By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Nigerian construction industry has witnessed significant giant steps in advancing its safety standards. With construction remaining a high-risk profession, some experts in the sector have called for the adoption of wearable robots for construction workers to avert injuries.
A construction engineering and management expert, Anthony Yusuf, in his recent publication, noted that the challenges of the construction industry are fundamentally workforce-related. He said that the physically demanding nature of construction activities makes Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) also known as ergonomic injuries such as low back pain, resulting in several debilitating effects, a very common phenomenon in the industry.
In his words, “In addition to the pain and discomfort experienced by construction workers, ergonomic injuries also bring about financial burdens to workers and their families, increasing medical expenses and workers’ compensation for employers. Also, workers affected by these injuries experience decreased quality of life, and in most cases, permanent disabilities.
“This further results in premature exits from the industry to other sectors and early retirement of skilled labour, which is a major cause of labour shortage within the industry. The prevalence of these problems has also resulted in a bad reputation for the construction industry because it has been labelled ‘unsafe’. The label affects the attraction and retention of skilled labour”, Yusuf noted.
Yusuf also noted that there has been an ongoing investigation regarding wearable robots, also known as exoskeletons, to curb the predominance of WMSDs in the construction industry.
The engineering expert explained, “These exoskeletons are mechanical and body-worn devices that use torque to provide physical assistance to the human body during task execution. My findings in construction robotics research have been published in several international journals and conference outlets. An example is the publication titled ‘Evaluation of concrete workers’ interaction with a passive back-support exoskeleton,’ where I, along with other experts, investigated an innovative approach to address the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. The study assessed a passive back-support exoskeleton for concrete work in terms of the impact on the body, usability, benefits, and potential design modifications.”
Yusuf highlighted that the publication investigated the potential of a passive back support exoskeleton as an ergonomic intervention for concrete workers.
He added that, “Although the study highlighted acceptable usability and comfort while using the exoskeleton, necessary design modifications for improving productivity, the need for reducing perceived discomfort mainly at the chest and thigh and improving ease of use were also identified. The study reveals the need for improvements to the designs of exoskeletons to make the devices suitable for concrete workers. Also, due to the dynamic nature of construction activities, the experts recommended that the design of exoskeletons for industry be construction tasks and trade specifics to improve the usability and consequently the adoption of the technology. The experts highlighted other implications of the research for researchers, manufacturers of exoskeletons, and construction firms.”
Given the critical nature of the construction workforce, Yusuf has dedicated his research endeavours to leveraging emerging technologies and investigating innovative ways to prepare the future professional workforce of the construction sector as it continues to transition into Construction 4.0 and 5.0 eras.
Construction experts are also working on assessing construction robotics to curb the prevailing ergonomic injuries among the current workforce. Therefore, in the rapidly changing construction industry, only a few individuals have made an impact in addressing pertinent issues regarding the construction workforce.
Yusuf’s research further disclosed the need to focus on addressing issues that relate to the current and future workforce of the construction industry to curtail several challenges facing the sector. Also, his research contributions to developing and improving the construction workforce using innovative approaches and leveraging emerging technologies have several implications for stakeholders in the construction industry and construction engineering education. The research has been recognized and cited by scholars and practitioners around the world, demonstrating the significance and impact of his contributions to the field.
Meanwhile, the American Institute of Constructors had earlier called for the use of wearable robots to minimize construction workplace incidents.
According to the institute, the construction industry is often associated with high-risk environments where safety must be taken seriously and over the years, various technologies have emerged to enhance safety protocols, minimize accidents, and protect workers. Among the latest technology available for constructors, wearable technology in construction stands out as a complete game-changer. These devices can improve safety and boost productivity by providing real-time data that can prevent potential hazards.
Wearable technology initially gained popularity in consumer industries through gadgets like fitness trackers and smartwatches. However, this technology soon expanded into other sectors where safety concerns demand constant innovation. In the past decade, wearables in the construction realm have grown from simple tracking devices to sophisticated, multi-functional systems that monitor workers’ health, location, environment, and more.
With advancements in AI, machine learning, and sensors, wearable technology have become more accessible and effective in predicting and preventing accidents before they occur.