The moderating effect of internet of things and wearable technologies on enhancing safety management in construction sites

Purpose This study aims to investigate the moderating effects of the internet of things (IoT) and wearable technologies (WT) on the relationship between traditional safety practices (TSP) and safety management (SM) outcomes in Shanghai’s construction sector. It examines how these technologies enhance safety performance by addressing limitations in conventional approaches. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 300 construction professionals, including project managers, site managers and safety officers, was conducted in Shanghai. Data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) assessed the moderating effects of IoT and WT on SM outcomes. Findings The results indicate that WT has a stronger moderating effect ( ß = 0.21, p < 0.01) than IoT ( ß = 0.11, p = 0.07). WT offers immediate safety benefits through real-time worker monitoring, whereas IoT enhances long-term safety by enabling predictive analytics and hazard detection. The study highlights the synergy between WT and TSP in improving SM outcomes. Practical implications While both IoT and WT enhance SM practices, their impacts differ. WT significantly improves real-time worker safety, making it essential for high-risk zones, whereas IoT contributes to long-term risk mitigation through data-driven insights. Construction managers should prioritise WT adoption for immediate safety improvements while integrating IoT-driven predictive models for sustained hazard prevention. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the complementary roles of IoT and WT in enhancing SM in construction. It offers valuable insights into digital transformation’s role in improving safety performance.