Implications of Technological Advancement (TA) on Enhancement of Safety and Health Construction

Abstract: The Malaysian construction industry faces major safety and health management issues due to unqualified safety personnel, inconsistent safety standards across project stages, high accident rates, and outdated management systems. A key reason is the limited use of advanced technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and wearable devices, which have the potential to improve safety practices. This study explores the implications and challenges for integrating technological advancement (TA) into the safety construction industry. A quantitative approach was used, with structured questionnaires distributed to 111 respondents comprises of Grade 7 CIDB-registered contractors in Ipoh, Perak. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29 for descriptive statistics. Results showed that TA can significantly improve Return on Investment (ROI), enhance hazard detection, and strengthen safety monitoring. However, key challenges and obstacles include high upfront costs for investment, advanced budget allocation and limited competency and qualified staffs. This research underscores the importance of technology in reducing risks and improving safety in the Malaysian construction industry, offering practical strategies for safer and more efficient project execution.