Building Information Modelling (BIM) to Enhance Occupational Safety in Construction Activities: Research Trends Emerging from One Decade of Studies

In recent years, the use of new technologies is rapidly transforming the way working activities are managed and carried out. In the construction industry, in particular, the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is ever increasing as a means to improve the performances of numerous activities. In such a context, several studies have proposed BIM as a key process to augment occupational safety effectively, considering that the construction industry still remains one of the most hazardous working sectors. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the recent research addressing the use of BIM to improve construction safety. A systematic review was performed considering journal papers that appeared in literature in the last decade. The results showed that the most viable and promising research directions concern knowledge-based solutions, design for safety improvement through BIM solutions, transversal applications of BIM, and dynamic visualization and feedback. The findings of this study also indicated that more practical BIM applications are needed, especially focusing on safety training and education, the use of BIM to augment safety climate and resilience, and the development of quantitative risk analysis to better support safety management. Overall, the study provided a comprehensive research synthesis augmenting knowledge on the role of BIM-based tools in construction safety, which can be considered a reference framework to enhance workers’ safety by means of these new technologies.

[1]  Kinam Kim,et al.  BIM-Based Decision-Making Framework for Scaffolding Planning , 2018 .

[2]  Kinam Kim,et al.  BIM-Driven Automated Decision Support System for Safety Planning of Temporary Structures , 2018, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.

[3]  Yu-Cheng Lin,et al.  A Real-Time Construction Safety Monitoring System for Hazardous Gas Integrating Wireless Sensor Network and Building Information Modeling Technologies , 2018, Sensors.

[4]  David J. Edwards,et al.  BIM and sensor-based data management system for construction safety monitoring , 2017 .

[5]  Fernanda Leite,et al.  Assessing Safety Risk among Different Construction Trades: Quantitative Approach , 2017 .

[6]  Arto Kiviniemi,et al.  A review of risk management through BIM and BIM-related technologies , 2017 .

[7]  Xiao Liu,et al.  An Analysis of BIM Web Service Requirements and Design to Support Energy Efficient Building Lifecycle , 2016 .

[8]  Deepak,et al.  Developing a knowledge-based safety culture instrument for construction industry , 2019, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management.

[9]  Farook Hamzeh,et al.  Crane overlap and operational flexibility: balancing utilization, duration, and safety , 2018 .

[10]  Christophe Cruz,et al.  Semantic enrichment of spatio-temporal trajectories for worker safety on construction sites , 2019, Personal and Ubiquitous Computing.

[11]  George Ofori,et al.  Framework for productivity and safety enhancement system using BIM in Singapore , 2017 .

[12]  Manikam Pillay,et al.  A Systematic Review on High Reliability Organisational Theory as a Safety Management Strategy in Construction , 2018 .

[13]  Mohamed Marzouk,et al.  Planning labor evacuation for construction sites using BIM and agent-based simulation , 2018, Safety Science.

[14]  Hanbin Luo,et al.  A BIM-based Code Compliance Checking Process of Deep Foundation Construction Plans , 2015, J. Intell. Robotic Syst..

[15]  Jochen Teizer,et al.  Automatic design and planning of scaffolding systems using building information modeling , 2014, Adv. Eng. Informatics.

[16]  Hazar Dib,et al.  Design for Safety (DFS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM): A Review , 2017 .

[17]  Eric Marks,et al.  Near-Miss Information Visualization Tool in BIM for Construction Safety , 2016 .

[18]  David J. Edwards,et al.  Critical success factors for implementing building information modelling (BIM): A longitudinal review , 2018, Automation in Construction.

[19]  Pearl Brereton,et al.  Systematic literature reviews in software engineering - A systematic literature review , 2009, Inf. Softw. Technol..

[20]  Chukwuma Nnaji,et al.  Technologies for safety and health management in construction: Current use, implementation benefits and limitations, and adoption barriers , 2020 .

