ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY MANAGEMENT: UNVEILING INSIGHT FROM PENANG CONTRACTORS

Authors

  • Teoh Li Ting School of Housing, Building and Planning, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
  • Izyan Yahaya School of Housing, Building and Planning, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v22i32.1491

Keywords:

Technology adoption, site safety management, contractors, Malaysia

Abstract

The construction industry has the highest fatality rate among other industries. In light of this, the pivotal role played by contractors in leveraging technology to enhance site safety cannot be ignored. Despite the emergence of various technologies, little is still known about the extent of their involvement in this regard. Thus, this research intends to explore technology adoption for safety practices among contractors, the influencing factors, and the challenges encountered when implementing this innovative approach. Survey questionnaires were distributed to G7 contractors in Penang, and 53 valid responses were obtained. The findings show that the current level of technology adoption for site safety management is still low. Key factors influencing technology adoption include the initial cost, top management commitment and contractors’ awareness of the technology. Contractors’ challenges involve high technology expenses, inadequate network connectivity and reduced industry profitability. This research augments the existing knowledge about technology adoption for site safety management. The outcomes further serve as useful information for contractors, policymakers and government agencies in developing initiatives to improve technology adoption among contractors and reduce the occurrence of accidents in Malaysia.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abdul Halim, N. N. A., Jaafar, M. H., Mohamad Anuar Kamaruddin, M. A., Kamaruzaman, N. A., & Jamir Singh, P. S. (2020). The Causes of Malaysian Construction Fatalities. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, 15(5), 236–256. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46754/jssm.2020.07.018

Abu Aisheh, Y. I., Tayeh, B. A., Alaloul, W. S., & Almalki, A. (2022). Health and safety improvement in construction projects: a lean construction approach. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 28(4), 1981– 1993. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2021.1942648 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2021.1942648

Ahmad, N., Supaat, D., Wook, I., Tagoranao, M., & Rahman, N. (2018). Malaysians’ Reluctance to Work in Local 3D Sectors: A Preliminary Review. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, SPI4, 220–223. https://oarep.usim.edu.my/jspui/handle/123456789/12835 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32861/jssr.sp4.220.223

Akmam, Syed Zakaria, S., Gajendran, T., Skitmore, M., & Brewer, G. (2018). Key factors influencing the decision to adopt industrialised building systems technology in the Malaysian construction industry: an inter-project perspective. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 14(1–2), 27–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2017.1298512 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2017.1298512

Alizadehsalehi, S., Yitmen, I., Celik, T., & Arditi, D. (2020). The effectiveness of an integrated BIM/UAV model in managing safety on construction sites. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 26(4), 829–844. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2018.1504487 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2018.1504487

Azmy, N., & Zain, A. (2016). The Application of Technology In Enhancing Safety And Health Aspects On Malaysian Construction Projects. ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 11. URL: http://www.arpnjournals.org/jeas/research_papers/r.

Bagaya, O., & Song, J. (2016). Empirical Study of Factors Influencing Schedule Delays of Public Construction Projects in Burkina Faso. Journal of Management in Engineering, 32(5). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000443 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000443

Chi, H.-L., Kang, S.-C., & Wang, X. (2013). Research trends and opportunities of augmented reality applications in architecture, engineering, and construction. Automation in Construction, 33, 116–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.12.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.12.017

Edirisinghe, R. (2019). Digital skin of the construction site: Smart sensor technologies towards the future smart construction site. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(2), 184-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2017-0066 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2017-0066

Elsebaei, M. A., Elnawawy, O., Othman, A. A. E., & Badawy, M. (2021). A framework to activate the health and safety regulations in the Egyptian construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 19(5), 1158–1191. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2020-0194 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2020-0194

Gamil, Y., A. Abdullah, M., Abd Rahman, I., & Asad, M. M. (2020). Internet of things in construction industry revolution 4.0. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18(5), 1091–1102. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-06-2019-0164 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-06-2019-0164

Hamid, A., Majid, M., & Singh, B. (2008). Causes Of Accidents at Construction Sites. Malaysian Journal of Civil Engineering, 20, 242– 259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.11113/mjce.v20.15769

Ibrahim, F. S., Esa, M., & A. Rahman, R. (2021). The Adoption of IOT in the Malaysian Construction Industry: Towards Construction 4.0. International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology, 12(1). Retrieved from https://publisher.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/IJSCET/article/view/6299 DOI: https://doi.org/10.30880/ijscet.2021.12.01.006

Jaafar, M. H., Arifin, K., Aiyub, K., Razman, M. R., & Kamaruddin, M. A. (2018). Human Element as the Contributing Factor Towards Construction Accidents from the Perspective of Malaysian Residential Construction Industry (pp. 296– 308). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60525-8_31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60525-8_31

Kamaruddeen, A.M., Rui, L.S., Lee, K.L., Alzoubi, H.M., & Alshurideh, M.T. (2022). Determinants of Emerging Technology Adoption for Safety Among Construction Businesses. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 21(S4), 1-19.

