Working efficiency and cognitive load impacts by factory-like construction working environments in hot summer: evidence from rebar tying workers

Purpose In the construction sector, adverse working environments are often considered an important factor influencing accident occurrence and productivity. Although factory-like platforms such as the aerial building machine (ABM) have been introduced to improve on-site conditions, their effects on workers' efficiency and cognitive load remain unclear. Given that such platforms reshape hot summer environments, clarifying their effects on workers is essential to guide evidence-based design and management strategies for improving safety and productivity under heat stress. Therefore, this study examines the impacts of micro-environments created by factory-like construction platforms on workers' extraneous cognitive load and work efficiency, aiming to support sustainable improvements in construction working environments. Design/methodology/approach This study combines field and laboratory investigations to evaluate differences in workers' environment-induced extraneous cognitive load and work efficiency with and without factory-like construction platforms. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) assesses subjective cognitive workload, while task performance indicators provide a comprehensive evaluation of workers' responses. Findings The results reveal that factory-like construction platforms, such as the ABM, positively influence rebar workers' performance and extraneous cognitive load by providing favorable temperature, solar radiation and brightness in summer, although they have some adverse effects on humidity and wind speed. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on how ABM-modified environments affect workers' extraneous cognitive load and work efficiency. This evidence advances understanding of environmental influences in construction and supports the development of improved construction working environments. Additionally, it offers guidance for the design of factory-like construction platforms or aerial building machines.