The Existence & Application of Digital Technologies in Promoting Health & Safety in The South African Construction Industry

THE EXISTENCE & APPLICATION OF DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGIES IN PROMOTING HEALTH &

SAFETY IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
(D30ZA) RESEARCH DISSERTATION
BY
SHAARIQ JOOSUB
H00286141
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree

of
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Construction Project Management
Presented to
The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society
Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Patrick Quek
APRIL 2021
DECLARATION
Shaariq Joosub , confirm that this work submitted for assessment is my own and is
I ............................
expressed in my own words. Any uses made within it of the works of other authors in
any form (e.g. ideas, equations, figures, text, tables, programmes) are properly
acknowledged at the point of their use. A full list of the references employed has been
included.
SJ
Signed: .................................. 23RD APRIL 2021
Date: ...................................
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ii
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF FIGURES vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vii
ABSTRACT viii
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS ix
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Problem Statement 1
1.3 Research Aim 2
1.4 Research Questions 2
1.5 Research Objectives 2
1.6 Research Scope 3
1.7 Significance of Research 3
1.8 Research Outline 3
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Construction Industry as a High-Risk Industry 5
2.3 Health and Safety Management 6
2.4 Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management 7
2.4.1 People Technologies 7
2.4.2 Process Technologies 8
2.4.3 Environment Technologies 11
2.5 Digital Maturity in South African Construction Health and Safety Management 12
2.6 General Challenges and Strategies in Implementing Digital Technologies in
Construction Health and Safety Management 13
2.7 Summary of Chapter 14
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 16

3.1 Introduction 16
3.2 Research Ethics 16
3.3 Research Design 16
iii
3.3.1 Quantitative Research Strategy 16
3.3.2 Qualitative Research Strategy 17
3.3.3 Justification for Research Strategy 17
3.4 Research Methodology 18
3.4.1 Research Instrument 18
3.4.2 Research Population and Sampling 19
CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS 23

4.1 Introduction 23
4.2 Approach to Data Analysis 23
4.3 Reliability of Questionnaires 23
4.4 Normality of Questionnaires 24
4.5 Analysis of Findings 26
4.5.1 Section A- Information of Respondents 26
4.5.2 Section B- Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management 30
4.5.3 Section C- Views of Practitioners on Digital Technologies in Construction Health and
Safety Management 34
4.5.4 Section D- Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African
Construction Health and Safety Management 36
4.5.5 Section E- Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African Construction
Health and Safety Management 38
CHAPTER 5 RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION 40

5.1 Introduction 40
5.2 Research Outcome 40
5.2.1 Objective 1: To Identify The Digital Technologies Used in Promoting Health and
Safety in The South African Construction Industry 40
5.2.2 Objective 2: To Examine The Contractors, Project Managers, and Site Operatives’
Views of Digital Technologies As A Tool For Promoting Health and Safety on Construction
Sites 40
5.2.3 Objective 3: To Analyze The Implementation of Digital Technologies in Promoting
Health and Safety in Construction Projects 41
5.3 Limitation of Study 41
5.4 Recommendation for Future Research 42
REFERENCE 43
APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE 49
iv
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1: Summary of Past Researches Related to the Health and Safety Management
in South Africa 15
Table 3.1: Layout of Instrument (Questionnaire) 18
Table 3.2: Grade of CIDB Contractors and Their Tendering Capacity Limitations 20
Table 3.3: Layout of Data Analysis Presentation (Research Objective 1 & 2) 21
Table 3.4: Layout of Data Analysis Presentation (Research Objective 3) 22
Table 4.1: Alpha-Cronbach Internal Consistency (Finch et al., 2016) 24
Table 4.2: Reliability Statistics of Questionnaire 24
Table 4.3: Skewness Test and Kurtosis Test 25
Table 4.4: Respondent’s Designation Statistics 27
Table 4.5: Respondent’s Year of Professional Experience 28
Table 4.6: Respondent’s Contractor Firm Registered Grade 29
Table 4.7: Respondent’s Educational Background 30
Table 4.8: Intensity of Usage Statistics 31
Table 4.9: Proficiency Level Statistics 32
Table 4.10: Importance Level Statistics 33
Table 4.11: Summary of Digital Technologies Implementation in Construction Health
and Safety 34
Table 4.12: Helpfulness Level Statistics 35
Table 4.13: Applicability Level Statistics 36
Table 4.14: Challenges Statistics 37
Table 4.15: Effectiveness Statistics 38
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.1: Respondent’s Designation Statistics 27

