Introduction to the Workshop by TJ Lyons

PtD Journey from What to How

Summary Report

Keynote Presentations

Energy-Based Hazard Recognition in Design

Research has consistently shown that workers are able to recognize about half of the hazards during construction. These skills are relatively low, even with knowledge of the means and methods of construction, the specific construction environment, and the work team. Effective prevention through design (PtD) requires that designers are able to anticipate construction hazards as the work is being conceptualized. Undoubtedly, anticipating hazards in design is far more challenging that recognizing hazards once they have emerged. This study investigated the proportion of hazards that are identified in design and demonstrated how energy-based hazard recognition (i.e., the energy wheel), helps to improve hazard recognition in PtD reviews by approximately 30%. This empirical study suggests that even with little knowledge of the specific construction means and methods, designers may significantly improve their ability to anticipate and address hazards by using simple cognitive reminders.

Short Bio

Driving Superior Construction Safety Performance Begins Early

As part of its capital project benchmarking work with large industrial owner companies, Independent Project Analysis, Inc. (IPA) collects detailed project data during the front end planning/definition phase of projects prior to project authorization for detailed design and construction, and again after mechanical completion and startup.Data collected from each project includes actual construction safety performance and total field hours. These data, which includes data from over 3,000 completed projects worth more than $700 Billion (US $ 2022) TPC, consistently show that proper development of the project during the definition phase drives better construction safety performance. This presentation will share IPA data that correlates the level of definition at authorization with established measures of construction safety performance. It will relate how superior safety performance practices in the definition phase can positively impact a stable, effective and safe execution phase.

Short Bio

Exoskeletons: Assisting Human Movement

Dr. Sugar has been studying gait assistance for the ankle, knee, and hip.In this presentation, he will describe the design of an exoskeleton tailored to the tasks of pushing and lifting objects on to large cargo airplanes. The APEx or Aerial Porter exoskeleton was designed and tested by the US Air Force over an eight-week period on a base during regular missions.The over arching goal is to reduce Musculo-skeletal injuries in these very demanding logistics tasks.

Short Bio

Impact of Wearables and Data on PtD

Key predictors of injury include fatigue, fitness, forces, form and environment. Wearables can collect accurate data regarding these predictors upstream to identify the risks per individual and their work environment. Changes in behavior and work conditions can be implemented to reduce these risks to prevent future injuries in a data driven closed loop process. To date, we have seen overexertion injury reduction of 50% utilizing this approach.

Short Bio

Using Survey Data to Inform Prevention through Design Translational Research

Construction workers continue to experience high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) –11% higher than all other industry sectors in 2016(BLS, 2016; Wang, Dong, Choi, & Dement, 2017). Occupational exoskeletons (EXOs) are a rapidly-emerging technology with clear potential for beneficial applications in the workplace. To facilitate the safe and effective adoption and use of EXOs in construction, workers perceptions about EXOs need to be assessed and addressed to optimize acceptance and implementation.Between July 2020 and January 2021, construction industry stakeholders completed a self-administered online survey after viewing a 3-minute introductory video on exoskeletons. The survey included 70 open-and closed-ended questions regarding prior exoskeleton knowledge, work history, personal factors, task characteristics, perceived benefits, perceived health and safety concerns, and facilitators for adoption and use of exoskeletons in construction.

A total of 361 respondents completed the survey. Roughly 84% indicated that exoskeletons would be beneficial for construction workers, with half noting it would become standard equipment. Only 10% had tried an exoskeleton. About three-quarters of respondents thought that exoskeletons would reduce fatigue, 70% noted that it would make their work easier and 62%thought it could make them more productive. Potential barriers to exoskeleton use included numerous safety concerns, such as increased slips/trips/falls, interference with tool belts, hindering movement when climbing poles or ladders, and conductive/dangerous when performing electrical work. Sharing and adjusting exoskeletons was also a concern.

Results from the survey and interviews have guided the methodology to assess safety concerns for using the exoskeleton in construction, which is currently underway. Additional laboratory testing will compare exoskeleton design characteristics and settings for optimization of use during tasks that vary load, posture and frequency. This talk will review some of the key findings from the survey and how the results were used to drive additional research on safety and fit guidelines

Short Bio 

Highlighting Current Learning from the UK’s PtD Construction

Alistair’s keynote will build on Professor Hare’s, highlighting current learning from the UK’s PtD Construction (Design and Management)(CDM) Regulations. He will draw on his 30 year experience of the US context of implementing PtD without the legislative driver that is present in the UK. He will also introduce new research into the exploitation of digital innovation and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve Occupational Safety and Health (BIM4OSH). Working with industrialists from major infrastructure construction projects, the team proposes setting up a BIM4OSH Observatory as a repository for lessons learned and good practice. Alistair will also bring learning from the latest UK legislation instigated following London’s Grenfell Tower disaster. This major legislation will have a major impact on UK design and construction, explicitly requiring both designers and contractors to consider the safety of the users of the building or facility. It is seen as a significant move onwards from the CDM regulations and will require decisions taken regarding safety-critical elements to form a ‘golden thread’ from inception through to end-user occupation and beyond.

Short Bio

How Big Astronomy is Using Prevention thru Design to Succeed

Designing and building telescope projects requires a unique approach to managing risk. The development cycle in successfully completing “Big Science” projects require a complex interaction between theory, design, constructability, and mission achievement. The science and engineering technology required is often evolving as the project moves between phases. Finding, refining, and applying the correct elements and processes to manage large, often multi-national/multi-cultural telescopes being constructed in remote locations pose significant challenges. The presenters will share their unique experience integrating a foundational PtD support system over a multi-year basis of a world-class telescope now known as the Vera C. Rubin Construction Project in Chile.

Short Bio Chuck Gessner

Short Bio Victor Krabbendam

Short Bio Austin Roberts

Mortenson: a Journey to Zero, a Case Study

This presentation will focus on the shift towards industrialization and manufactured products in the construction of hyperscale data centers. This approach includes the utilization of components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies which are manufactured in offsite facilities that allow for a reduction in onsite labor requirements, increased quality control, and reduction in safety exposure for site installed features. The presentation will highlight specific case studies that illustrate the benefits of Design For Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and design for safety practices that are being utilized on several data center projects.

Short Bio Jason Hopper

Short Bio Justin Riley

Moderators

Contact

David Grau, Ph.D., PE [email protected]

G. Edward Gibson Jr, Ph.D., PE [email protected]