Evaluation of Factors that Impede the Use of Construction 4.0 Technologies for Construction Safety Management

The safety performance of the construction sector remains subpar despite the utilization of both conventional and new methodologies. Consequently, there is a decline in the standard of work, the efficiency of employees, and an escalation in project expenses and duration. In order to enhance safety, it is imperative for the industry to use cutting-edge digital technologies at every stage of the project’s lifespan. The utilization of these technologies is not yet prevalent and, by far, may be a factor in the poor safety record in the construction industry. This study aims to identify and evaluate factors that impede the use of such technology to improve health and safety in construction management. Literature review and interviews with a few experts were able to garner 18 factors, which were evaluated by experienced industry professionals on a 5-point Likert scale using a questionnaire survey. The responses were analyzed using the relative importance index (RII) and factor analysis. The analyses indicated ‘Employees’ resistance and reluctance to change’, ‘high upfront investment’, ‘lack of awareness about digital technologies and their benefits’, ‘limited trained workforce to work on digital technologies’, and ‘poor data communication infrastructure facilities’ as the top five barriers. Factor analyses churned out six groups: ‘Organization readiness’, ‘Industry readiness’, ‘Country readiness’, ‘Technology related’, ‘Data related’, and ‘Investment related’ on the basis of latent characteristics. The findings will aid firms, the government, and academia in directing resources and planning strategies to improve the usage of C4.0 technologies in safety and health management in the construction industry.