve this several solutions based on quantitative approaches have been developed. However the wide adoption of preexisting solutions is hindered by lack of accuracy. To this aim the development of an efficient fuzzy inference system has become a de-facto necessity. In this paper, we propose an edge inference framework based on multi-layered fuzzy logic for safety of construction workers. The proposed system employs an edge computing-based framework where IoT devices collect, store, and manage data to offer safety services. Multi-layer fuzzy logic is applied to infer the worker safety index based on rules that consist of construction environment factors. The multi-layer fuzzy logic is fed with weather, building and worker data collected from IoT nodes as inputs. The safety risk assessment process involves analyzing various factors. Weather information, such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall data, is considered to assess the risk to safety. The condition of the building is evaluated by analyzing load, strain, and inclination data. Additionally, the safety risk to workers is analyzed by taking into account their heart rate and location information. The initial layer's outputs are utilized as inputs for the subsequent layer, where an integrated safety index is inferred. Ultimately, the safety index is generated as the final outcome. The system's results are conveyed through warnings and an error measurement on a safety scale ranging from 1 to 10. Furthermore, web service is developed to allow the construction management to check the worker safety condition of the construction site in real-time, while also monitoring the operational status of the IoT devices, allowing for the early detection of sensor malfunction and the subsequent guarantee of worker safety. Extensive evaluations conducted to test the performance of the developed framework verify its efficiency to provide improved risk assessment, real-time monitoring, and proactive safety actions, encouraging a safer and more productive work environment.

Work-Related Injuries among Insured Construction Workers Presenting to a Swiss Adult Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study (2016-2020)

Occupational injuries are one of the main causes of Emergency Department visits and represent a substantial source of disability or even death. However, the published studies and reports on construction-occupational accidents in Switzerland are limited. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal and non-fatal injuries among construction workers older than 16 years of age over a 5-year period. Data were gathered from the emergency department (ED) of Bern University Hospital. A retrospective design was chosen to allow analysis of changes in construction accidents between 2016-2020. A total of 397 patients were enrolled. Compared to studies in other countries, we also showed that the upper extremity and falling from height is the most common injured body part and mechanism of injury. Furthermore, we were able to show that the most common age group representing was 26-35 years and the second common body part injured was the head, which is a difference from studies in other countries. Wound lacerations were the most common type of injury, followed by joint distortions. By stratifying according to the season, occupational injuries among construction workers were found to be significant higher during summer and autumn. As work-related injuries among construction workers are becoming more common, prevention strategies and safety instructions must be optimized.

Workers’ Unsafe Actions When Working at Heights: Detecting from Images

Working at heights causes heavy casualties among workers during construction activities. Workers’ unsafe action detection could play a vital role in strengthening the supervision of workers to avoid them falling from heights. Existing methods for managing workers’ unsafe actions commonly rely on managers’ observation, which consumes a lot of human resources and impossibly covers a whole construction site. In this research, we propose an automatic identification method for detecting workers’ unsafe actions, considering a heights working environment, based on an improved Faster Regions with CNN features (Faster R-CNN) algorithm. We designed and carried out a series of experiments involving five types of unsafe actions to examine their efficiency and accuracy. The results illustrate and verify the method’s feasibility for improving safety inspection and supervision, as well as its limitations.

Predicting financial losses due to apartment construction accidents utilizing deep learning techniques

This study aims to generate a deep learning algorithm-based model for quantitative prediction of financial losses due to accidents occurring at apartment construction sites. Recently, the construction of apartment buildings is rapidly increasing to solve housing shortage caused by increasing urban density. However, high-rise and large-scale construction projects are increasing the frequency and severity of accidents occurring inside and outside of construction sites, leading to increases of financial losses. In particular, the increase in severe weather and the surge in abnormal weather events due to climate change are aggravating the risk of financial losses associated with accidents occurring at construction sites. Therefore, for sustainable and efficient management of construction projects, a loss prediction model that prevents and reduces the risk of financial loss is essential. This study collected and analyzed insurance claim payout data from a main insurance company in South Korea regarding accidents occurring inside and outside of construction sites. Deep learning algorithms were applied to develop predictive models reflecting scientific and recent technologies. Results and framework of this study provide critical guidance on financial loss management necessary for sustainable and efficacious construction project management. They can be used as a reference for various other construction project management studies.