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A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 18061

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carol K.H. Hon

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Guest Editor

School of Architecture & Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane 4001, Australia
Interests: construction safety and health; building information modelling education; mental health; gender diversity; construction industry development; professional ethics

Dr. Hamed Golzad

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Guest Editor

Building & Construction Management, School of Design and the Built Environment, University of Canberra, Kirinari St., Bruce, ACT 2601, Australia
Interests: occupational health and safety; workforce planning; industry 4.0; Internet of Things (IoT)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Keyao (Eden) Li

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Guest Editor

Future of Work Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Interests: the future of work in construction management; human systems in data science; health, safety and well-being; workforce skills

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to showcase research on creating a sustainable and healthy work environment by adopting construction industry 4.0 innovations. Digitalization and its ongoing development is fundamentally transforming the nature of work and traditional construction practices. This encompasses various aspects, such as the redesign of work, the composition of teams, and the evolving skill sets required in the construction industry, among others. A comprehensive understanding of current technological adoption in the construction industry for a sustainable work environment would help identify the benefits, challenges, and gaps for future workforce development. The shift towards a sustainable work environment provides an opportunity to consider good work designs to reduce the physical and psychosocial risks in the workplace and improve safety, health, and wellbeing of the construction workforce.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

The integration of technologies in construction workplaces;
The digitalisation and automation of work processes;
The impacts of smart construction sites on worker safety, productivity, and efficiency;
The utilisation of artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhancing construction workplace performance;
Human–computer interactions and augmented reality applications in construction organisational settings;
Data-driven decision making and analytics for improved construction management;
Challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a sustainable work environment in construction organisations;
Workforce implications and future trends in the era of digital transformation;
Safety, health, and well-being of the construction workforce;
Sustainable workforce training and development;
Work design and psychosocial risks in construction.

Dr. Carol K.H. Hon
Dr. Hamed Golzad
Dr. Keyao (Eden) Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

construction industry 4.0
sustainable work environment
healthy construction workforce
work design
mental health and well-being
workforce future development
psychosoical risks
training and upskilling
safety, health, and productivity

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 9854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Synergistic Influence of Ultrasound and Co-Doping to Degrade Toluene from Polluted Air in Construction Sites—An Experimental Approach

by Omid Akbarzadeh, Yahya Rasoulzadeh, Mohammad Haghighi, Azadeh Talati and Hamed Golzad

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2876; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092876 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 447

Abstract

Background: Toluene exposure in construction workers can lead to several health problems, primarily affecting the nervous system, respiratory system, and skin. Utilizing advanced photocatalytic materials to degrade gaseous toluene aims to significantly mitigate its negative impact. Methods: In this research, photocatalysts based on pure TiO₂ and modified TiO₂ were synthesized to evaluate their efficacy in degrading gaseous toluene, a prevalent air pollutant in construction settings. Two synthesis methods were employed. Sonoprecipitation was used to create Fe-N co-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles in the first method, while the second method utilized co-precipitation and hydrothermal techniques without ultrasonic assistance to achieve Fe-N co-doping. Seven types of nanophotocatalysts were synthesized, including TiO₂-U (with ultrasonic assistance), NTiO₂-U, FeNTiO₂ (2.5)-U, FeNTiO₂ (5)-U, FeNTiO₂ (7.5)-U, FeNTiO₂ (10)-U, and FeNTiO₂ (5) without ultrasonic assistance. Characterization of the synthesized photocatalysts involved various analyses, including XRD, SEM, EDX, UV–VIS DRS, FT–IR, BET, and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. Results: Ultrasonic assistance notably improved particle dispersion and prevented agglomeration on the photocatalyst surface. UV–VIS DRS analysis indicated a reduction in band gap energy due to Fe and N doping of TiO₂. The study also investigated the influence of Fe doping, initial toluene concentration, light source, and residence time on the degradation rate of gaseous toluene. Experimental findings showed that FeNTiO₂ (5)-U exhibited a higher degradation rate of toluene (63.5%) compared to FeNTiO₂ (5) (50%) under visible light irradiation over 15 s. Conclusions: The study underscores the significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity for toluene degradation achieved through the combined effects of ultrasound and co-doping methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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28 pages, 877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards an Evidence-Based Critical Incidents and Suicides Response Program in Australian Construction

by Amanda Biggs, Keith Townsend, Rebecca Loudoun, Adam Robertson, Jemima Mason, Myfanwy Maple, James Lacey and Nicholas Thompson

