Showing papers by "Matthew R. Hallowell published in 2014"

Enhancing construction hazard recognition with high-fidelity augmented virtuality

Abstract: Most construction safety management processes rely on the hazard recognition capability of workers. Hazards that remain unidentified can potentially result in catastrophic injuries and illnesses. As such, thorough hazard recognition is fundamentally essential to protect the health and well-being of the construction workforce. Despite its importance, recent research indicates that a large proportion of hazards remain unrecognized, exposing workers to unmitigated risks. Surprisingly, safety research has not adequately focused on developing specialized strategies to develop construction worker competency in hazard recognition. This paper reports a two-year research effort with the following objectives: (1) develop a high-fidelity augmented virtual environment [System for Augmented Virtuality Environment Safety (SAVES)] that helps develop workers’ hazard recognition skill through risk-free learning and immediate feedback; (2) embed cognitive retrieval mnemonics to improve long-term retention of cues f...

Enhancing Construction Hazard Recognition and Communication with Energy-Based Cognitive Mnemonics and Safety Meeting Maturity Model: Multiple Baseline Study

Abstract: Nearly every safety management activity is designed around the fundamental and implicit assumption that the workforce is capable of identifying hazards before exposure. Unfortunately, research shows preliminary evidence that construction crews perform relatively poorly with respect to hazard recognition. This may be attributable, in part, to the diverse and dynamic nature of construction work. Consequently, many hazards remain unidentified, uncontrolled, and unmanaged until they are encountered by workers. To advance theory and practice in the area of construction hazard recognition and communication, a large-scale, multiphase research project was conducted with the following objectives: (1) devise a new hazard recognition method based upon the principles of cognitive mnemonics and that promotes hazard recognition skill; (2) build a maturity model to improve hazard recognition performance and encourage hazard communication; and (3) experimentally measure improvement in hazard recognition and commu...

Experimental field testing of a real-time construction hazard identification and transmission technique

Abstract: Hazard identification and communication are integral to most construction methods, and every construction safety management activity. Unfortunately, in practice, significant hazards are often not recognized and communicated leading to sub-optimal hazard awareness at the crew level. To bridge this gap in performance, we conducted a two-year intensive research project focused on developing a strategy that increases the proportion of hazards identified, communicated, and managed. Specifically, we designed a hazard identification and transmission (HIT) board that is used in conjunction with energy-based retrieval mnemonics and facilitates identifying and communicating hazards during both the planning and the execution phases. The strength of this strategy lies in the fact that workers are able to detect and communicate hazards in real time using energy-source mnemonic cues, which significantly reduces cognitive demand. Following development, we conducted immersive field studies to evaluate the impact of the d...

Modeling the Role of Social Networks in Situational Awareness and Hazard Communication

Abstract: Hazard recognition and communication is critical for preventing injuries on construction projects. Across the industry, employers encourage workers to conduct regular pre-job safety meetings and hazard analyses to identify, communicate, and mitigate site-based hazards. Although such programs promote safety, potential benefits are often lost because of inefficient communication channels, differences in language proficiency, and poor safety culture. In this study, we use social network analysis (SNA) to explore the relationship between patterns of worker interaction and situational hazard awareness on active projects in the United States. Specifically, we (1) gathered hazard recognition and communication level data from 18 active construction crews involved in diverse projects and trades through field observations; (2) measured and modeled safety interaction among crew members using social network analysis; and (3) related network characteristics with situational awareness capability of the crews. The results of the study provide strong evidence suggesting that well-connected crews with higher network density outperform poorly-connected crews in identifying and communicating hazards. As a result, it is necessary that safety practitioners not only implement traditional program elements but also promote efficient and frequent interaction among workers of all trades.

Findings and Path Forward: Leveraging Project and Career Success

Abstract: Fostering the development of the next generation of construction engineers requires broad input from both industry and academia The 2014 Construction Engineering Conference (CEC) aimed to bring industry and academic leaders together to recognize emerging challenges in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and present ideas for a path forward The conference papers showed the following three emerging themes: (1) the need for industry-academia integration in the delivery of case-based learning; (2) the role of building information modeling (BIM) in project coordination and construction engineering education; and (3) the increasing need for integrated project teams This paper summarizes the current state of the AEC industry, trajectory, educational opportunities, and future directions of each theme drawing upon the papers submitted to the 2014 CEC This aggregation yielded compelling conclusions that the industry is facing an exciting but challenging path forward Potential