Figure 4.2: Respondent’s Year of Professional Experience 28
Figure 4.3: Respondent’s Contractor Firm Registered Grade 29
Figure 4.4: Respondent’s Educational Background 30
vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to acknowledge everyone who played a role in my academic

accomplishments, allowing me to reach this momentous pinnacle and milestone of my
life journey. First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents and family members for
their continuous support throughout this dissertation. I would like to specifically thank
my brother, Zaakir Joosub, for his constant encouragement, motivation & lifetime input
of new ideas and concepts, moulding me into the person I am today, allowing me to think
and strive for the betterment of not only myself, but instead, both the natural & built world
around me. You all have always been my motivation to go this far in life, to strive for
excellence in my academic as well as my personal life.
Besides, not to forget my feelings of gratitude towards my supervisor, Dr. Patrick

Quek, for his guidance and dedication along this journey. I appreciate his generous
sharing of ideas, advice, and input which was not only restricted to the completion of this
dissertation, but across all aspects of my learning journey, from the perspectives of both
academics and real-world industry experience.
To my friends, I am very grateful for your kind words of encouragement and

support throughout the years. Special thanks to my mentor, Charles Joseph Kisaka from
Tanzania, for his consistent telephone calls and text messages in assisting me to
understand and acquire more information and details, different perspectives, and a clearer
direction of my dissertation, in the midst of his busy schedule.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all of my respondents for their

time and effort in providing valuable input and constructive feedback to the research
subject matter. Without them, this dissertation would not be possible.
vii
ABSTRACT
High-risk equivalents to high income. Behind the increment of South Africa’s

Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the accident rates are climbing at the same pace. Despite
the rising importance of construction health and safety, it is very often being neglected.
In line with the digital transformation brought upon by the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
proper identification and understanding of the actual level of digital technologies
applications in the context of construction health and safety are essential. This is
accompanied by the exploration of potential challenges and strategies in promoting its
implementation too. Therefore, this dissertation aims to recommend the application of
digital technologies in health and safety in the South African construction industry. This
dissertation covers all grades of contractor firms (Grade 1 to Grade 9) in Durban, South
Africa in generating a more holistic view of the overall construction industry’s current
state in the process of digitalisation. A quantitative approach was employed for this
dissertation by carrying out questionnaire surveys to random samples. The data collected
were analysed using descriptive analysis via frequency analysis and mean analysis. In
short, the findings indicate that all the digital technology applications in South African
construction health and safety management are not fully mature, while the practitioners
hold a relatively neutral perspective towards its implementation. Significant challenges
in the process of digitalisation are the lack of accessibility and awareness of these digital
technologies, while the strategic approach recommended in tackling this issue is the need
for proper education and exposure of these technologies to the industry.
viii
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
AFS : Accident Forewarning System

AR : Augmented Reality
BIM : Building Information Modelling
CAD : Computer-Aided- Design
CDC : Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
CIDB : Construction Industry Development Board
CoA : Cost of Accidents
CSHM : Construction Safety and Health System
FEM : Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company
GDP : Gross Domestic Product
GPS : Global Positioning System
HSMS : Health and Safety Management System
IoT : Internet of Things
ISM : Integrated Safety Management
LPWAN : Low-Power Wide-Area Network
MSD : Musculoskeletal Disorders
NIOSH : National Institute for Occupational Safety and Heath
PPE : Personal Protective Equipment
R&D : Research and Development
RFID : Radio Frequency Identification
ROI : Return on Investment
ST&E : Safety Training and Education
UAV : Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
VoIP : Voice over Internet Protocol
VR : Virtual Reality
WBAN : Wearable Body Area Network
WSD : Wearable Safety Devices
WSN : Wireless Sensor Network
ix
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Generally, the construction industry is one of the essential sectors in contributing

