A real-time monitoring system for improving construction workers' health and safety

While previous research have been undertaken to improve construction site safety, from manual handlings, management systems, to human skills, behaviors and culture, it is believed that the next step must focus on application of information technology (IT) on construction sites. The aim of this research is to design and develop a real-time system for monitoring construction sites workers' health and safety conditions. Through the university-industry collaborative effort, a real-time monitoring system is designed and developed and it is currently being pilot applied in a construction site. This system has the following functions: (1) Real-time monitoring of workers' physiological conditions (such as heart beat rates, and body temperatures); (2) Real-time tracking of worker's physical working positions and conditions (such as heights and locations); (3) Real-time communication between managerial staff and site workers. This paper also explains various information technologies adapted for developing the system, together with discussions of the advantages of this system. In addition the paper discusses the costs, training and ethical issues in relation to the development and application of the system. Furthermore, it highlights the lessons learned from the development process, and discusses potential future research. This research contributes to advanced information technology development for improving workers' health and safety on construction sites.