On-site Work Research Articles

A Study of Microsoft Challenges and Opportunities of Managing a Hybrid Workforce

The outbreak of COVID-19 generated challenges for both employers and employees over a broad spectrum of industries. People were recommended to observe social distancing and lockdowns and/or curfews for non-essential businesses were implemented. This global situation catalyzed process innovation and a transition from traditional work settings, specifically on-site work, to a remote work setting where employees use online communication requiring homes with computers and high-speed internet. thesis explores how work settings changed due to the pandemic, how different work settings affect work-related collaborations which is a cornerstone in the innovation process, but also to investigate differences amongst personality traits in various work settings. The research presented herein is based on a quantitative survey of 156 respondents from a multitude of industries including several countries. The survey was designed using the Likert scale to capture how respondents perceived various aspects of collaboration before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to respondent’s perceptions, relevant demographic information was collected. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, CFA, SEM analysis, and statistical tests. Differences between work settings were found regarding certain aspects of collaboration. The most notable was that informal collaboration was limited when working from home. The most important aspects of collaboration are to be able to trust collaborative partners and feel mutual respect. Employers need to develop digital communication tools and collaboration practices when adopting a hybrid workplace. Informal interactions are an important aspect of collaboration, and these interactions are limited when working from home.

COVID-19 outcomes: exploring the footprints of the pandemic on the office sector in Johannesburg, South Africa

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on office space in Johannesburg. This study further explores the role of changing work practices in the office sector in South Africa because of the pandemic and its impact on future office space use planning and management.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the footprints that the COVID-19 pandemic has left on the office space market in Johannesburg, this study uses semi-structured interviews, which were administered to corporate office users, and a thematic analysis was adopted to understand the views, perspectives and expectations of office users.FindingsThe study showed that space users perceive COVID-19-induced remote working as having benefits, opportunities and challenges. A notable shift in office space utilization has emerged, with employees increasingly opting for roles that permit remote work. This newfound flexibility, accommodating both on-site and remote work, often makes working from home more appealing than traditional office environments that may no longer align with users’ preferences for office spaces.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to Johannesburg, South Africa, and may not apply to other African markets. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted, and analysis and results were deduced; this may be considered a limitation of this study.Practical implicationsThe pandemic’s impact has brought about irreversible changes, compelling policymakers and business leaders to strategize and prepare. This proactive stance aims to prevent avoidable challenges for employees and companies during future pandemics. A thoughtful approach to the post-pandemic world can usher positive changes in the office and property sector. This includes the coexistence of both remote work and on-site working models.Originality/valueThis paper provides valuable insight into some of the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa that are essential for future office space use planning and management. The insights from this study extend the literature and provide novel knowledge based on an office sector in the “global south.”

Substance Evaluation Study of Construction Safety Plan Implementation and It's Implementation

Padang State University has experienced rapid student enrollment growth, driving the need for new infrastructure. Most of the buildings have more than 3 floors, and one of the ongoing projects reaches a height of 32.05 meters with 6 floors, contributing to higher construction risks. This research was conducted to evaluate the implementation of Construction Safety Plans (CSP) on projects over the past two years in accordance with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing Regulation No. 10 of 2021 and the Circular Letter of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing No. 10 of 2022. Data collection methods for this study involved two approaches: compliance audits and performance audits. Compliance audits involved document-based inspections of CSP, while performance audits included on-site observations and project work evaluations. The research results revealed that the construction of the central information and library building achieved the highest CSP implementation rate, with compliance rates of 93.33% in compliance audits and 91.42% in performance audits. In contrast, the rehabilitation project for the Faculty of Sports Sciences and the Dean's office showed lower compliance rates, scoring 37.14% in compliance audits and 35.34% in performance audits. The study also found that project contract values correlated with CSP compliance levels. Higher contract values were associated with higher CSP compliance. Contractor qualifications also played a crucial role in ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Based on these findings, it is recommended that UNP exercise greater selectivity in contractor selection processes. This study highlights the importance of construction safety in construction projects.