[21]  Pin-Chan Lee,et al.  Dynamic Analysis of Construction Safety Risk and Visual Tracking of Key Factors based on Behavior-based Safety and Building Information Modeling , 2019, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering.

[22]  Jochen Teizer,et al.  Heat map generation for predictive safety planning: preventing struck-by and near miss interactions between workers-on-foot and construction equipment , 2016 .

[23]  Jochen Teizer,et al.  A case study on automated safety compliance checking to assist fall protection design and planning in building information models , 2013 .

[24]  Markus König,et al.  Applying rule-based model-checking to construction site layout planning tasks , 2019 .

[25]  Inhan Kim,et al.  BIM-Based Quality Control for Safety Issues in the Design and Construction Phases , 2015 .

[26]  Matej Mihić,et al.  Developing Construction Hazard Database for Automated Hazard Identification Process , 2018, Tehnicki vjesnik - Technical Gazette.

[27]  Mario Fargnoli,et al.  Preliminary Human Safety Assessment (PHSA) for the Improvement of the Behavioral Aspects of Safety Climate in the Construction Industry , 2019, Buildings.

[28]  Giuseppe Parise,et al.  Risk Profiling from the European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW) Accidents′ Databases: A Case Study in Construction Sites , 2019, International journal of environmental research and public health.

[29]  Hyeon-Seung Kim,et al.  Development of a schedule-workspace interference management system simultaneously considering the overlap level of parallel schedules and workspaces , 2014 .

[30]  Sambo Zulu,et al.  Students’ awareness and perception of the value of BIM and 4D for site health and safety management , 2019, Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology.

[31]  Markus König,et al.  Algorithm for quantitative analysis of close call events and personalized feedback in construction safety , 2019, Automation in Construction.

[32]  Svetlana Olbina,et al.  Contributing Project Characteristics and Realized Benefits of Successful BIM Implementation: A Comparison of Complex and Simple Buildings , 2019 .

[33]  Meng Li,et al.  An automated safety risk recognition mechanism for underground construction at the pre-construction stage based on BIM , 2018, Automation in Construction.

[34]  Paulo Augusto Cauchick Miguel,et al.  Review, analysis and classification of the literature on QFD—Types of research, difficulties and benefits , 2008 .

[35]  João Barata,et al.  Safety Is the New Black: The Increasing Role of Wearables in Occupational Health and Safety in Construction , 2019, BIS.

[36]  Shakil Ahmed,et al.  Developing an automated safety checking system using BIM: a case study in the Bangladeshi construction industry , 2019, International Journal of Construction Management.

[37]  Ondrej Krejcar,et al.  Industry 4.0 for the Construction Industry—How Ready Is the Industry? , 2019, Applied Sciences.

[38]  Kyungki Kim,et al.  Automated Generation of Daily Evacuation Paths in 4D BIM , 2019 .

[39]  Kamel S. Saidi,et al.  Real-time drill monitoring and control using building information models augmented with 3D imaging data , 2013 .

[40]  Rambabu Kodali,et al.  Benchmarking the quality function deployment models , 2013 .

[41]  Jun Wang,et al.  Geotechnical and safety protective equipment planning using range point cloud data and rule checking in building information modeling , 2015 .

[42]  David J. Edwards,et al.  Integrating BIM into facility management: Typology matrix of information handover requirements , 2018 .

[43]  Hyunsoo Kim,et al.  Automated hazardous area identification using laborers' actual and optimal routes , 2016 .

[44]  Christophe Cruz,et al.  Semantic trajectory insights for worker safety in dynamic environments , 2019, Automation in Construction.

[45]  Yong K. Cho,et al.  Integrating work sequences and temporary structures into safety planning: Automated scaffolding-related safety hazard identification and prevention in BIM , 2016 .

[46]  Chiara Verbano,et al.  Managing Risks in SMEs: A Literature Review and Research Agenda , 2013 .

[47]  Zhen-Zhong Hu,et al.  BIM- and 4D-based integrated solution of analysis and management for conflicts and structural safety problems during construction: 1. Principles and methodologies , 2011 .

