A review of ergonomics and technological advancements in safety boots for the construction industry

Abstract

Background

One of the riskiest industries in the world is the construction industry, where employees are subjected to accidents. To reduce these risks, personal protective equipment (PPE) is introduced. Many technical advancements are happening around the globe. However, such advancements are lacking in the construction industry and PPE kits.

Objective

This study reviews how product design affects the design of safety boots used in the construction sector.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using SCOPUS, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases, focusing on peer-reviewed journal articles published in English over the last ten years (2014–2024). Articles were selected based on a detailed screening process, including evaluations of titles, abstracts, and full texts, to ensure relevance to the study. Following the PRISMA approach, 30 papers were identified using keywords such as “safety boots,” “construction industry,” “ergonomics,” “IoT,” and “AI.” These selected studies were analyzed to identify key research questions, findings, and gaps within the field.

Results

Research has indicated that factors that influence the boot wear design in the construction industry are materials, pressure point, shaft height, shaft weight, boot weight, sole height, foot arch, toe box, ergonomics, foot morphology, technological advancement, etc, all these factors can, directly and indirectly, affect the function, durability, and comfort of the boots. An ergonomically advanced boot can decrease pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and wounds. Artificial intelligence can be directly used in the design process for refinement, prototyping, and analysis. Data analysis, communications, and coordination can be increased by using advanced smart boots. In short, incorporating ergonomics, technologies, and AI can improve the user experience and worker safety.

Conclusion

By better understanding the relationship between product design, material, ergonomics, technology and AI, the design of safety boots can promise more comfort and safety. Many factors like toe box, sole height, foot arch, shaft height, weight can directly affect the function of a boot. New materials like cordura, sympatex can be used for making membranes of the boots. Temperature, biometric, chemical sensors, and AI can increase the safety and data analysis. But further research has to be done on many factors like shaft height, weight, sensors, and usage of AI in design process and manufacture. Designing a smart safety boot for construction workers has good scope. The manufacturers can create boots that exceed workers’ expectations, thereby providing a safer and more productive work environment.