Advancing physical and mental fatigue analysis in construction workers: Insights, technologies, and future directions

In construction workplaces, worker fatigue emerges from intense physical or mental activities, leading to decreased alertness, impaired decision-making, and increased accident risk. Although earlier reviews examined the origins and measurements of construction worker fatigue (CWF), recent studies show a progressive shift toward advanced and integrated approaches. These include real-time tracking, data-driven models, and multi-sensor wearables, combining knowledge from neuroscience, ergonomics, and information technology. However, current research remains fragmented, with limited studies systematically connecting technological and interdisciplinary developments in physical and mental fatigue to guide future work. Therefore, this review integrates knowledge across domains to highlight emerging trends and applications of advanced technologies in CWF research. Key findings reveal that fatigue monitoring should combine physiological measurements with contextual work variables; future human-centered systems should deliver task-specific and personalized feedback tailored to workers; and integration of technological advances with organizational policies and cultural awareness is essential to proactive fatigue management in construction. • Reviews recent advancements in physical and mental fatigue analysis in construction workers. • Explores real-time tracking, data-driven fatigue models, and multi-sensor wearables in construction worker fatigue (CWF) research. • Proposes future directions including physiological insights, organizational strategies, advanced AI modeling, and cultural awareness to better manage CWF.