[48]  Fernanda Leite,et al.  Automated tower crane planning: leveraging 4-dimensional BIM and rule-based checking , 2018, Automation in Construction.

[49]  Giulio Di Gravio,et al.  A BIM-based PSS Approach for the Management of Maintenance Operations of Building Equipment , 2019, Buildings.

[50]  Asher Tishler,et al.  Cultivating a resilient top management team: The importance of relational connections and strategic decision comprehensiveness , 2013 .

[51]  Abdul Hadi Nawawi,et al.  A PROPOSED INITIAL FRAMEWORK OF ASRC SYSTEM FOR BIM-BASED PROJECTS IN MALAYSIA , 2016 .

[52]  Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap,et al.  Analysing the underlying factors affecting safety performance in building construction , 2020 .

[53]  I-Chen Wu,et al.  A BIM-based monitoring system for urban deep excavation projects , 2015 .

[54]  Johnny Wong,et al.  Digitisation in facilities management: A literature review and future research directions , 2018, Automation in Construction.

[55]  Rudi Stouffs,et al.  Construction safety risk drivers: A BIM approach , 2016 .

[56]  Hans-Georg Kemper,et al.  Application-Pull and Technology-Push as Driving Forces for the Fourth Industrial Revolution , 2014 .

[57]  Muhammad Arslan,et al.  CoSMoS: A BIM and wireless sensor based integrated solution for worker safety in confined spaces , 2014 .

[58]  Heng Li,et al.  Building information modeling in combination with real time location systems and sensors for safety performance enhancement , 2018 .

[59]  George Ofori,et al.  Design for safety: theoretical framework of the safety aspect of BIM system to determine the safety index , 2016 .

[60]  Frank Schultmann,et al.  Building Information Modeling (BIM) for existing buildings — Literature review and future needs , 2014 .

[61]  Matthew R. Hallowell,et al.  Information technology and safety , 2016 .

[62]  Miroslaw J. Skibniewski,et al.  Excavation Safety Modeling Approach Using BIM and VPL , 2019, Advances in Civil Engineering.

[63]  Muhammad Rafiq,et al.  An Overview of Construction Occupational Accidents in Hong Kong: A Recent Trend and Future Perspectives , 2019, Applied Sciences.

[64]  Miroslaw J. Skibniewski,et al.  Bim-Based Risk Identification System in tunnel construction , 2016 .

[65]  Andrej Tibaut,et al.  A Methodology for a Performance Information Model to Support Facility Management , 2019 .

[66]  Matthew R. Hallowell,et al.  Construction Safety Clash Detection: Identifying Safety Incompatibilities among Fundamental Attributes using Data Mining , 2017 .

[67]  Johnny Wong,et al.  Enhancing environmental sustainability over building life cycles through green BIM: A review , 2015 .

[68]  Yong K. Cho,et al.  Framework of Automated Construction-Safety Monitoring Using Cloud-Enabled BIM and BLE Mobile Tracking Sensors , 2017 .

[69]  Chan-Sik Park,et al.  A framework for construction safety management and visualization system , 2013 .

[70]  Heng Li,et al.  Proactive training system for safe and efficient precast installation , 2015 .

[71]  John A. Gambatese,et al.  Opportunities for Using Building Information Modeling to Improve Worker Safety Performance , 2017 .

[72]  María Martínez-Rojas,et al.  Building information modeling and safety management: A systematic review , 2018 .

[73]  Godfaurd Adjaie John,et al.  BIM and project planning integration for on-site safety induction , 2017 .

[74]  Raja R. A. Issa,et al.  Building Information Modeling: Applications and Practices , 2015 .

[75]  Nashwan Dawood,et al.  Development of workspace conflict visualization system using 4D object of work schedule , 2014, Adv. Eng. Informatics.

[76]  Lai Peng,et al.  Research on Safety Management Application of Dangerous Sources in Engineering Construction Based on BIM Technology , 2019 .