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2797; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092797 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 692

Abstract

Fatal and non-fatal accidents and suicides at work pose a substantial threat to workers’ physical and psychological safety, particularly within the construction industry. Managing these incidents is an essential component of workplace health and safety (WHS). Additionally, a formal program to support workers and provide feedback to improve the existing WHS management system is increasingly important. However, knowledge of the factors contributing to an effective critical incident (CI) or postvention response is limited by the lack of published evidence-based interventions, especially for occupations and industries that are exposed to higher rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries due to accidents and suicides. In addition, broader concerns surrounding the effectiveness of conventional critical incident programs highlight the need to develop innovative and evidence-based critical intervention and postvention responses addressing acute stress symptoms arising from exposure. This research outlines the development of the MATES Respond Training Program, a component of the WHO-endorsed MATES in Construction program, which is a charity charged with the task of improving mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry in Australia and New Zealand. Development of the MATES Respond Training Program was informed by the following three key sources: a rapid literature review, interviews with 11 workers trained in peer support suicide prevention interventions, and an analysis of site notes on 193 critical incident and postvention construction site attendances by MATES in Construction field officers, case managers and social workers. Insights and recommendations obtained from these sources, along with the resulting program, are discussed in this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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31 pages, 5171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Benefits of Mass Timber Construction in the Workplace: A Novel Primer for Research

by Stephen Whyte, Ryotaro Kaburagi, Victor Gan, Christhina Candido, Behnaz Avazpour, Dorsa Fatourehchi, Ho Fai Chan, Yue Dong, Uwe Dulleck, Sabine Finlay, Jin Zhou, Nick Hewson, Tong Li, Duncan Maxwell, Craig McNulty and Zoltan Sarnyai

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072072 - 7 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Mass timber construction has recently gained popularity due to its outstanding environmental benefits and building performance, which hold revolutionary potential for the construction industry. However, its impacts from the perspective of occupants have not been thoroughly explored. This study introduces an innovative empirical approach that explores the potential benefits of mass timber construction for individuals and organizations, with an emphasis on the workplace. We review the conceptual framework regarding how visual and physical exposure to timber construction materials and finishes have a positive effect on individuals and organizations at a broad level. We propose a more holistic mixed-method behavioral approach to studying occupant behavior and well-being by integrating self-reported questionnaires, objective biomarkers (heart rate variability and hair cortisol), and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) measures. Our study offers a novel research primer on the exploration of mass timber construction impacts and benefits for both office workers and construction workers. Participants from different office settings completed pre- and post-occupancy evaluation surveys to assess their experiences, including IEQ satisfaction, productivity, and health. Office workers were located in three different offices: a controlled laboratory environment, an open-plan office, and an open-plan space with a timber interior. The construction workers worked in a timber space for three months and then moved to work in a building with a concrete structure. The analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression to compare differences between office settings and assess the relationship between environmental variables and overall satisfaction in IEQ, comfort, productivity, and health. In office workers, in terms of building image, thermal comfort, and artificial lighting, the data analysis revealed significant differences in occupants’ satisfaction levels between office settings. However, the low number of participants affected the results, and some factors were not found significant in relation to the office setting. Among tradespeople, there was no relationship between the building environment and productivity, health, or comfort. However, the results of hair cortisol testing indicated that working in a timber space can decrease the level of cortisol (stress) and have an impact on the productivity of workers. Such occupant’s perspective research is pivotal to informing policy makers, developers, business owners, construction professionals, timber industry stakeholders, environmentalists, and researchers in their decision-making processes. Fostering the future widespread adoption and advancement of mass timber construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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22 pages, 1109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study and Action Plan on the Key Factors Influencing Unsafe Behaviors by Construction Workers

by Yingchen Wang, Jingyao Cui, Yikai Zhang and Xiaoxiao Geng

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1973; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071973 - 29 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 746

