Real-time locating systems and safety in construction sites: A literature review. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soltanmohammadlou, Nazi; Sadeghi, Sanaz; Hon, Carol K.H.; Mokhtarpour-Khanghah, Fariba
• Is Part Of: Safety science. Volume 117(2019)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Construction -- Safety management -- Real-time locating system -- Sensor technologies -- Tracking and locating; Industrial accidents -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Travail -- Accidents -- Périodiques; 363.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2019.04.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-7535

Abstract

Highlights: A total of 75 articles about RTLS applications on safety in construction sites from 2008 to 2018 are reviewed. The information related to publication distribution is extracted and tabulated. Eight main research streams of RTLS applications on construction safety are identified. The benefits and limitations of RTLS technologies in construction safety management are discussed. Possible paths for future research on RTLS are indicated to extend its application on construction safety management. Abstract: Construction site safety is a vital issue in construction project management. Real-time locating and tracking technologies are getting widely used for automated monitoring of the location and direction of onsite resources, specifically workers and equipment in order to prevent hazard exposures and potential accidents. Despite the importance of utilizing real-time locating systems (RTLS) for better site safety, research on this area has been ubiquitous and a systematic review which directly addresses the association between RTLSs and construction safety is lacking. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to investigate predominant research streams, achievements, and limitations to the all existing applications of RTLS technology in construction safety management, and suggest potential areas for future research on the integration of RTLS applications into wider scopes of onsite safety management. The main contribution of this review lies on providing a more comprehensive knowledge of the current utilization and further development of RTLS applications on improving construction safety management. RTLSs have aided safety management process in eight major research streams including safety monitoring, accident prevention, behavior-based safety, safety alerts and warnings, ergonomics analysis and physiological status monitoring, communication-based safety, performance evaluation of the developed RTLS-related technologies and on-site safety training. However, there are limitations and gaps in applying each particular application which are highlighted to clarify the future research avenues.