Influence of visual environments on struck-by hazards for construction equipment operators through virtual eye-tracking

This paper analyzed how different visual environments (i.e., normal, glare, dark, and dusty environments) affect construction equipment operators' struck-by hazards. To achieve this objective, an experiment using eye-tracking technology was conducted in screen-based virtual environments to measure and statistically analyze three types of data affecting struck-by hazards: (i) hazard detection abilities; (ii) eye-tracking data; and (iii) psychological responses. The results revealed that visual environments significantly influenced all types of data, particularly environments characterized by low illuminance and low luminance contrast, which notably impaired hazard detection abilities. These results emphasize the importance of considering the visual environment to prevent struck-by hazards and suggest the feasibility of using physiological and psychological indicators as measures of hazard detection abilities. This paper is a steppingstone for future research into optimizing visual environments for enhanced safety in construction sites by preventing struck-by hazards.