U.S. construction sites, particularly within MUTCD 2009-defined work zones, present substantial safety challenges. In 2020, the construction industry accounted for 21.2% of fatal injuries, with struck-by accidents constituting 40% of fatalities. Visibility issues that contribute most to construction fatalities highlight the need for improved safety practices. The dynamic nature of construction projects, involving heavy equipment and workers, intensifies safety hazards. Traditional safety measures, relying on historical data, hinder the transition to real-time information due to monitoring challenges. This project developed a proximity-sensing alert system, including a wearable Personal Protection Unit (PPU) for pedestrian workers and an Equipment Protection Unit (EPU) for equipment operators. Prototyping was aimed at reducing PPU size, extending battery life, and establishing wireless communication. A cloud server system aggregated incident data for remote safety monitoring. The system was validated at active highway construction sites in collaboration with Georgia DOT and construction companies. Outdoor trials validated the system's functionalities, revealing reliable proximity sensing with a 2.2-second reaction time and the impact of obstructions on alert frequencies. The system's reliability in hazardous proximity situations positions it for industry beta testing and commercialization, marking a significant milestone in advancing construction safety practices.

The final report is available.