A comprehensive risk assessment method for hot work in underground mines based on G1-EWM and unascertained measure theory

A risk assessment method for hot work based on G1-EWM and unascertained measurement theory was proposed to prevent hot work accidents in underground mines. Firstly, based on the risk influencing factors and classification criteria for underground hot work operations in mines, a single indicator measurement matrix was constructed using unascertained measurement theory; Secondly, a risk assessment index system for mine underground hot work operations was established. The combination weight coefficient of each index was determined using the order relationship analysis method (G1) and entropy weight method (EWM) and coupled with the single index measurement evaluation vector to calculate the multi-index comprehensive evaluation vector of the evaluation object; Finally, the model was validated and examined using engineering examples, and the evaluation level was determined using confidence identification criteria. The results showed that the proposed method, when used to evaluate the risk of hot work operations in tunnels and vertical shafts in metal mines, produces risk levels that are in line with reality III (Moderate Risk) for the vertical shaft and IV (High Risk) for the tunnels. The evaluation model results are consistent with the risk evaluation results the whole process of on-site hot work, which verifies the model feasibility. A unique strategy and method for risk management in hot work operations in underground mines is provided by the combination of weighting and unascertained measure models, which has theoretical and practical value. Future research could focus on refineing this model by exploring the applicability in diverse mining environments and integrating advanced analytical techniques to enhance the predictive accuracy and operational efficiency.

Development of an action classification method for construction sites combining pose assessment and object proximity evaluation

AbstractAddressing the inherent hazards of on-site construction work and stagnant labor productivity is crucial in the construction industry. To tackle these challenges, automated monitoring of construction sites and analysis of workers' actions play a pivotal role. In this study, we developed a method for classifying actions at a construction site from video, using deep learning. Specifically, we used two image processing techniques, pose assessment and object detection, and found that the accuracy of action classification was improved by extracting information on the proximity of workers to equipment installed at the construction site, and also by considering the pose information. For classification, LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory), CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), and XGBoost models were used, and the presence of proximity information improved average recall by 7.0% to 8.5% for all models used. The final model was developed as an ensemble of these methods, offering accuracy and average recall that are higher than with conventional methods. The methodology developed in this research enables quantification and visualization of work content at construction sites, contributing to the overall enhancement of safety and productivity within the construction industry.

“I feel a bit more of a conduit now”: Sign language interpreters coping and adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sign language interpreting profession drawing on data from a fourth and final survey conducted in June 2021 as part of a series of online “living surveys” during the pandemic. The survey, featuring 331 respondents, highlights significant changes in the occupational conditions and practices of sign language interpreters due to the sudden shift towards remote video-mediated interpreting. The findings reveal a range of challenges faced by interpreters, including the complexities of audience design, lack of backchanneling from deaf consumers, the need for heightened self-monitoring, nuanced conversation management, and team work. Moreover, the study highlights the physical and mental health concerns that have emerged among interpreters as a result of the shift in working conditions, and a need for interpreters to acquire new skills such as coping with the multimodal nature of online interpreting. While the blend of remote, hybrid, and on-site work has introduced certain advantages, it also poses new challenges encompassing workload management, online etiquette, and occupational health concerns. The survey’s findings underscore the resilience and adaptability of SLIs in navigating the shift to remote interpreting, suggesting a lasting transformation in the profession with implications for future practice, training, and research in the post-pandemic era.

Unraveling the Choice Not to Work

With the arrival of Covid 19, more and more people began to alter their ways of working. While traditional working practices are gradually disappearing, many firms turned to working from home during the quarantine, which also led to the development of new patterns of electronic device use. Due to the significant reduction in the labor force for many positions that need on-site work caused by people being unable to leave their living space, the business is ultimately forced to lay off employees. People consequently made the decision to stop working. People lose interest in looking for work over time, and this pessimistic outlook is sure to have an effect on both the body and the mind. And this is not just the sole responsibility of one person, since others, like the family and the government, have to bear the costs of this decision. Therefore, it is in no way a value that should be shared. The functioning of society and the economy is necessary for an improvement in the happiness index of the populace.

Seismic Behavior of Demountable Self-Lock Joint for Middle Column Connection in Modular Steel Construction

The use of modular steel construction (MSC) achieves a minimum of on-site work and the potential for removability and reuse. In order to realize the overall disassembly of module buildings and the rapid off-site reconstruction after disassembly, special requirements are put forward for the joints of MSCs. The existing joints of MSCs have some problems, such as the difficulty in the erection of the joints for middle column connection and their inability to be reused. In order to solve these key technical problems, an improved version of the demountable self-locking joint is proposed based on the previous plug-in self-locking joint. For this new type of joint, a full-scale test consisting of four specimens was carried out. The results of functional tests verify that the joint has good demountability. The seismic behavior of the joint under seismic load was investigated by cyclic loading tests. Then, finite element (FE) models were developed and validated through the test results. The results of finite element parameter analysis show that joint boxes are very important to the initial stiffness of this kind of joint, but the thickness of the joint box and the diameter of the stud have little influence on the seismic behavior of the joint.

