Published on: 2026-10-01
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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At the Department of Technosphere Safety, senior lecturer Nadezhda Batova conducted scientific research on the topic “Improving labor safety for workers performing high-altitude work in the construction industry by enhancing the safe behavior model” within the framework of the grant competition for scientific research carried out by scientific and pedagogical staff of the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering in 2026.
The study was based on the premise that increasing the competence level of employees can reduce the number of accidents on construction sites caused by human error. In this regard, during the R&D work, a training methodology was developed and tested using modern educational technologies to ensure the occupational safety of workers at high risk of falling from heights. The algorithm of the training process for occupational safety requirements, developed within the framework of the methodology writing, includes a six-step cycle and serves as an instruction for performing sequential actions aimed at acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of occupational safety (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Algorithm of the training process using modern educational technologies to ensure labor safety for workers with a high risk of falling from height
One of the most important stages in the learning process is assessing its effectiveness, checking the quality of the acquired and retained knowledge and skills. In occupational safety training, this is the stage of verifying knowledge of occupational safety requirements, which allows evaluating the worker’s competence and making a decision about their admission to perform work.
Existing methods of competence assessment, mainly based on subjective expert opinions and document analysis, have limited reliability and are prone to serious errors. To enhance the objectivity and reproducibility of evaluating employees’ knowledge and skills, a method using Harrington’s desirability function has been developed, which allows combining several competence indicators (test results, practical skills assessment, and situational task outcomes) into a single integrated indicator in the employee evaluation.
An additional advantage of this assessment method is the minimization of the human factor: subjectivity related to personal preferences or expert fatigue within the knowledge verification commission is eliminated – now competence can be expressed as a quantitative characteristic, a specific number obtained as a result of calculations. A “safety criterion” has been established – an employee competence level equal to 0.37 (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2. Translation of the generalized desirability coefficient value (Harrington function) into the worker’s competence level
As a result of the research and development work, the results of testing the training methodology on construction workers in St. Petersburg who perform work at height have been presented, confirming its effectiveness in maintaining the level of workers’ competence. Articles for publication in journals included in the HAC list have been prepared.
The established model of safe behavior within the training framework based on the algorithmic method using modern educational technologies to ensure labor safety for workers with a high risk of falling from heights will contribute to the long-term retention of knowledge and skills for safe work performance. This, in turn, will lead to a reduction in the injury rate in the construction industry.
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