Abstract
The utilization of Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based technologies in the construction industry has recently grabbed the attention of numerous researchers and practitioners. Despite the improvements made to automate this industry using IoT-based technologies, there are several barriers to the further utilization of these leading-edge technologies. A review of the literature revealed that it lacks research focusing on the obstacles to the application of these technologies in Construction Site Safety Management (CSSM). Accordingly, the aim of this research was to identify and analyze the barriers impeding the use of such technologies in the CSSM context. To this end, initially, the extant literature was reviewed extensively and nine experts were interviewed, which led to the identification of 18 barriers. Then, the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) was used to calculate the importance weights of the identified barriers and prioritize them through the lenses of competent experts in Hong Kong. Following this, the findings were validated using semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the barriers related to “productivity reduction due to wearable sensors”, “the need for technical training”, and “the need for continuous monitoring” were the most significant, while “limitations on hardware and software and lack of standardization in efforts,” “the need for proper light for smooth functionality”, and “safety hazards” were the least important barriers. The obtained findings not only give new insight to academics, but also provide practical guidelines for the stakeholders at the forefront by enabling them to focus on the key barriers to the implementation of IoT-based technologies in CSSM.
Highlights
Construction safety is considered a critical issue in every construction project due to the high number of reported fatalities and worker injuries [1]
According to the available data, there are more than 60,000 fatalities yearly in construction projects around the globe [2]; the construction sector is responsible for 20% of the total fatalities in Europe, with this figure being much higher in developing countries at 20–40% [3]
As can be seen in this table, the consensus was reached in the second round of the surveys, considering the two conditions specified for the used fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) (conditions (a) and (b) stated in Step 2); standard deviation to mean ratio (SDMR)
Summary
Construction safety is considered a critical issue in every construction project due to the high number of reported fatalities and worker injuries [1]. According to the available data, there are more than 60,000 fatalities yearly in construction projects around the globe [2]; the construction sector is responsible for 20% of the total fatalities in Europe, with this figure being much higher in developing countries at 20–40% [3]. These values are significant even when it comes to developed countries (e.g., Hong Kong) using high-tech technologies.
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