Chemical Incident Preparedness Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel

Background: Hazardous chemicals are essential for modern society but the use and transportation of them bears the risk of major incidents. Past incidents have revealed the importance of preparation and training of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel when responding to these incidents. However, studies have shown the level of preparedness to be insufficient. There is a lack of knowledge as to how EMS personnel perceive their preparedness and response when facing chemical incidents.
 Aim: The aim of this study was to qualitative investigate working procedures regarding chemical incidents among a cohort of EMS personnel.
 Method: Seventeen ambulance nurses from rural and urban areas were individually interviewed using four different realistic scenarios (vignettes). The transcribed text from the interviews was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
 Result: The results were derived into two categories with underlying sub-categories: a struggle to organize the onsite work situation (insufficient managerial support, limited resources, trust in rescue services, difficult decision making, stressful responsibilities); and decontamination—a demanding and risky situation (risk management, work in protective gear, aggravating circumstances). Participants often lack real life experience in facing a chemical incident and training that improves preparedness and the ability to respond adequately.
 Conclusion: Chemical incidents pose many challenges for EMS personnel, but with proper training efforts many of these challenges could be solved. This study has shown the need for more accessible chemical incident training targeting EMS personnel: especially focusing on risk assessment; managerial support; resource management; equipment; and decontamination, including stress management and decision-making. Research in the area of chemical incidents is sparse and there remains much to understand concerning work procedures during chemical incidents.

Local Variation in Onsite Work During the Pandemic and its Aftermath

Local Variation in Onsite Work During the Pandemic and its Aftermath

Novel blockchain deep learning framework to ensure video security and lightweight storage for construction safety management

In construction management, video data tampering behavior like manual forging and deletion can negatively impact on-site safety and accident accountability. Blockchain technology holds the potential to address this issue by leveraging distributed ledger characteristics. However, blockchain's limited storage capacity and block size make it difficult to upload large-sized construction data such as daily monitoring video. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to store all construction data in any case. Therefore, this study proposes a blockchain deep learning framework that focuses on how to efficiently extract and securely store key information (i.e., video summarization that involves worker’s unsafe behavior) on-blockchain for data traceability. The framework involves a novel data-driven and rule-based keyframe extraction (DRKE) model to lightweight large-sized construction video in the nascent field of deep learning and blockchain combination. To define parameters for the DRKE model, specific construction rules (e.g., people’s unsafe behavior-based and people-based rules) have been pre-defined. This framework has been evaluated, and the results demonstrate its capability for effective video security storage, facilitating practical needs in construction management. The study extends existing research and provides a practical solution for large-sized construction video storage with security and lightweight considerations. The proposed video security storage and data lightweight process offers substantial benefits to construction management, such as streamlined accident investigation and accountability and improved on-site work efficiency, contributing to the smooth progress of construction projects.

Monitoring checklist for the construction of light-woodframe houses

Light-woodframe emerges as a modern construction solution to compete with the masonry houses, due to similarities in competitive costs and low-trained labor. This informality contributes to troubles and problems, being identified as perceptible challenges for the building planning and management. A good tool to solve these difficulties consists in the use of a standard checklist during construction process activities, avoiding the negligence of necessary steps to complete the building project. This checklist indicates the systemic view of the complete process, acting as a facilitating and standardizing tool for the progress of on-site building works. To meet these demands, the present paper developed and proposed an organizational tool, materialized by a checklist presented in Appendix section of this paper, in order to monitor the construction process of wood-based houses through light-woodframe system. Due to detailed knowledge of each building phase, this user-friendly checklist adds values and offers organization routines for developers and suppliers. Printed checklists exclude the need of electronic devices on site, allowing copies for all workers. On building site, it allows controlling the systematization and progress of activities, providing a comprehensive systemic view of the work.

