Bibliometric and scientometric analysis-based review of construction safety and health research in developing countries from 1990 to 2021

Abstract

This bibliometric and scientometric analyses and critical review of construction health and safety (H&S) research in developing countries (DCs) over the past 31 years, identifies its trends, dissemination, knowledge gaps, study implications, and direction of future research. These are area overlooked. Using a science mapping approach, involving systematic bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database and scientometric analysis with VOSViewer software, this research fills the knowledge gap. The findings include that while construction H&S research is growing in a few countries such as China and South Africa, the majority of DCs such as Venezuela are yet to experience this increase. However, the research focus is not aligned with their problems. The studies examined mainly focus on risk-based research (e.g. risk management and assessment), accidents, human-related factors, safety management, site safety, and performance management. The research focus of construction H&S scholars in DCs differs from their global counterparts. Equality, diversity and inclusion in construction H&S; and safety culture and climate are still minimal. Many aspects of industry 4.0 concerning safety need to be examined, for example, ‘Big data and construction H&S', and industry 4.0 skills and knowledge requirements for construction H&S -associated activities. There is linear relationship (correlation) between keywords occurrences and their total strength. Mainly quantitative surveys and analytic hierarchy processes (AHP) are adopted, hence the need for qualitative methods studies. The study provides the first detailed evidence of the characteristics of construction H&S research in DCs and its underrepresentation in H&S research.