The document introduces a wireless sensor network designed to protect construction workers from physical hazards. The network uses either a standard ZigBee communication scheme or a more flexible ad-hoc configuration with lower bandwidth and frequency needs. A compact, washable, and ergonomic wireless sensor node was designed and developed to detect various physical phenomena like ultraviolet rays and dust, which can cause health issues for workers. The sensor node is sewn directly into a worker's garment with the antenna integrated into the fabric to form a single unified structure. Initial tests with a non-optimized prototype validated the overall approach and applicability to real worksite scenarios.

1. DYNAMIC WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS FOR REAL
TIME SAFEGUARD OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO
PHYSICAL AGENTS IN CONSTRUCTIONS SITES
ABSTRACT:
The paper introduces a wireless sensor network platform specifically designed for the
protection of workers employed in the building sector, exposed to critical physical agents,
typical of their working scenario. The network configuration makes use of either a standard
ZigBee communication scheme, or a more versatile ad-hoc set-up, which narrows the
necessary transmission bandwidth and lowers the frequency of the carriers. The relevant part
of the research activity has been concentrated on the design and realization of a compact,
wearable, washable, ergonomic, low cost wireless sensor node, suitable to detect a huge
variety of physical phenomena. The sample proposed in the paper has been specifically
developed to measure two different kinds of exposure, Ultraviolet rays and dust. Both these
agents, for different reasons, represent a critical factors and a certified source of possible
diseases. The sensor node is embedded on the worker garment: the electronic components are
sewed on the cloth, and the antenna is integrated within the fabric, and, together with the
fabric, forms a unique structure. Preliminary results, obtained with a non-optimized and noncompact node, testify the validity of the approach and its applicability to real cases.