to a nation’s economic growth and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Sánchez, Peláez,
& Alís, 2017), including South Africa. High risk is often associated with high income.
Similarly, the construction industry is undoubtedly a high-risk industry that generates a
fair amount of national income but at the same time be exposed to the dangerous and
complex working environment that accounts for to high accident rate (Kheni, Dainty, &
Gibb, 2008; Sánchez et al., 2017).
Diversified daily works that vary from site to site pose direct and indirect threats
and risks to site operatives (Pinto, Nunes, & Ribeiro, 2011). Site workers often need to
work from a certain height above ground level, apart from the fact that the construction
site itself is a dangerous working condition prone to high uncertainty of risks exposed
such as falls, machinery, and structural collapses. Handling hazardous and powerful
equipment and materials is part and parcel of their dangerous tasks to be performed in
daily routine.
1.2 Problem Statement
However, health and safety are often being neglected on construction sites. Poor
health and safety impact not only the site operatives but also incur indirect costs to both
the project itself and the undertaking contractors such as reduced productivity for the
workforce, clean-up costs, substitution costs, reserve costs, cost of overtime,
administrative costs, costs arising from delays, supervision costs, costs related to
rescheduling, transportation and other associated expenses (Smallwood, 1996). Sensing
the serial consequences brought upon by poor health and safety at construction sites, it
should be given appropriate attention and never be taken lightly.
However, digital technology in the construction industry generally is still in its

infancy. Nonetheless, it is observed that there has been a surge recently in the innovations
of digital technologies in promoting health and safety on construction sites (Haupt,
1
Akinlolu, & Raliile, 2019). However, a large portion of innovation technology
applications stay in the phase of academic research only with a little practice of these
technologies executed for construction safety management, needless to say, industrial
applications on a bigger scale (Zhou, Goh, & Li, 2015).
Proper identification and understanding of the actual level of implementation of

various digital technologies are crucial as these emerging technologies anticipate the
promotion of construction health and safety (Zhou, Irizarry, & Li, 2013). This is further
supported by Shafiq & Afzal (2020) that different design tools and technologies have
been of increasing interest as ways to improve health and safety practices. However, the
key question remains, how is the implementation of digital technologies in enhancing
health and safety specifically in the construction management of South Africa?
1.3 Research Aim
This dissertation of research intends to recommend the application of digital technologies

in health and safety in the South African construction industry.
1.4 Research Questions
1. What are the digital technologies used in promoting health and safety in the South
African construction industry?
2. What are the contractors, project managers, and site operatives’ views of digital
technologies as a tool for promoting health and safety on construction sites?
3. What are the challenges and strategies in the implementation of digital
technologies in promoting health and safety in construction projects?
1.5 Research Objectives
The following research objectives are raised to achieve the research aim as
aforementioned for this dissertation paper:
1. To identify the digital technologies used in promoting health and safety in the
South African construction industry. (RO1)
2
2. To examine the contractors, project managers, and site operatives’ views of digital
technologies as a tool for promoting health and safety on construction sites. (RO2)
3. To analyse the implementation of digital technologies in promoting health and
safety in construction projects. (RO3)
1.6 Research Scope
This dissertation focuses on the South African construction industry, specifically in the
city of Durban, sensing its third-largest population in South Africa after Johannesburg
and Cape Town. However, this research covers a scope of all grades of contractor firms
from Grade 1 to Grade 9 to fully understand the opinions and views on the applications
of digital technologies in enhancing health and safety on construction sites. The rationale
for selecting all the grades of contractors is to ensure a holistic view and opinion can be
gathered, without being biased to any level of the practitioners.
1.7 Significance of Research
There are a few significant benefits of this research which include identifying digital
technologies used in promoting health and safety in the South African construction
industry Secondly, this research also promote and upscale the application of digital
technologies among the South African construction industry in fostering health and safety.
1.8 Research Outline
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter briefly introduces the background of digital technologies in promoting health
and safety in general and specifically in the South African construction industry. This
chapter also outlines the aim, objectives, scope, significance, approaches, and limitations
of this research.
3
Chapter 2: Literature Review
This chapter shall review the literature available on the existing digital technologies used
in promoting health and safety globally and locally in the South African construction
industry. This is followed by a review of existing digital maturity in the South African
construction industry. Moreover, this chapter also further discusses the general challenges
and approaches in digital technologies implementation in Construction Health and Safety
Management. The main intention of this chapter is to provide readers more background
information on the topic of this dissertation paper, the digital technologies in nurturing
South African construction health and safety.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
This chapter will explore the various methods available in gathering both primary and
secondary information and data. Before selecting the most suitable method, respective
reasoning of the method chosen will be provided. This will be followed by an explanation
as to how each method will be used to produce data that fits the needs of the research
topic.
A quantitative study is employed in this research. Secondary data is collected

