Görsch’s research paints a clear picture of the daily struggles faced by construction workers. “I observed and documented the workers’ routines and real-time workflow execution. It became evident that inefficiencies were primarily due to recurring disruptions,” he explains. Workers often had to stop their tasks to adjust for issues like insufficient space, missing materials, or poorly coordinated work areas, which led to wasted time on movements, waiting, or preparations instead of actual construction.

These interruptions not only affect productivity but also pose risks to worker safety. Uncoordinated work conditions and workflow disruptions can create unsafe environments, contributing to stress and affecting workers' well-being.

A Practical Solution for the Construction Industry

The study offers valuable insights into addressing these inefficiencies. By implementing real-time monitoring of workers' activities, key problem areas can be identified, leading to more sustainable and efficient construction practices. Görsch emphasizes the potential of digital tools in improving project management and planning, such as using sensors, point clouds, and mobile robots to track material movement.

“Results show that up to 80% of the work on construction sites is unproductive. These repetitive bottlenecks can be easily prevented by using monitoring data. Identifying challenges helps guide projects toward smarter management and boosts worker well-being,” Görsch adds.

Professor Olli Seppänen, who supervised the research and leads the Building 2030 consortium, agrees. “Future construction research must take full advantage of the opportunities provided by automated data collection to increase efficiency and develop more sustainable operational models,” he states.

The study presents a critical look at construction site workflows and suggests that focusing on real-time activity monitoring can yield significant improvements for both the industry and the workforce.

HT