Human Capital as the Missing Link: How BIM Capability and Resource Efficiency Shape Safety Performance in Circular Construction

Complex safety problems are introduced when the construction industry is moved toward a circular economy, and integrated solutions beyond conventional approaches are needed. In this study, the association of Building Information Modeling (BIM) capability and resource efficiency with safety performance in circular construction was examined, and the role of human capital in these relationships was also tested. A quantitative survey was conducted with 320 construction professionals who were involved in circular construction projects in Indonesia, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Human capital was modeled as a moderator of the relationships between BIM capability, resource efficiency, and safety performance. The results showed that safety performance was positively associated with both BIM capability and resource efficiency. The BIM capability–safety performance relationship and the resource efficiency–safety performance relationship were both moderated by human capital. A total of 45.4% of the variance in safety performance was explained by the model. It is suggested by these findings that these associations are strengthened when human capital is higher. However, causal inference and generalizability are limited by the cross-sectional, self-reported, and single-country design.