Utilizing Emerging Technologies for Construction Safety Risk Mitigation

Abstract

Despite the use of traditional and novel approaches to improve construction safety management, safety performance in the construction industry is still considered poor, especially when compared with other US industries. Poor safety performance is responsible in part for an observed decrease in work quality and employee productivity and an increase in project costs and completion time. The architectural, construction, and engineering (ACE) industry should adopt and implement innovative safety practices with high total capacities throughout the project life cycle to improve safety performance in construction. Currently, technologies exist that when used appropriately, have capabilities of notably enhancing safety. However, these technologies are not applied broadly in the industry for safety management. Researchers and professionals believe the limited adoption of these technologies across the life cycle of construction projects is a potential contribution to the recorded poor safety performance in construction. To bridge this gap in practice and encourage the adoption of emerging technologies, the present paper summarizes practical applications of different types of technologies for safety risk mitigation and management in construction. Practical information regarding effectiveness, perceived and actual cost implications of the technologies, and the enablers and barriers of technology adoption are discussed. The discussion of the practical implications of these technologies will assist construction managers in making informed decisions regarding what technologies to adopt and implement, which will ultimately lead to improved safety performance.