through literature reviews to provide a major framework while a questionnaire survey is
used to collect the primary data for this research for further analysis and synthesis.
Random sampling will be used in quantitative research as it can ensure certain segments
of the population are not either overrepresented or underrepresented by eliminating any
possible sampling bias.
Chapter 4: Research Findings and Analysis
This chapter will outline the approaches and the analysis, detailing the procedures
followed during the collection of data, ensuring both the precision of questions and
accuracy of responses. This then leads to the findings from the research in a clear and
structured manner that is easily and readily understood.
Chapter 5: Recommendation and Conclusion
This chapter will strive to achieve all the research objectives by providing ways to expand
the application of digital technologies in promoting health and safety in the South African
construction industry in detail.
4
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter covers the background of the construction industry which serves as a high-
risk industry itself, the general health and safety management, as well as the digital
technologies to be applied in construction health and safety management in terms of
people, process, and environmental technologies. Besides, a general overview of the
South African contractors’ maturity on digitalizing the health and safety management
tools is discussed too. Moreover, this chapter also illustrates the common challenges and
strategies used in implementing digital tools into health and safety management,
especially in the field of construction.
2.2 Construction Industry as a High-Risk Industry
Construction sites are dangerous zones in all countries, including South Africa. Statistics
by Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) showed that there were
8384 accidents across South Africa on construction sites, including 65 deaths, 15 and 981
disabilities with and without pensions respectively (Hlati, 2019). The construction
industry, among all industries, has a disproportionately high record of accidents rate. This
is because the construction site itself is a complex and dangerous working environment,
due to its dynamic and unique nature, the parallel association of different supply materials
and machinery, involvement of various parties, and the need for an adaptive learning
curve varying from site to site (Sánchez et al., 2017). Cost of Accidents (CoA), be it direct
or indirect has contributed to the consequences of poor health and safety that stem in the
industry. Direct costs are those costs that directly associated with the injury, including
any forms of treatments and compensation while indirect costs refer to those costs that
incurred following the happening of such injuries, such as reduced productivity of
workers, costs associated with delays, additional supervision, cleaning up and
rescheduling (Smallwood et al., 2009).
Despite the extra dangers that construction works have posed the workers in, as
well as the additional costs incurred due to any potential accident happenings, health and
5
safety management in this industry, has not gained comparatively greater attention by
both public and private sectors. Construction accidents still happen and increase at a
steady rate day by day.
2.3 Health and Safety Management
According to Druley (2018) and CDC (2020), the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) being part of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) has defined the hierarchy of control in 5 levels, which are elimination, substitution,
engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) in
ascending order of the most effective controls to the least effective. All these approaches
are useful in reducing or even preventing workplace risks.
Elimination of hazards is the ultimate goal sensing its greatest effectiveness, it can
be tough to achieve, and not necessarily be applicable in all sorts of circumstances (Druley,
2018; CDC, 2020). Elimination refers to the removal of hazards from the said region
physically. Substitution refers to replacing the hazard with a safer one. (Druley 2018;
CDC, 2020). NIOSH further explains that elimination and substitution are often harder to
execute after work commencement. Engineering controls isolate workers from the
hazards but the physical hazards still exist (Druley, 2018; CDC, 2020). Administrative
controls including safety signage and training raise workers’ awareness of the existence
and implications of the hazards by changing the way workers carry out the tasks or
minimize the exposure to hazards by adjusting their working schedules (Druley, 2018;
CDC, 2020). Similarly, they do not remove the physical hazards too. Lastly, PPE such as
safety footwear and eyewear are the least effective tools in mitigating workplace hazards
(Druley, 2018; CDC, 2020), which passively protects the workers. PPE is the final line
of defence against workplace accidents.
This hierarchy of hazard control is a pyramid system that can be utilized in

