Technologies for Safety and Health Management in Malaysia’s Construction Industry: Adoption and Benefits

The construction industry significantly contributes to Malaysia's economic growth and employment; however, it remains one of the most hazardous sectors globally, necessitating effective Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management.This study aims to identify available technologies for OSH management, examine key barriers to their adoption, and propose solutions to enhance their implementation in the Malaysian construction industry.A quantitative research approach was employed, beginning with a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant technologies.The findings informed the development of a structured questionnaire, which was distributed to construction professionals, including site engineers, site supervisors, safety officers and project managers in Kuala Lumpur.Data collected from the survey was analyzed to determine prevalent technologies and adoption challenges.The results indicate that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Exoskeletons/Exosuits and Wearable Sensing Devices are the top three technologies utilized for OSH management; however, their adoption faces significant challenges, including limited technical support, high initial investment costs and restricted functionality.These barriers hinder widespread implementation despite the potential benefits in reducing workplace accidents and enhancing safety culture.The findings provide valuable insights for contractors, policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers.Addressing these challenges through improved technical support, cost-effective solutions and enhanced functionality could facilitate greater adoption of safety technologies, ultimately fostering a safer construction environment in Malaysia.