Wearable technologies are an increasingly popular consumer electronic for a variety of applications at home and at work. In general, these devices include accessories and clothing that incorporate advanced electronic technologies, often with smartphone or ‘internet of things’ (IoT) connectivity. While wearables are increasingly being used to improve health and well-being by aiding in personal fitness, innovative applications for monitoring occupational safety and health risk factors are becoming more common. Many of these devices have reached the market while others are still in development. As more wearables become available, they have the potential to positively impact and alter the landscape of society and work as we know it [Awolusi et al 2018].
Construction sites are dynamic environments with unique and often hazardous working conditions that can change daily and throughout the life of a project. Nearly 20% of all work-related fatalities in any given year occur on construction sites, yet the industry only hires about six percent of the U.S. workforce [CPWR 2018]. These environments frequently expose workers to extreme temperatures, loud noises, poor air quality, and job-related tasks are regularly performed in close quarters. Often, heavy construction equipment is operating in proximity to ground workers, creating potential hazards for collisions between workers and construction vehicles [CPWR 2018]. The temporary nature of construction sites and project organization make the use of many standard industrial monitoring systems impractical. These and other factors are creating a growing demand for wearable technologies.