Share:


Barriers to the adoption of new safety technologies in construction: a developing country context

    Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap   Affiliation
    ; Canwin Guan Ying Lam   Affiliation
    ; Martin Skitmore   Affiliation
    ; Nima Talebian   Affiliation

Abstract

The adoption rate of new technologies is still relatively low in the construction industry, particularly for mitigating occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, which is traditionally a largely labor-intensive activity in developing countries, occupying ill-afforded non-productive management resources. However, understanding why this is the case is a relatively unresearched area in developing countries such as Malaysia. In aiming to help redress this situation, this study explored the major barriers involved, firstly by a detailed literature review to identify the main barriers hampering the adoption of new technologies for safety science and management in construction. Then, a questionnaire survey of Malaysian construction practitioners was used to prioritize these barriers. A factor analysis further identified six major dimensions underlying the barriers, relating to the lack of OSH regulations and legislation, technological limitations, lack of genuine organizational commitment, prohibitive costs, poor safety culture within the construction industry, and privacy and data security concerns. Taken together, the findings provide a valuable reference to assist industry practitioners and researchers regarding the critical barriers to the adoption of new technologies for construction safety management in Malaysia and other similar developing countries, and bridge the identified knowledge gap concerning the dimensionality of the barriers.

Keyword : construction industry, safety management, technology adoption, barriers, factor analysis, developing countries

How to Cite
Yap, J. B. H., Lam, C. G. Y., Skitmore, M., & Talebian, N. (2022). Barriers to the adoption of new safety technologies in construction: a developing country context. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 28(2), 120–133. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2022.16014
Published in Issue
Jan 14, 2022
Abstract Views
2253
PDF Downloads
1911
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Abdul-Rashid, A.-A., & Abdul-Aziz, H. (2003). Construction safety in Malaysia: A review industry performance and outlook for the future. Journal of Construction Research, 4(2), 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1609945103000364

Alaloul, W. S., Liew, M. S., Zawawi, N. A. W. A., & Kennedy, I. B. (2020). Industrial Revolution 4.0 in the construction industry: Challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 11(1), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2019.08.010

Amirah, N. A., Asma, W. I., Muda, M. S., & Mohd Amin, W. A. A. W. (2013). Safety culture in combating occupational safety and health problems in the Malaysian manufacturing sectors. Asian Social Science, 9(3), 182–191. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v9n3p182

Aripin, I. D. M., Zawawi, E. M. A., & Ismail, Z. (2019). Factors influencing the implementation of technologies behind industry 4.0 in the Malaysian construction industry. In International Conference on Built Environment and Engineering 2018 – “Enhancing Construction Industry Through IR4.0” (IConBEE 2018), MATEC Web of Conferences (Vol. 266), Johor, Malaysia, 01006. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201926601006

Babulal, V. (2020). Construction related deaths and injuries alarming. New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/565830/construction-related-deaths-and-injuries-alarming

Bademosi, F., & Issa, R. R. A. (2021). Factors influencing adoption and integration of construction robotics and automation technology in the US. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147(8), 04021075. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002103

Cinite, I., & Duxbury, L. E. (2018). Measuring the behavioral properties of commitment and resistance to organizational change. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 54(2), 113–139. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886318757997

Cortellazzo, L., Bruni, E., & Zampieri, R. (2019). The role of leadership in a digitalized world: A review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01938

Delgado, J. M. D., Oyedele, L., Ajayi, A., Akanbi, L., Akinade, O., Bilal, M., & Owolabi, H. (2019). Robotics and automated systems in construction: Understanding industry-specific challenges for adoption. Journal of Building Engineering, 26, 100868. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100868

Demirkesen, S., & Tezel, A. (2021). Investigating major challenges for industry 4.0 adoption among construction companies. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-12-2020-1059

Dodge Data & Analytics. (2017). Safety management in the construction industry 2017 (SmartMarket Report). Bedford, MA.

Dodge Data & Analytics. (2019). Using technology to improve risk management in construction (SmartMarket Insight). Bedford, MA.

Edirisinghe, R. (2019). Digital skin of the construction site: Smart sensor technologies towards the future smart construction site. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(2), 184–223. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2017-0066

Forcina, A., & Falcone, D. (2021). The role of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies for safety management: A systematic literature review. Procedia Computer Science, 180, 436–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.01.260

Gou, Q., Yan, L., Liu, Y., & Li, Y. (2013). Construction and strategies in IoT security system. In 2013 IEEE International Conference on Green Computing and Communications and IEEE Internet of Things and IEEE Cyber, Physical and Social Computing (pp. 1129–1132). IEEE, Beijing, China. https://doi.org/10.1109/GreenCom-iThings-CPSCom.2013.195

Goyal, P., Sahoo, A. K., & Sharma, T. K. (2019). Internet of things: Architecture and enabling technologies. Materials Today: Proceedings, 34(3), 719–735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.678

Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate data analysis. Cengage Learning.