Abstract

As front-line workers on construction projects, construction workers have always had the highest accident rate among workers in various industries, a statistic that significantly impacts society. In this study, the 2–4 Model was used to identify 14 influencing factors affecting workers’ unsafe behaviors, and a safety management index for construction workers was established. The fuzzy decision-making laboratory analysis method (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) and the interpretative structural model (ISM) were used to analyze the hierarchical structure, internal relations, and key influencing factors behind the unsafe behaviors in question, and the 14 factors affecting them were divided into five dimensions, including the technological environment, insufficient safety knowledge, and the corporate safety culture. The three most direct influencing factors (comprising eight key nodes in the constructed hierarchy) were found to be poor safety awareness, the violation of operating procedures, and skill errors. Therefore, the main paths toward reducing the level of unsafe behavior among construction workers include making changes in process equipment, addressing skill-related errors, ensuring adherence to operating procedures, improving safety awareness, and enhancing safety knowledge. In this study, we identify and classify the factors influencing unsafe behaviors by construction workers and propose scientific interventions with which to prevent the continued occurrence of safety hazards among them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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11 pages, 16208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Material Metabolism: Reducing Risk through Flexible Formwork Substitution

by Mike Louw, Sally Farrah, Max Maxwell and Sam Tomkins

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 978; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040978 - 2 Apr 2024

Viewed by 850

Abstract

For this special issue, sustainability and safety are discussed through the tropes of both material and work process substitution. As an architecture and industrial design team, we examine the potential of William McDonough’s and Michael Braungart’s “cradle to cradle” material methodology, and David Pye’s “the workmanship of certainty” as relevant to the construction industry. Locating and revisiting the tenets of Gottfried Semper’s Stoffwechseltheorie, alongside contemporary critiques, demonstrates that if historically, material and technique substitution led to architectural innovation, the same conditions exist today. To demonstrate a contemporary Stoffwechsel (material substitution) a formwork prototype was constructed at the University of Canberra’s Workshop 7, by substituting timber with plastic, and 3D-printing the formwork. This prototype demonstrates a type of “technical nutrient” that is both recyclable as plastic, and reusable as formwork. This reveals the potential of substituting materials and processes not only to achieve material recovery, but rather, aiming for material recycling, reuse, or upcycling, therefore reducing socio-environmental risks in construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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16 pages, 2429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A BIM-Based Approach for Assessing Occupational Health Risks in a Building Construction Project

by Apurva Jangam, Daniel Cheriyan and Jae-Ho Choi

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020476 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1488

Abstract

Construction work sites and the surrounding built environments are notable contributors to atmosphere dust particulate matter (PM) emissions. PM produced in construction processes contain a range of chemically hazardous substances, posing significant health risks (HR) to individuals. As such, the evaluation of occupational HR in construction has become a focal point of interest internationally. Initiated in the early 2000s, there has been a growing demand within the construction research community for the creation of a unified PM database that encapsulates a wide array of construction activities. Previous studies have endeavored to establish a PM database for various construction contexts, yet they have fallen short in thoroughly addressing the diversity of construction materials and the levels of toxic substances (TS) within the PM. This research introduced a comprehensive PM and TS dataset and conducted a case study to measure the HR associated with diverse construction processes. This was accomplished by implementing a semi-automated Building Information Modeling (BIM) version 2020-based plugin, which streamlines the assessment of occupational HR in construction projects. This system provides construction supervisors with a tool to visually assess the HR of daily operations, thereby facilitating the adoption of preemptive measures to protect the health of construction workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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18 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between BIM Application and Project Sustainability Performance: Mediation Role of Green Innovation and Moderating Role of Institutional Pressures

by Ming Zhang, Lijun Fan, Yongmin Liu, Sixiang Zhang and Dalin Zeng

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123126 - 17 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1644

