Mixed-reality technologies have proven to be valuable in many architecture, engineering and construction / facilities management (AEC/FM) applications. However, its potential of being adapted to facilitate hazard identification and risk communication in construction workplaces has yet to be fully explored. This paper makes an attempt to evaluate the feasibility of applying mixed-reality to enhancing safety risk communication in construction workplaces. Experiments have been designed in which Microsoft HoloLens® together with a developed application will be used to intervene in the practice of jobsite risk communication. A cross-sectional survey will then be followed to examine the effectiveness and acceptability of this technology through analysis on data collected from participants in the construction industry. The preliminary results show that this emerging HoloLens® technology, compared to the traditional communication methods (i.e., phone calls, walking up people and talk, and video conferencing), facilitates accurate, prompt safety communication on construction sites. Such findings signify the potential of applying mixed-reality to safety performance enhancement in the construction industry.
The support of this research by the U.S. Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors are also grateful to all the participating construction companies who have volunteered to take part in the experiments and provide feedback in this study.