Mental workload and physical energy impact on construction worker task demand: A survey study of the carpentry trade

Abstract

Construction projects involve tasks that can be mentally and physically challenging. Previous research has investigated the perceptions of construction workers regarding safety hazards on a construction site. Further research is needed to investigate how the conditions of a construction site and task influence construction worker safety, especially with respect to worker mental workload. The present study aims to clarify the level of impact of task-related characteristics, referred to as constituents, on the mental workload that a worker feels when conducting carpentry work. The research also aims to determine the extent to which the amount of physical energy present on the site impacts the mental workload. Insights collected from 34 construction professionals in the US using a survey questionnaire are presented. The study revealed that task constituents such as distractions have a high impact on a carpenter's mental workload. Similarly, physical energy types (temperature, etc.) have a high impact on mental workload. The contributions of this study to knowledge are the determination and confirmation of the level of impact of task constituents and physical energy on mental workload for carpenters performing construction work. The results of the study can be used to improve the understanding of safety behaviors among construction workers.