Abstract

Project sustainability has become a research hotspot in the construction industry and a crucial driving force for the successful delivery of projects. How enterprises can improve project sustainability performance and realize sustainable development by applying BIM has become an important research topic. In this study, based on the resource-based view and institutional theory, a relationship model of BIM application affecting project sustainability performance is constructed, and data from 449 questionnaires with electric power construction industry practitioners obtained by the two-stage data collection method are used to explore the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance, and to investigate the mediating role of green innovation and the moderating role of institutional pressures. The study found that: (1) BIM application has a significant positive impact on project sustainability performance; (2) BIM application has a significant positive predictive effect on green innovation, and green innovation plays a mediating role in the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance; and (3) under a high degree of institutional pressures, the positive relationship between BIM application and green innovation is strengthened, and, in this case, the mediating role of green innovation is enhanced. The study results help to expand the theoretical analysis of the relationship between BIM application and project sustainability performance and provide practical guidance for improving project sustainability. Finally, the data in this study only come from the power construction industry and do not differentiate between the types of green innovations, and further research could be conducted on these two aspects in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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22 pages, 1282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moderating Effects of Individual Learning Ability and Resilient Safety Culture on the Relationship between the Educational Level and Safety Performance of Construction Workers

by Albert P. C. Chan, Junfeng Guan, Tracy N. Y. Choi and Yang Yang

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3026; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123026 - 5 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1503

Abstract

Having a higher educational level has been proposed to reduce workers’ unsafe behavior. It remains unclear whether the improvement in safety performance can be enhanced by workers with higher education levels, an individual’s learning ability, and a resilient safety culture. This study aims to examine the moderating effects of individual learning ability and resilient safety culture on the relationship between workers’ educational level and safety performance. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the education level, resilience safety culture, safety learning ability, and safety performance of workers. The results indicated that the educational level of construction workers has a significant positive impact on safety performance. They confirmed that an individual’s learning ability and a resilient safety culture have a positive moderating effect. This study supports the crucial relationship between worker education levels and safety performance. Thus, organizations and government entities can leverage this understanding to promote worker engagement in training programs and extend educational support. The study underscores the pivotal role of a resilient safety culture in bolstering the impact of worker educational level on safety performance. Finally, the study acknowledges the influence of an individual’s learning ability on safety performance. Integrating educational levels with individual learning abilities can facilitate the development of targeted strategies to improve safety performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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18 pages, 2190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Disputes for a Sustainable Construction: A Perspective of Settlement Facilitating Elements in Negotiations

by Sen Lin, Keyao Li and Saion Cheung

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2578; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102578 - 12 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1271

Abstract

Construction 4.0 presents a multitude of opportunities; however, it also increases the chance of disputes. Efficient dispute management contributes to the sustainable production of construction works. Enhancing negotiation management and negotiators’ settlement ability is valuable, given that negotiation is recognized as the most effective dispute resolution method. This study explores negotiation settlement by identifying negotiators’ settlement facilitating elements in construction dispute negotiation (CDN). A purposive literature review identified six key elements, naming preparation, integration, goodwill, continuity, commitment, and self-efficacy. With data collected from experienced construction dispute negotiators, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) results confirmed the significance of these elements. Accordingly, recommendations for negotiators include (i) technique (i.e., good preparation and applying integrative tactics); (ii) interaction (i.e., showing goodwill and relationship maintenance); and (iii) attitude (i.e., commitment to negotiate and being confident) if the negotiation settlement is desired. Management can implement these recommendations in their training manual to cultivate negotiators’ problem solving and settlement-oriented mindset. Negotiators can also review their behaviors throughout the negotiations and make timely adjustments as deemed necessary. Reaching an amicable negotiated settlement would not only save resources, preserving business relationships is of equal importance for a sustainable construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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24 pages, 1348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptive Biases in Construction Mediation: Evidence and Application of Artificial Intelligence

by Nan Cao, Sai-On Cheung and Keyao Li

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2460; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102460 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1734

