A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Construction Safety in Sri Lanka Through Digital Technology Implementation

The hazardous and unpredictable nature of construction work poses substantial safety challenges. Despite the long-standing reliance on traditional safety practices, accident rates in the construction industry remain unacceptably high, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions. Integrating digital technologies into construction offers a promising approach to safety enhancement with diverse applications. However, successful technology implementation requires user acceptance and strategic guidance. Consequently, this study develops a conceptual framework to guide digital technology implementation efforts to improve construction safety in Sri Lanka. The framework incorporates essential aspects of technology implementation, including safety application areas, benefits, barriers, and facilitators. The research methodology combines an industry-based cross-sectional survey of 101 construction industry professionals followed by a relative importance index analysis to evaluate the perceived significance of these factors. The findings indicate that the primary barriers to technology implementation are the skills and training gap, as well as the cost and investment constraints. The optimal facilitators to overcome barriers include research and development, education and training, and the establishment of industry-wide standards and guidelines. The framework is validated through an expert survey, ensuring its reliability and applicability. Ultimately, the findings present a structured approach to enhancing construction safety standards in Sri Lanka through digital transformation.