Technologies of Safety and Health Management in Constructions

Abstract

The adoption and implementation of innovative solutions is an effective means to improve construction safety performance. The use of technology as a preventive tool for stemming the observed disproportionate rate of worker injuries and fatalities in the construction industry as compared with other industrial sectors has gained substantial attention over the last two decades. Previous studies have highlighted the need to advance the state of knowledge regarding the usefulness and utility of technologies for safety and health management in construction as well as factors that limit and prevent technology use in the construction industry. This paper aims to fill this gap in knowledge and practice by (1) identifying technologies used for safety and health management in the construction industry and assessing the current rate of use within the construction industry; (2) highlighting the benefits and limitations of using technologies for safety and health management, and (3) identifying the critical barriers to adopting technologies for safety and health management and propose strategies to overcome such barriers. To achieve the research aims, a survey was conducted to collect relevant data on the topic. 102 construction practitioners with pertinent knowledge of technology as it is used within their organization responded to the survey. Results of the study suggest that although slight increase in technology for safety and health management in construction adoption and use transpired due to technology ability to improve safety conditions, a notable resistance regarding its continuous use remains an issue across the industry. The study findings provide invaluable information for industry practitioners and researchers regarding limitations of technology implementation and barriers of technology adoption as well as strategies to overcome such limitations and barriers. Overcoming technology implementation limitations and adoption barriers is expected to enhance the adoption of technology for safety management in the construction industry