Pilot Implementation of Assessing Physiological Measures during Construction Activities Using Air Force Cadets

Limited data exist informing how and to what extent construction work and activities impact worker health. By monitoring and comparing pilot physiological data, this research begins to explore the impact of construction activities and environmental factors on the health and productivity of individuals performing construction related activities. Specifically, this study analyzes physiological data from 10 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets performing construction activities during a summer field course in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Using off-the-shelf monitoring devices, researchers recorded cadets’ vital signs and physical indicators including factors related to cardiovascular stress, musculoskeletal stress, heart rate, breathing rate, and core temperature. The data set is unique and represents a relatively homogenous sample of individuals at “peak-health” performing construction activities in a controlled environment, including similar sleep and food regiments. This research documents research tasks, data collection and analysis methods as well as lessons learned. Findings begin to demonstrate how such data can be used to develop benchmarks and, possibly, real-time alert strategies that increase awareness of health and safety measures for construction workers. The contribution is a demonstration of readily available metrics, which can be used to compare and aggregate the physiological impact and stress placed on the body under different types of construction activities.