construction site management. Different approaches of different importance and
effectiveness can be planned and carried out at different stages of construction, be it pre
or during construction stages, as well as whether in the top, middle or first-line
management.
6
2.4 Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management
Digital technology is not a new thing in the construction industry. It is undeniable that its
application is not extensive but the recent unavoidable trend has pushed it further,
merging with various digital tools to facilitate and improve the built environment
operations and delivery of outcome, in creating a safer and more efficient process (Mills,
2016). The majority of the technologies in this area were adopted at the beginning for
improving quality and lowering costs, but more attention has been shifted to technologies
application for safety and health management recently (Zhou et al., 2013).
Digital construction can take many forms, simple tools, or more advanced systems.
It can also be classified into different categories, which are people technologies, process
technologies, and environment technologies (Haupt, Akinlolu, and Raliile, 2019). Guo et
al. (2017) claimed that these digital technologies and the tools promote three major safety
functions, which are enhanced safety planning, real-time hazard management, and safety
knowledge engineering. This has been further supported by Nnaji and Karakhan (2020)
that the top-ranked benefits of health and safety technology include the increase in hazard
awareness and visualization, the ability to remove potential dangers in the design stage,
and the contribution towards more effective safety training. In short, the incorporation of
these technologies into health and safety management is to either prevent or control
undesirable accidents from happening.
2.4.1 People Technologies
People technologies refer to the digital tools that are wearable or attached to the body of
the workers to protect their health and safety on sites. The advancement of technology
has allowed the provision of layers of protection on construction workers, such as
wearable safety devices (WSD) and robotics. Lee et al. (2020) in their study also
concludes that smart PPE provides function beyond conventional PPE which can reduce
the rate of accidents. Besides, there are a number of papers that have acknowledged the
use of automation and robotics as effective technologies in enhancing construction site
workers’ safety (Zhou et al., 2011).
WSD refers to wearable pieces of clothing or accessories having some

technologies being placed within. The majority of the smart PPE is connected to other
7
devices via Bluetooth which allows for real-time detection and monitoring of hazards
(Barro-Torres et al., 2012). Furthermore, smart PPE can also incorporate geographical
localization of workers in better determining the potential hazards associated with
dangerous zones and the environment. Warning and instructions can also be delivered via
this smart PPE when the system detects any possibility of risks, this can alert both the
workers and supervisors before accidents can happen (Podgórski, 2017). However, in the
pyramid hierarchy of control, this is grouped under the least effective tools for promoting
site workers’ health and safety.
Automation and robotics system allows the replacement of human workers to

robots who are controlled by on-site computers in carrying out the construction works. It
is a current trend in the construction industry to adopt such automation systems (Chu et
al., 2013). This is an example of engineering controls where the robotic system isolates
the human labour from exposing to these potential on-site dangers directly by allowing
the workforce to control the employment of autonomous systems or machines to execute
works that initially subject relatively higher risk to the construction workers. For instance,
ROMA climbing robot which can self-support its locomotion system in a caterpillar-way
of motion is used for inspection of steel-based infrastructure works (Balaguer et al., 2002);
Navon and Kolton (2006) developed an automation model in determining the high-risk
construction activities and stages presented graphically on drawings; Yu (2009) also came
across a computerized machine ‘Blockbot’ for the installation of bonded brick walls.
These robots and automation models can replace risky and rigorous works on site (Page,
2018). However, there are still works in that technology cannot fully replace construction
laborers. The revolutionised construction on the other hand now seeks and demands the
workforce that possesses the skills to operate and maintain these systems and machines
instead.
2.4.2 Process Technologies
Process technologies refer to the streamlining of the construction process by assessing