[77]  Nour Smaoui,et al.  Respirable Dust Monitoring in Construction Sites and Visualization in Building Information Modeling Using Real-time Sensor Data , 2018, Sensors and Materials.

[78]  Nicolas Haber,et al.  Hazard function deployment: a QFD-based tool for the assessment of working tasks – a practical study in the construction industry , 2018, International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE.

[79]  Jimmie Hinze,et al.  Use of Building Information Modeling in Design to Prevent Construction Worker Falls , 2014, J. Comput. Civ. Eng..

[80]  D. Moher,et al.  Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. , 2010, International journal of surgery.

[81]  Sami Paavola,et al.  Beyond the BIM utopia: Approaches to the development and implementation of building information modeling , 2014 .

[82]  Yang Miang Goh,et al.  Design-for-Safety knowledge library for BIM-integrated safety risk reviews , 2018, Automation in Construction.

[83]  Abimbola Windapo,et al.  Building Information Modeling—Enabled Construction Safety Culture and Maturity Model: A Grounded Theory Approach , 2019, Front. Built Environ..

[84]  Ghang Lee,et al.  A BIM- and sensor-based tower crane navigation system for blind lifts , 2012 .

[85]  Charles M. Eastman,et al.  Workforce location tracking to model, visualize and analyze workspace requirements in building information models for construction safety planning , 2015 .

[86]  Adèle Paul-Hus,et al.  The journal coverage of Web of Science and Scopus: a comparative analysis , 2015, Scientometrics.

[87]  Takashi Hara,et al.  Automatic design, planning and drawing of scaffolding system for constructions , 2019 .

[88]  Zhen-Zhong Hu,et al.  BIM- and 4D-based integrated solution of analysis and management for conflicts and structural safety problems during construction: 2. Development and site trials , 2011 .

[89]  Wolfgang H. Güttel,et al.  The Dynamic Capability View in Strategic Management: A Bibliometric Review , 2012 .

[90]  Hyunsoo Kim,et al.  Information Retrieval Framework for Hazard Identification in Construction , 2015, J. Comput. Civ. Eng..

[91]  Paul Swuste,et al.  The future of safety science , 2020, Safety Science.

[92]  Jochen Teizer,et al.  Ontology-based semantic modeling of construction safety knowledge: Towards automated safety planning for job hazard analysis (JHA) , 2015 .

[93]  Wadhah A. Hatem,et al.  Adopting BIM Technology in Fall Prevention Plans , 2019, Civil Engineering Journal.

[94]  Christophe Cruz,et al.  Visualizing intrusions in dynamic building environments for worker safety , 2019, Safety Science.

[95]  Raymond E. Levitt,et al.  Semiautomated Scaffolding Planning: Development of the Feature Lexicon for Computer Application , 2015 .

[96]  D. Madsen.  The Emergence and Rise of Industry 4.0 Viewed through the Lens of Management Fashion Theory , 2019, Administrative Sciences.

[97]  Charles M. Eastman,et al.  BIM-based fall hazard identification and prevention in construction safety planning , 2015 .

[98]  Juan Pedro Cortés-Pérez,et al.  BIM-integrated management of occupational hazards in building construction and maintenance , 2020 .

[99]  Perry Forsythe,et al.  Proactive construction safety systems and the human factor , 2014 .

[100]  Paul M. Goodrum,et al.  The Effects of Information Format and Spatial Cognition on Individual Wayfinding Performance , 2019, Buildings.

[101]  Javier Irizarry,et al.  Construction 4.0 : An Innovation Platform for the Built Environment , 2020 .

[102]  José Dinis Silvestre,et al.  Informetric analysis and review of literature on the role of BIM in sustainable construction , 2019, Automation in Construction.

[103]  Giulio Di Gravio,et al.  Knowledge Management integration in Occupational Health and Safety systems in the construction industry , 2011 .

[104]  Akbar Marefat,et al.  A BIM approach for construction safety: applications, barriers and solutions , 2018, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management.

