Cheng, M. Y.; Vu, Q. T. and Yang, L. K. (2026) Multidimensional fall risk assessment for the real-time monitoring of construction site worker safety. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(7), pp. 1191-1221. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
The construction industry has a significantly higher risk of fatal accidents than other sectors. According to the 2024 Taiwan Safety and Health Administration report, falls account for 60.04% of all construction-related incidents. These accidents often result from working at heights, particularly on platforms or near unprotected openings. While interventions focus on physical safety, they often overlook worker's mental and physiological conditions. Factors such as mental fatigue, reduced concentration, and excessive heat exposure significantly increase accident risk. This study develops a fall risk assessment model tailored to construction, integrating three key factors: area risk, psychological fatigue, and physiological stress. Area risk is determined using historical accident data and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to identify high-risk zones. Psychological fatigue is assessed through brainwave analysis using Fourier transform, while physiological stress is evaluated based on the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) heat stress guidelines, incorporating Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and heart rate data. By combining these dimensions, the model generates a real-time fall risk matrix, allowing proactive risk management and reducing fall accidents on construction sites.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | fall accident; hazardous area; heat stress; mental fatigue; psychological risk assessment |
| Index terms: | fatigue, construction site, Taiwan, fourier transform, exposure, falls, building information modelling, platform, heart, construction industry, dimension, heat stress, risk assessment, monitoring, risk management, occupational safety and health |
| Subjects: | Geography, digital design, financial risk, medical science and clinical practice, control systems, risk assessment, mathematical modelling, health monitoring assessment and metrics, work location, health risk and incident analysis, public and environmental health, industry analysis, environmental health, information systems, occupational health and safety management, health conditions and diseases |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Site Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Sustainability, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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