Digital OSH Technologies in Construction : Barriers and Facilitators

Abstract: There are few studies about testing and adopting new and emerging digital OSH technologies in the construction industry. This study aimed to investigate phenomena in organizations connected to emerging digital OSH technologies. This study had a qualitative and abductive reasoning approach. Four models were used as a theoretical framework: OSH management, HTO model, Technology Acceptance Model, and Safety Technology Adoption Predictors for the construction industry. Three methods were used for collecting data: a literature overview, semi-structured interviews, and a survey. Eleven participants from three types of organizations such as academics, construction firms, and tech companies, participated in the study and via interviews shared their knowledge and experiences from testing new digital OSH technologies in a construction context. The interviews and a short survey were conducted between February to August 2022. Results from the study show that driving forces included the company’s need to create value in its own internal processes and reduce waste. Factors that can facilitate digitalization of OSH technologies are top-level management’s involvement and engagement and partnership between stakeholders. Before companies evaluate tests of digital OSH technologies it is important to develop goals and identify measurable parameters and after testing, produce a business case with a return on investment. Factors that hinder the development of new digital OSH technologies include unclear demands from stakeholders and customers, and lack of regulations, uniform standards, and guidelines on how to create a cyber-physical system in a construction context. Further on, well-working connectivity on the construction site is critical if the construction company wants to test and use digital OSH technologies. Three models were proposed during the synthesis process: an ‘Innovation and adoption’ model, a ‘Holistic OSH management’ model, and a ‘Dream Light Valley’ model. These models summarize and illustrate important factors which are interacting with each other during the development of digital OSH technologies in the construction industry.