Assessment Tool for Human–Robot Interaction Safety Risks during Construction Operations
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149, Issue 1
Abstract
The use of robotics and automation (RA) within construction operations to combat stagnant productivity, high rates of injuries and fatalities, and a declining workforce is increasing. However, utilizing RA for construction operations creates human-robot interactions (HRIs) that can lead to the emergence of novel hazards or exacerbate existing safety risk levels. These hazards, if ignored, could worsen worker safety performance. This paper presents a study intended to identify critical HRI safety risks and develop a pre-task planning protocol for the assessment of safety risks associated with the use of RA. To achieve this goal, the authors utilized a sequential multi-phase approach relying on information obtained from a literature review, a 3-round Delphi process consisting of a panel of experts from industry and academia, and interviews with safety experts. Forty hazards associated with RA and 20 potential strategies for the mitigation of HRI safety risks were identified and evaluated. This information was used to develop a safety risk assessment tool that yields an overall risk rating of using RA. This study contributes to knowledge and practice by identifying and quantifying critical safety risks associated with HRI and developing a tool to assess and mitigate unique HRI safety risks. Utilizing insights developed in this study could improve construction worker safety and health and aid the industry’s increasing push towards a smart and safe workforce.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research was partially funded by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) under its Small Study Program (No. 20-4-PS). Opinions and views expressed in this publication are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CPWR.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149 • Issue 1 • January 2023
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 7, 2022
Accepted: Aug 23, 2022
Published online: Oct 25, 2022
Published in print: Jan 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Mar 25, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Automation and robotics
- Business management
- Decision making
- Decision support systems
- Disaster risk management
- Employees
- Employment
- Engineering fundamentals
- Labor
- Occupational safety
- Personnel management
- Practice and Profession
- Public administration
- Public health and safety
- Risk management
- Safety
- Systems engineering
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