A simulation and visualization-based framework of labor efficiency and safety analysis for prevention through design and planning

Considering the physically demanding nature of manual tasks in the construction industry, an effective approach to mitigating ergonomic risks is to prevent the unsafe working conditions proactively during design and planning, also known as Prevention through Design (PtD). However, there is a lack of approaches for identifying the potential ergonomic risks of a proposed design that can effectively address designers' lack of familiarity with ergonomic risks and understanding of the PtD concept and its implementation. Furthermore, it is difficult to evaluate the impact of ergonomic interventions on productivity and vice versa using available tools. Thus, an integrated approach to PtD is proposed by developing a comprehensive framework that uses simulation modeling, coupled with Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) and ergonomic and biomechanical assessment, as well as workplace visualization, in order to incorporate both productivity and safety analysis into the design process. The results of implementing the proposed approach indicate its effectiveness in achieving optimum designs in terms of efficiency and safety by evaluating different scenarios of carrying out construction manual operations. The proposed framework also enables evaluating the relationship between safety and productivity from a physical perspective. •Prevention through design (PtD) is an effective approach for promoting safety.•Understanding ergonomic risk and its impact on productivity is a key for PtD.•An integrated approach to PtD is proposed through a comprehensive framework.•The framework aims to achieve optimum design in terms of both efficiency and safety.