Understanding how highway construction workers recognize hazards

Pilot Study to Investigate and evaluate Factors impacting Highway Construction Workers' Hazard Recognition Performance

['FUNDING_R03'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-10932095

This study is looking at how highway construction workers spot dangers on the job by using virtual reality to create realistic scenarios, with the aim of making their work environment safer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10932095 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the factors that affect how highway construction workers identify hazards in their work environment. Using virtual reality scenarios, the study will measure workers' hazard recognition performance through various metrics, including eye-tracking technology to analyze their visual search patterns. By collaborating with industry professionals, the research aims to create realistic simulations that reflect the challenges workers face on the job. The goal is to enhance workplace safety by understanding cognitive loads and improving hazard recognition skills.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include highway construction workers and construction students who are actively engaged in or training for this field.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in highway construction or related fields may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety training and protocols for highway construction workers, potentially reducing accidents and fatalities.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in workplace safety, this specific approach using virtual reality and eye-tracking technology is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.

Where this research is happening

BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.