Leveraging ChatGPT to Aid Construction Hazard Recognition and Support Safety Education and Training

Abstract

Proper hazard recognition is fundamental to effective safety management in construction workplaces. Nevertheless, poor hazard recognition levels are a widespread and persistent problem in the construction industry. For example, recent investigations have demonstrated that a significant number of workplace hazards often remain unrecognized in construction workplaces. These unrecognized workplace hazards often remain unmanaged and can potentially translate into devastating and unexpected safety incidents. Therefore, interventions targeted at improving hazard recognition levels are foundational to enhancing safety management in construction workplaces. The main objective of the current investigation was to examine if ChatGPT, a language model recently launched by OpenAI, can aid hazard recognition when integrated into the curriculum of students pursuing a career in the construction industry. The investigation was carried out as an experimental effort with 42 students enrolled in the construction program at a major state university in the United States. First, prior to the introduction of ChatGPT as an intervention, the pre-intervention hazard recognition ability of the students was measured. Next, ChatGPT and its capabilities were introduced to the students in a classroom setting. Guidance was also offered on how the students could leverage ChatGPT to aid hazard recognition efforts. Finally, the post-intervention hazard recognition ability of the students was measured and compared against their earlier performance. The result suggests that ChatGPT can be leveraged to improve hazard recognition levels. Accordingly, integrating ChatGPT as part of safety education and training can yield benefits and prepare the next generation of construction professionals for industry success.

Gemini versus ChatGPT: applications, performance, architecture, capabilities, and implementation

“…Assistance with Project Planning and Design Initial Design Concepts: Gemini offers support to architects by providing insights into architectural principles and a vast array of construction materials, techniques, and regulations. It can suggest different structural systems, sustainability strategies, and alternative materials tailored to project needs [29][30]. ChatGPT can then articulate these concepts in detailed descriptions, aiding stakeholders' comprehension.…”

“…Management of Construction Processes Optimized Scheduling: Gemini analyzes project plans, identifies task dependencies, and proposes scheduling optimizations for expedited completion while ensuring resource availability and avoiding conflicts. ChatGPT simplifies communication by converting complex schedules into easily digestible formats for stakeholders [30,32]. Risk Assessment and Management: By processing site data, weather patterns, historical incident reports, and supply chain information, Gemini identifies potential risks and recommends preventive measures or contingency plans.…”

“…ChatGPT generates comprehensible risk reports for technical and non-technical personnel [29,32]. Facilitating Communication and Collaboration: Chatbots powered by ChatGPT enhance communication among project teams, suppliers, and contractors by addressing common queries, providing updates, and facilitating document exchange using natural language interaction [30,31]. Site Operations and Inspection Discrepancy Detection: Gemini compares LiDAR scans or photogrammetry data of a construction site to as-designed 3D model, flagging discrepancies and potential errors early on.…”

“…Trend Analysis and Forecasting: By analyzing project data, Gemini identifies trends in cost, material usage, and productivity, enabling informed decision-making by project managers regarding bids, resource allocation, and process improvements. ChatGPT visualizes these trends and forecasts in easily understandable formats [30,34]. Predictive Maintenance: Trained on sensor data, Gemini develops models to predict equipment breakdowns, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.…”

Brainstorming Will Never Be the Same Again—A Human Group Supported by Artificial Intelligence

“…With the rise of AI, identifying the process of generating ideas is important not only for determining the ideas' origin [39][40][41][42][43][44][45] but also for better understanding the process of human innovation.…”