Enhancing Individual Worker Risk Awareness: A Location-Based Safety Check System for Real-Time Hazard Warnings in Work-Zones

This study focuses on improving pre-emptive risk recognition and safety checks to prevent workplace accidents. It underscores improvements by addressing existing research issues, suggesting potential enhancements through system development. Work approval procedures and workers’ prior risk awareness, through the confirmation of work safety standards in physically separated work areas, are fundamental methods of preventing serious accidents and creating a safe work environment. A key factor concerning worker safety is recognizing the potential accident risk factors (or hazards) in advance through practical job hazard analysis and consequently take risk-reduction measures in case the safety standards are not met. Despite the crucial significance of pre-awareness of work risks at the majority of construction sites, tools to enhance this awareness are currently limited. Furthermore, real-time detection of work risks and the implementation of risk reduction measures are contingent upon a monitoring environment and a robust safety culture. This study proposed construction worker location-tracking technology that recognizes personal identification (ID). A safety check system based on location tracking combining personal quick response code (QR code) recognition and computer vision technology to automatically identify workers’ personal identities and track their physical location was proposed. A real-time safety check system was implemented to classify automatically whether workers have confirmed hazards and to approve a work process in high-risk workplaces by supervisors. Location-tracking technology with ID recognition performed the following two safety management functions. First, if a construction worker does not pre-check the work risk information before entering the work zone, the geofencing technology automatically classifies workers as those who are not aware of job hazards. Secondly, the safety manager or supervisor entering the on-site work zone possesses the authority to halt work if the work environment fails to meet safety standards and can issue warnings regarding risky situations. Essential functions were validated through a case study involving preliminary testing within the development system. To assess the practical application of the system, virtual simulations were conducted using recorded videos from a construction site to replicate the two essential functions of the system. The system was constructed using an Apache server and Python code, and for testing purposes, the names of the workers were randomized.

Research on seismic performance of a novel fully precast RC frame isolation structure

Precast structure is considered the most promising approach for achieving architectural industrialization and urban functional resilience due to its advantages such as high quality, low cost, minimal on-site work, environmental friendliness, and resource conservation. However, some studies and earthquake damage investigations indicate that the seismic performance of precast structures is relatively poor, and their damage is usually attributed to insufficient bearing capacity and ductility of connections, making post-earthquake repair extremely challenging. While considering isolation technology one of the most innovative achievements in the field of structural engineering, it has been widely used in structures, and numerous isolation buildings have withstood the test of earthquakes. Therefore, isolation technology may be the most promising solution to improve the seismic performance of precast structure systems. This paper proposed a new type of dry-connection fully precast RC frame structure and adopts the isolation technology to guarantee its seismic performance. A half-scaled model of the precast isolation structure was manufactured and tested on the shaking table. The results show that after experiencing rare earthquakes, the superstructure was basically intact and the isolation layer remains undamaged, which could achieve the design objectives of no damage under moderate earthquakes and repairable after severe earthquakes.

The Quality of Company Audit in Indonesia during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Literature

As many companies transform, auditing is crucial in a company's development process, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transformation without a financial audit can lead to problems because it may not effectively minimize fraud or unanticipated risks. With the advent of COVID-19, auditors' work is constrained by government policies that limit on-site work, preventing auditors from accessing necessary data freely. This situation has the potential to result in lower-quality audit reports. Research on the quality of company audits during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted using review literature. The research process involved collecting data from offline and online journals and proceedings. This study revealed a general decline in audit quality, but there were also cases where the quality remained consistent with the pre-COVID-19 period. This study concludes that the quality of audit analysis results plays a crucial role in ensuring company transparency and integrity, particularly in the presentation of financial reports. By leveraging the audit findings provided by the auditors, stakeholders will have a robust and thorough foundation for making informed conclusions and decisions regarding the company's future. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the integrity of audits came under scrutiny due to the numerous changes implemented by companies striving to endure the crisis.

Working Anytime and Anywhere -Even When Feeling Ill? A Cross-sectional Study on Presenteeism in Remote Work

BackgroundWorking despite feeling ill – presenteeism – is a widespread behavioral phenomenon. Previous research has shown that presenteeism is influenced by various work-related and personal factors. It's an illness behavior leading to a range of negative but also positive consequences. Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, remote work has become the “new normal” for many employees. But so far, little is known about presenteeism in remote work. This study aims to investigate presenteeism in remote work by looking at the extent of remote presenteeism, differences to presenteeism in on-site work, and associated factors. MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany with N = 233 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and correlation analysis. ResultsThe results reveal that presenteeism is prevalent in remote work x̅ = 4.13 days (Md = 3; D = 2; s = 4.95). A low ability to detach from work (r = -.17; p = .005) and low supervisor support (r = -.14; p = .02) is associated with more remote presenteeism days. Remote working conditions seem to facilitate presenteeism. ConclusionThis study provides empirical insights into a subject area of great societal relevance. The results show that awareness should be raised for presenteeism in remote work. It should be regarded as a behavior that can be functional or dysfunctional, depending on the individual situation. Supervisor support and detachment should be fostered to help reduce dysfunctional presenteeism. Promotion of health literacy might help remote workers to decide on a health-oriented illness behavior. Further research is vital to analyze to what extent and under which circumstances presenteeism in remote work is (dys)functional and to derive clear recommendations.