[105]  Abdul Hamid,et al.  REVIEWING THE USEFULNESS OF BIM ADOPTION IN IMPROVING SAFETY ENVIRONMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS , 2016 .

[106]  Charles M. Eastman,et al.  Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Safety: Automatic Safety Checking of Construction Models and Schedules , 2013 .

[107]  Mark Swallow,et al.  Benefits and Barriers to the Adoption of 4D Modeling for Site Health and Safety Management , 2019, Front. Built Environ..

[108]  Abdulkadir Ganah,et al.  Integrating Building Information Modeling and Health and Safety for Onsite Construction , 2014, Safety and health at work.

[109]  Gerd Kortuem,et al.  Circular Strategies Enabled by the Internet of Things—A Framework and Analysis of Current Practice , 2019, Sustainability.

[110]  Rafiq M. Choudhry,et al.  BIM for construction safety improvement in Gaza strip: awareness, applications and barriers , 2016 .

[111]  Jingdao Chen,et al.  Self-corrective knowledge-based hybrid tracking system using BIM and multimodal sensors , 2017, Adv. Eng. Informatics.

[112]  Meng Li,et al.  Methodologies of safety risk control for China’s metro construction based on BIM , 2018, Safety Science.

[113]  Timothy O. Olawumi,et al.  Identifying and prioritizing the benefits of integrating BIM and sustainability practices in construction projects: A Delphi survey of international experts , 2018, Sustainable Cities and Society.

[114]  Olga N. Aneziris,et al.  Occupational risk of building construction , 2012, Reliab. Eng. Syst. Saf..

[115]  Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem,et al.  Exploring the role of building information modeling in construction safety through science mapping , 2019 .

[116]  Heng Li,et al.  Proactive behavior-based safety management for construction safety improvement , 2015 .

[117]  Zhipeng Zhou,et al.  Accident prevention through design (PtD): Integration of building information modeling and PtD knowledge base , 2019, Automation in Construction.

[118]  Arto Kiviniemi,et al.  Developing a tailored RBS linking to BIM for risk management of bridge projects , 2016 .

[119]  Brenda McCabe,et al.  A resilience safety climate model predicting construction safety performance , 2018, Safety Science.

[120]  Ruoyu Jin,et al.  A science mapping approach based review of construction safety research , 2019, Safety Science.

[121]  Antônio Márcio Tavares Thomé,et al.  Conducting systematic literature review in operations management , 2016 .

[122]  Jay Yang,et al.  Knowledge Management Research in the Construction Industry: a Review , 2018 .

[123]  Mario Fargnoli,et al.  Safety Vision of Agricultural Tractors: An Engineering Perspective Based on Recent Studies (2009–2019) , 2019 .

[124]  Dejan Mumovic,et al.  Life cycle energy efficiency in building structures: A review of current developments and future outlooks based on BIM capabilities , 2017 .

[125]  M. Skitmore,et al.  An experimental study of intrusion behaviors on construction sites: The role of age and gender , 2019, Safety Science.

[126]  Bernardette Soust-Verdaguer,et al.  Critical review of bim-based LCA method to buildings , 2017 .

[127]  John A. Gambatese,et al.  Using 4D BIM to assess construction risks during the design phase , 2019, Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management.

[128]  Qinghua He,et al.  Mapping the managerial areas of Building Information Modeling (BIM) using scientometric analysis , 2017 .

[129]  Song Wu,et al.  Construction risk knowledge management in BIM using ontology and semantic web technology , 2016 .

[130]  Mario Galić,et al.  Active BIM Approach to Optimize Work Facilities and Tower Crane Locations on Construction Sites with Repetitive Operations , 2019 .

[131]  Fernanda Leite,et al.  Construction safety planning: Site-specific temporal and spatial information integration , 2017 .

[132]  A. Souissi,et al.  Occupational health and safety in the industry 4.0 era: A cause for major concern? , 2018, Safety Science.