Hämäläinen, P., Takala, J., & Saarela, K. L. (2006). Global estimates of occupational accidents. Safety Science, 44(2), 137–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2005.08.017

Jitwasinkul, B., & Hadikusumo, B. H. W. (2011). Identification of important organisational factors influencing safety work behaviours in construction projects. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 17(4), 520–528. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2011.604538

Kamaruddin, S. S., Mohammad, M. F., & Mahbub, R. (2016). Barriers and impact of mechanisation and automation in construction to achieve better quality products. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 222, 111–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.05.197

Kang, L., & Wu, C. (2020). Evaluating the safety performance of China’s provincial construction industries from 2009 to 2017. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(5), 435–446. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.12646

Kang, Y., Jin, Z., Hyun, C., & Park, H. (2018). Construction management functions for developing countries: Case of Cambodia. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(3), 05018004. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000609

Karakhan, A., Xu, Y., Nnaji, C., & Alsaffar, O. (2019). Technology alternatives for workplace safety risk mitigation in construction: Exploratory study. In T. Hartmann (Ed.), Advances in informatics and computing in civil and construction engineering (pp. 823–829). Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00220-6_99

Kartam, N. A., Flood, I., & Koushki, P. (2000). Construction safety in Kuwait: Issues, procedures, problems, and recommendations. Safety Science, 36(3), 163–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-7535(00)00041-2

Li, S., Zhang, Z., Mei, G., Lin, D., Yu, J., Qiu, R., Su, X., Lin, X., & Lou, C. (2021). Utilization of BIM in the construction of a submarine tunnel: A case study in Xiamen City, China. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 27(1), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2021.14098

Liu, H., Skibniewski, M. J., & Wang, M. (2016). Identification and hierarchical structure of critical success factors for innovation in construction projects: Chinese perspective. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 22(3), 401–416. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2014.975739

Long, S., & Spurlock, D. G. (2008). Motivation and stakeholder acceptance in technology-driven change management: Implications for the engineering manager. Engineering Management Journal, 20(2), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2008.11431764

Loushine, T. W., Hoonakker, P. L. T., Carayon, P., & Smith, M. J. (2006). Quality and safety management in construction. Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, 17(9), 1171–1212. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783360600750469

Maliha, M. N., Abu Aisheh, Y. I., Tayeh, B. A., & Almalki, A. (2021). Safety barriers identification, classification, and ways to improve safety performance in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry: Review study. Sustainability, 13(6), 3316. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063316

Mckinsey Global Institute. (2017). Reinventing construction: A route to higher productivity. Washington, DC, USA.

Nnaji, C., & Karakhan, A. A. (2020). Technologies for safety and health management in construction: Current use, implementation benefits and limitations, and adoption barriers. Journal of Building Engineering, 29, 101212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101212

Nnaji, C., Lee, H. W., Karakhan, A., & Gambatese, J. (2018). Developing a decision-making framework to select safety technologies for highway construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(4), 04018016. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001466

Nnaji, C., Gambatese, J., Karakhan, A., & Osei-Kyei, R. (2020a). Development and application of safety technology adoption decision-making tool. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(4), 04020028. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001808

Nnaji, C., Gambatese, J., Lee, H. W., & Zhang, F. (2020b). Improving construction work zone safety using technology: A systematic review of applicable technologies. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 7(1), 61–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtte.2019.11.001

Oesterreich, T. D., & Teuteberg, F. (2016). Understanding the implications of digitisation and automation in the context of Industry 4.0: A triangulation approach and elements of a research agenda for the construction industry. Computers in Industry, 83, 121–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2016.09.006

Okpala, I., Nnaji, C., & Awolusi, I. (2019). Emerging construction technologies: State of standard and regulation implementation. In ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering 2019 (pp. 153–161). ASCE, Atlanta, Georgia. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784482438.020

Okpala, I., Nnaji, C., & Karakhan, A. A. (2020). Utilizing emerging technologies for construction safety risk mitigation. Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, 25(2), 04020002. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)SC.1943-5576.0000468

Osunsanmi, T. O., Oke, A. E., & Aigbavboa, C. O. (2020). Barriers for the adoption of incorporating RFID with mobile technology for improved safety of construction professionals. In C. Aigbavbao, & W. Thwala (Eds), The construction industry in the fourth industrial revolution (pp. 297–304). Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26528-1_29

Pan, Y., & Zhang, L. (2021). Roles of artificial intelligence in construction engineering and management: A critical review and future trends. Automation in Construction, 122, 103517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103517

Pradhananga, P., ElZomor, M., & Santi Kasabdji, G. (2021). Identifying the challenges to adopting robotics in the US construction industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147(5), 05021003. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002007