Karakhan, A., Xu, Y., Nnaji, C., & Alsaffar, O. (2019). Technology Alternatives for Workplace Safety Risk Mitigation in Construction: Exploratory Study. In Advances in Informatics and Computing in Civil and Construction Engineering (pp. 823–829). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00220-6_99 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00220-6_99

Kasim, N., Sarpin, N., Mohd Noh, H., Zainal, R., Mohamed, S., Manap, N., & Yahya, M. Y. (2019). Automatic Materials Tracking Practices Through RFID Implementation in Construction Projects. MATEC Web of Conferences, 266, 05001. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201926605001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201926605001

Khudzari, F., Rahman, R., & Ayer, S. (2021). Factors Affecting the Adoption of Emerging Technologies in the Malaysian Construction Industry. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 641(1), 012006. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/641/1/012006

Kim, H., Lee, H.-S., Park, M., Chung, B., & Hwang, S. (2016). Automated hazardous area identification using laborers’ actual and optimal routes. Automation in Construction, 65, 21–32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2016.01.006

Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining Sample Size for Research Activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607–610. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001316447003000308

Li, C., Zhang, Y., & Xu, Y. (2022). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Blockchain in the Construction Industry: A Hybrid Approach Using PLS-SEM and fsQCA. Buildings, 12(9), 1349. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091349

Melo, R. R. S. de, Costa, D. B., Álvares, J. S., & Irizarry, J. (2017). Applicability of unmanned aerial system (UAS) for safety inspection on construction sites. Safety Science, 98, 174–185. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.06.008

Mohajan, H. (2017). Two Criteria for Good Measurements in Research: Validity and Reliability. Annals of Spiru Haret University, 17(3), 58–82 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26458/1746

Muzafar, M. (2021). Building information modelling to mitigate the health and safety risks associated with the construction industry: a review. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 27(4), 1087–1095. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2019.1689719

Nik Him, N. F., -, N. A. A., Tun Ismail, W. N. A., & Tuan Abdullah, T. N. Z. (2023). Assessment of Safety Management Attitude Practices toward the safety culture of the Construction Sector. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 21(25). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v21i25.1220 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v21i25.1220

Nnaji, C., & Karakhan, A. A. (2020). Technologies for safety and health management in construction: Current use, implementation benefits and limitations, and adoption barriers. Journal of Building Engineering, 29, 101212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101212 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101212

San, K., Riazi, S., Nawi, M., & Esa, M. (2017). The Roles, Challenges & Improvement of Project Manager in Project Financial Management in Building Development in Penang, Malaysia. Int. J Sup. Chain. Mgt, 6(1), 238–245. ISSN 2050-7399

Schueremans, L., & van Genechten, B. (2009). The use of 3D-laser scanning in assessing the safety of masonry vaults—A case study on the church of Saint-Jacobs. Optics and Lasers in Engineering, 47(3–4), 329–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlaseng.2008.06.009 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlaseng.2008.06.009

Thanaraj, M., & Priya, M. (2019). Effective Safety Management in Construction. ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, 6(4), 832–836. e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Tung, Y.-H., Chia, F.-C., & Yong, F. Y.-Y. (2021). Exploring The Usage of Digital Technologies for Construction Project Management, PLANNING MALAYSIA, 19(17). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v19i17.983 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v19i17.983

Waqar, A., Khan, M. B., Shafiq, N., Skrzypkowski, K., Zagórski, K., & Zagórska, A. (2023). Assessment of Challenges to the Adoption of IOT for the Safety Management of Small Construction Projects in Malaysia: Structural Equation Modeling Approach. Applied Sciences, 13(5), 3340. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053340 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053340

Yap, J. B. H., Chow, I. N., & Shavarebi, K. (2019). Criticality of Construction Industry Problems in Developing Countries: Analyzing Malaysian Projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 35(5). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000709 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000709

Yap, J. B. H., Lam, C. G. Y., Skitmore, M., & Talebian, N. (2022a). Barriers To the Adoption of New Safety Technologies in Construction: A Developing Country Context. Journal Of Civil Engineering and Management, 28(2), 120–133. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2022.16014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2022.16014

Yap, J. B. H., Lee, K. P. H., & Wang, C. (2023). Safety enablers using emerging technologies in construction projects: empirical study in Malaysia. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-07-2021-0379 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-07-2021-0379

Yap, J. B. H., Skitmore, M., Lam, C. G. Y., Lee, W. P., & Lew, Y. L. (2022b). Advanced technologies for enhanced construction safety management: investigating Malaysian perspectives. International Journal of Construction Management, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2022.2135951 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2022.2135951

Yitmen, İ. (2007). The challenge of change for innovation in construction: A North Cyprus perspective. Building and Environment, 42(3), 1319–1328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.10.032 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.10.032

Zaini, M., Bakri, M., Razak, N., Sabar, M., & Hasan, B. (2022, March). Analysis Of Occupational Accidents in The Malaysian Construction Sector. Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/uploads/files/6_Newsletter/Newsletter%202022/D OSM_ILMIA_3_2022_SERIES%2051.pdf

Zhou, W., Whyte, J., & Sacks, R. (2012). Construction safety and digital design: A review. Automation in Construction, 22, 102–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2011.07.005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2011.07.005

Zhou, Z., Goh, Y. M., & Li, Q. (2015). Overview and analysis of safety management studies in the construction industry. Safety Science, 72, 337–350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2014.10.006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2014.10.006

Zhou, Z., Irizarry, J., & Li, Q. (2013). Applying advanced technology to improve safety management in the construction industry: a literature review. Construction Management and Economics, 31(6), 606–622. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2013.798423 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2013.798423

Downloads

Published

2024-07-29

How to Cite

Ting, T. L., & Yahaya, I. (2024). ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY MANAGEMENT: UNVEILING INSIGHT FROM PENANG CONTRACTORS. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 22(32). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v22i32.1491