Abstract

In light of advancements in big data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI), there are emerging opportunities to harness these technologies to address perceptive biases. This study examines the potential perceptive biases that may arise when construction mediation is quasi-imposed on the disputing parties. This can happen when mediation attempts are stipulated in the construction contract or court-directed. It is argued that, under such circumstances, a negative perception might arise over whether a bona fide mediation can be realised. Concerns include the fairness and timeliness of the process, as well as the practice of opportunistic mediating behaviours. With data collected from practising construction mediation practitioners in Hong Kong, the constructs of Perceptions of Bona Fide Mediation, Quasi-Imposition, and Positive Mediation Outcomes were first developed. Applying partial least square structural equation modelling to the relationship frameworks of the constructs, it was found that quasi-imposition is not as damaging as envisaged as far as having a bona fide mediation and attaining positive mediation outcomes are concerned. Moreover, a negative perception of the fairness and timeliness of the quasi-imposed mediation would jeopardise the integrity of a bona fide mediation. In this regard, utilizing NLP and machine learning algorithms offers a pioneering AI-driven approach to informing mediating parties, as well as reminding mediators to uphold the fairness and timeliness of the process for the purposes of reaching positive mediation outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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Review

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21 pages, 1806 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applying Systems Thinking to Research into Risk Factors Influencing Earthmoving Equipment Operation Safety in Construction Sites

by Nazi Soltanmohammadlou, Carol K. H. Hon and Robin Drogemuller

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1978; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071978 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 849

Abstract

Earthmoving operations in the construction process are complex environments that involve interactions between equipment, the workforce, and materials within an overarching construction plan. Over the past two decades, researchers in construction have focused on improving the safety of construction earthmoving equipment due to their omnipresence in the construction environment. Although previous studies have explored safety risks and the causes of accidents involving construction earthmoving equipment, their approaches were common and lacked a comprehensive perspective. Hence, this systematic literature review applies Rasmussen’s (1997) risk management framework using a systems thinking approach to identify and classify the risk factors influencing earthmoving equipment operation safety in construction sites. Utilizing a multistep methodology, this research first identifies 38 risk factors pertinent to earthmoving equipment operations and then classifies them based on systems thinking. Social network analysis (SNA) is employed to analyze the data. The results show that most research on earthmoving equipment safety focuses on monitoring construction sites, but very little on government and regulatory roles. When considering the interdependencies of risk factors, safety training is the most important factor, followed by the largely overlooked earthmoving machinery characteristics and manufacturer’s performance. The results of this review inform both the research community and industry practitioners regarding the less-understood aspects of earthmoving equipment operation safety and future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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20 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mental Health Causation in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review Employing a Psychological Safety Climate Model

by Hamed Golzad, Atefeh Teimoory, Seyed Javid Mousavi, Aya Bayramova and David J. Edwards

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102442 - 26 Sep 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4043

Abstract

The construction industry has a lamentable reputation for having a high prevalence of suicides and mental health (MH) problems. Several government and academic reports have identified that construction workers are at a far higher risk of MH disorders than workers in other industrial sectors. While studies on construction workers’ MH have significantly increased in recent years, a systematic review of the potential causes of MH problems in the industry has hitherto eluded construction researchers. This study fills this ominous knowledge gap by conducting a realist systematic review of the literature published since 2003. The review conducted adopts the psychological safety climate model of PSC-12 to create a comprehensive list of MH causation (sourced from a rich literature synthesis) as a precursor to developing a theoretical model that identifies MH causations affecting distinct psychological safety climates within the industry. Emergent findings identify 43 MH causation factors with high job demand as the most significant contributor, followed by interpersonal relationships, low job control, low job support and physical status. In addition, it is found that organisation participation factors have been the major areas of focus, while management commitment and management priority are under-researched areas. Moreover, research gaps within the four dimensions of the PCS-12 model were explored to distinguish new potential research areas to address the knowledge gaps observed. In practical terms, the study collates and presents a comprehensive theoretical model of MH causations, providing a concise source of practical knowledge for practitioners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Sustainable and Healthy Work Environment in Construction Industry 4.0)

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