Rohana, M. (2012). Readiness of a developing nation in implementing automation and robotics technologies in construction: A case study of Malaysia. Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 6(7), 858–866. https://doi.org/10.17265/1934-7359/2012.07.008

Rwamamara, R. A., Lagerqvist, O., Olofsson, T., Johansson, B. M., & Kaminskas, K. A. (2010). Evidence-based prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in construction industry. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 16(4), 499–509. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2010.56

Shen, X., & Marks, E. (2016). Near-miss information visualization tool in BIM for construction safety. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(4), 04015100. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001100

Shen, Y., Tuuli, M. M., Xia, B., Koh, T. Y., & Rowlinson, S. (2015). Toward a model for forming psychological safety climate in construction project management. International Journal of Project Management, 33(1), 223–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.04.009

Tam, C. M., Fung, I. W. H., & Chan, A. P. C. (2001). Study of attitude changes in people after the implementation of a new safety management system: The supervision plan. Construction Management and Economics, 19(4), 393–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190010027591

Tang, S., Shelden, D. R., Eastman, C. M., Pishdad-Bozorgi, P., & Gao, X. (2019). A review of building information modeling (BIM) and the internet of things (IoT) devices integration: Present status and future trends. Automation in Construction, 101, 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.01.020

Tatum, M. C., & Liu, J. (2017). Unmanned aircraft system applications in construction. Procedia Engineering, 196, 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.07.187

Teizer, J., Cheng, T., & Fang, Y. (2013). Location tracking and data visualization technology to advance construction ironworkers’ education and training in safety and productivity. Automation in Construction, 35, 53–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.03.004

Wang, G., Wang, P., Cao, D., & Luo, X. (2020). Predicting behavioural resistance to BIM implementation in construction projects: An empirical study integrating technology acceptance model and equity theory. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(7), 651–665. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.12325

Wu, C., Li, N., & Fang, D. (2017). Leadership improvement and its impact on workplace safety in construction projects: A conceptual model and action research. International Journal of Project Management, 35(8), 1495–1511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.08.013

Xu, W., & Wang, T. K. (2020). Dynamic safety prewarning mechanism of human–machine–environment using computer vision. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(8), 1813–1833. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-12-2019-0732

Yahya, M. Y. Bin, Lee Hui, Y., Yassin, A. B. M., Omar, R., Robin, R. O. A., & Kasim, N. (2019). The challenges of the implementation of construction robotics technologies in the construction. In International Conference on Built Environment and Engineering 2018 – “Enhancing Construction Industry Through IR4.0” (IConBEE 2018), MATEC Web of Conferences, Johor, Malaysia, 05012. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201926605012

Yap, J. B. H., & Lee, W. K. (2020). Analysing the underlying factors affecting safety performance in building construction. Production Planning & Control, 31(13), 1061–1076. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2019.1695292

Yap, J. B. H., Chow, I. N., & Shavarebi, K. (2019). Criticality of construction industry problems in developing countries: Analyzing Malaysian projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 35(5), 04019020. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000709

Yap, J. B. H., Chong, J. R., Skitmore, M., & Lee, W. P. (2020). Rework causation that undermines safety performance during production in construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(9), 04020106. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001902

Yap, J. B. H., Lee, K. P. H., & Wang, C. (2021). Safety enablers using emerging technologies in construction projects: Empirical study in Malaysia. Journal of Engineering Design and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-07-2021-0379

Yi, W., & Chan, A. P. C. (2014). Critical review of labor productivity research in construction journals. Journal of Management in Engineering, 30(2), 214–225. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000194

You, S., Kim, J. H., Lee, S. H., Kamat, V., & Robert, L. P. (2018). Enhancing perceived safety in human–robot collaborative construction using immersive virtual environments. Automation in Construction, 96, 161–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.09.008

Zhou, Z., Irizarry, J., & Li, Q. (2013). Applying advanced technology to improve safety management in the construction industry: a literature review. Construction Management and Economics, 31(6), 606–622. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2013.798423

Zhou, Z., Goh, Y. M., & Li, Q. (2015). Overview and analysis of safety management studies in the construction industry. Safety Science, 72, 337–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2014.10.006

Zohar, D. (2010). Thirty years of safety climate research: Reflections and future directions. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 42(5), 1517–1522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2009.12.019

Zou, P. X. W. (2002). Knowledge management practice in two Australian Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) companies. Construction Economics and Building, 4(2), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v4i2.2928

Zou, P. X. W. (2011). Fostering a strong construction safety culture. Leadership and Management in Engineering, 11(1), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)LM.1943-5630.0000093

Zou, P. X. W., & Zhang, G. (2009). Comparative study on the perception of construction safety risks in China and Australia. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 135(7), 620–627. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000019