Abstract
Falls account for about one-third of all construction fatalities with most fatalities in the roofing trade. Even though a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is required for fall protection, proper placement of PFAS anchor points is an issue evidenced by the high number of fatalities caused by incorrect anchor positioning. The research goal was to proof the concept of optimizing the location of the PFAS anchor points on steep-sloped roofs. This goal was achieved by: (1) Developing an algorithm for converting the required local jurisdiction construction regulations and standards for PFAS anchor positioning into machine-readable rules; and (2) Developing and validating an algorithm for optimizing the location of PFAS anchor points. The K-Nearest Neighbor Search (KNNS) optimization algorithm was selected in this research and was implemented into a standalone computer tool using Python programming language. The tool calculates the potential anchor locations that satisfy the fall clearance and swing hazard requirements and then displays the anchor locations both graphically and numerically. The optimization algorithm was validated using the K-fold Cross-Validation method, which proved the algorithm was adequately accurate and consistent. The research contribution is the proof of the concept that the development of an optimization algorithm and automated field-level tool for optimal selection of PFAS anchor points is possible, further research and refinement could help steep-sloped roofing companies improve their safety practices.
Highlights
Received: 28 September 2020 Accepted: 22 December 2020 Published: 25 December 2020Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [1], there were 5250 U.S work-related fatalities in 2018
Dong et al [9] analyzed the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) statistics in the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) reports and found that the percentage of falls from 6–15-foot heights increased from 13.9% for 1982–1992 to 48.7% for 2004–2014
Perry et al [11] compared five construction trades including roofers, carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, and painters in terms of their compliance with safety regulations. Their findings indicated that the use of Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) was 3% lower than applying other safety practices and that carpenters and roofers complied with safety regulations less frequently than other trades resulting in their higher risk of falls
Summary
Received: 28 September 2020 Accepted: 22 December 2020 Published: 25 December 2020. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. To proof the concept, this research developed an optimization algorithm and implemented the algorithm into a computer tool that automates the optimal anchor point selection on steep-sloped roofs, using a single slope simple gable roof design, to encourage greater worker safety on the jobsite. One of the reasons for roofer’s noncompliance with requirements for PFAS use was neglecting PFAS design standards These standards include: (1) when selecting an anchor point, the PE should look for swing hazards, and proper time frame for avoiding suspension trauma [23], (2) free fall distance affects clearances and maximum arresting force applied to the fallen worker and, should be given adequate attention, (3) avoid excessive rope slack, and (4) avoid use of nonstructural elements as anchors [12,14,24]. Johnson et al [25] argued that non-compliance with fall protection regulations and lack of PFAS or other fall protection strategies (as main causes of fall fatalities) can further be attributed to unsafe behavior, design difficulties, and cost competitiveness of the home building and roofing industries
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