Task planning and control in construction: revealing workers as early and late planners

Production planning and control are critical to project success. They are conventionally understood as linking planning and production by coordinating tasks prior to installation work. However, research has highlighted workers as autonomous and decentralized planners of installation work, which challenges conventional management perspectives. Performing task-level planning and control requires resources and effort, reducing the time spent on installation work. This study explores workers’ planning practices by examining the use of higher-level plans and other information sources and by analyzing workers’ information needs and the factors determining them. A survey of Finnish construction workers was conducted. The results show that some workers prefer planning tasks before arriving at the construction site, while others prefer planning tasks during on-site work preparation. Trade- and crew-specific factors influence planning earlier or later and determine the extent to which centralized and decentralized sources and practices are used. Decentralized sources and practices are most often used to meet workers’ information needs, although centralized sources and practices are also used. These findings may help construction stakeholders better understand the information sources and practices used by workers. Thus, task planning and control activities can better meet workers’ information needs, allowing for more time for installation work.

Construction Productivity Graph: a comprehensive methodology based on BIM and AI techniques to enhance productivity and safety on construction sites

The construction sector is characterised by distinctive issues, such as product uniqueness, the reluctance to introduce innovation, player fragmentation leading to a low productivity level and a related high level of risk intended due to the increased likelihood of damages and injuries, and the consequences on construction productivity. The common European Union regulatory framework provides strict regulations about on-site working activities, but there is still no standard for the environmental and social sustainability of construction sites. Productivity assumes a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of construction and positively influences workers’ safety due to higher levels of organisation, reducing time, costs, resource consumption and wasted time. This paper presents a methodology developed by augmenting BIM systems capabilities using Agent-based simulation techniques to simulate and optimise on-site work. The augmented BIM model allows analysis of site conditions in terms of space utilisation and resource allocation, resulting in the ‘Construction Productivity Graph – CPG’. This graphic representation synthesises the results obtained, making it possible to visualise the work progression in different working areas with the resources employed, allowing for the management of productivity rates and the verification of work safety conditions.

Forced to Work from Home: Division of Unpaid Work between Parents and the Relation to Job Satisfaction

This study investigates the division of household chores and caregiving tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the influence of participants’ sex, work arrangement, and parental status. Additionally, it aims to understand the relationship of these variables with job satisfaction. Specifically, this study analyses the role of participants’ sex and parental status in the increase and division of unpaid work and investigates the roles of sex, work arrangements (namely telework and on-site work), and the division of unpaid work in job satisfaction. These variables were measured and analyzed with a sample of 268 workers in Portugal (57.8% of whom were teleworking) during pandemic lockdowns. Taken together, the results suggest that despite prepandemic advances in gender equality and despite men and women perceiving an increase in their domestic workload during lockdowns, there were significant inequalities between men and women in the division of unpaid work. These were intensified for couples with young children and were not mitigated by changes in work arrangements such as telework. For women, the lack of sharing in caregiving tasks while teleworking decreased their job satisfaction. For them, the lack of sharing of caregiving tasks moderates the relationship between work arrangements and job satisfaction. The same was not true for men. Despite the optimistic view that telework might promote a more equal sharing of unpaid work, this study shows that unpaid work is still mostly performed by women, with important consequences for the paid work sphere.

Remote Work Efficacy: A Quantitative Analysis of Administrative Staff Performance in Ciudad Juárez's Industrial Sector Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations globally have adopted novel strategies for survival, among which the abrupt transition to remote work stands out. This study aims to elucidate the benefits and implications of remote work on the performance of administrative employees within Ciudad Juárez's maquiladoras. A correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive research design was employed from August 2021 to May 2022. A non-probabilistic sample of 273 administrative staff members, who had engaged in remote work at least once, was utilized and a questionnaire was administered. The subsequent statistical analysis involved frequency and percentage computations. Further, two distinct groups, each comprising 50 administrative staff members-one working remotely and the other onsite-were established. Cross-tabulation descriptive analysis was performed to discern potential associations. Preliminary results revealed a marked prevalence of remote work (81.3%) over onsite work (18.7%). A significant association (p<0.05) between remote work and job performance was evident in most items, thereby indicating that remote work positively contributes to organizational objectives and enhances employee performance.