and monitoring potential risks before such accidents can happen (Zhou et al., 2011). This
pre-dominantly focuses more on the stage before or during the occurrence of such hazards.
As a construction project is usually a long-term process with various activities of different
8
operations and procedures, process technology is especially important and efficient in
managing health and safety issues in this industry.
Integrated online databases and systems such as Construction Safety and Health
System (CSHM) can be used as a detector of potential hazards before giving warning to
areas of construction activities that require immediate corrective actions (Cheung et al.,
2004). This system allows quick searching and documenting of data via remote internet
access too. Zhang et al. (2013) later also developed a safety-rule checking platform that
can automatically detect potential risks and next generates corrective or preventive
actions to eliminate or reduce risks during construction activities. Not only that, Azmy
and Zain (2016) established an instantaneous communion on various types of
construction projects where the site managers can simultaneously receive information
from the unified database for analysis to notify relevant resolution on construction sites.
Besides the use of the online database system in sensing possible dangers, it can also be
used in enhancing health and safety education as well as safety evaluation and inspection
(Dodge Data and Analytics, 2017).
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network that interrelates physical devices
and the internet to allow real-time communication and gathering of data. One of the IoT
applications that is relevant to health and safety monitoring is the communication system
to reduce human-machine collisions on construction sites by Riaz et al. (2006). This
system combines Global Positioning System (GPS), smart sensors, and a wireless web in
tracing site activities, operatives, and hardware. Besides, Wu, F., Wu, T., and Yuce (2019)
also proposed a system consisting of a wearable body area network (WBAN) and a low-
power wide-area network (LPWAN). This system allows both environmental conditions
detection and physiological signs monitoring, connecting all data to the cloud server,
providing more diversified and convenient applications and functionalities.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) normally be used for the gains in terms of
monetary profits, with very little focus on its implementation on health and safety
improvement. One of BIM applications on health and safety aspects is the production of
construction process animation and simulation, which provides safer site layout and
safety plans for an effective curbing of potential risks before the actual construction
activities take place. Moreover, designers can also better design for safety in the pre-
construction stage by using BIM as it provides early incorporation of health and safety
considerations into the project design and creation of the model. Also, Druley et al. (2016)
9
affirmed that BIM adoption in promoting health and safety issues can reduce the
probability of site accidents by checking the data acquisition procedure. BIM allows the
access of information that coming from different sources and formats throughout various
project phases and stages, in which this information can be easily obtained in an orderly
and useful manner that can be directly applied to the aspects of health and safety
management. For example, a building layout in the BIM model can demonstrate all the
hazards on each floor, in categories of their risk type, urgency, dangerous level,
subsequent planning and scheduling to be distributed to their relevant operatives. BIM
can also extract data from all these historical health and safety information for future
investigation and analysis use, such as particulars of unsafe substances, and preferred
operating procedures for certain machinery. In short, Mordue (2017) summarised five
major roles of BIM in minimizing on-site risk, which are model-driven prefabrication,
examination of compliance, simulation of different conditions, clash detection, and visual
conveying of information.
Furthermore, 3D and 4D Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) in its simple term is the

use of computer systems in producing project layouts, drawings, or even models. Models
created with CAD are easily communicable and accurate as it provides more specified
engineering data for efficient testing and simulations running. CAD concept and
application is categorized as a subset of all the functions that BIM offers in terms of
construction health and safety management. In general, 4D CAD modelling can minimize
safety risk, detect hazards earlier, enhance project planning, improve communication and
collaboration, and facilitate better visualization of the project (Swallow and Zulu, 2019).
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or better known as a drone is a pilotless flying

machine. It can monitor and inspect a construction site remotely. Therefore, the safety
personnel can carry out site safety inspections more instantly and accurately without
having to present themselves on the site. Some UAVs even include the function of vocal
interaction where safety personnel can direct instructions off-site and in real-time (Chen
et al., 2019). One of the pluses of using drones is they can be used for dangerous areas
without human direct involvement, or reach areas where a human would not be able to
work, such as smaller spaces or toxic environments. Not only that, drones as the
programmed machines can greatly reduce the possibility of human errors like skill-based,
rule-based, or knowledge-based mistakes. Besides, productivity can also be improved as
human laborers are prone to fatigue under prolonged working hours or extreme working
10
conditions which will later then contribute to short and long-term health and safety issues
such as accidents or musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).
2.4.3 Environment Technologies
In construction, environmental technologies are used in ensuring health and safety

in construction environments (Haupt, Akinlolu, and Raliile, 2019). These technologies
mainly cater to the needs of creating a safe environment for the human workers to work
in, by detecting, eliminating, and isolating the hazards. Very often, environment
technology requires a certain level of integration with either people or process technology
to fully fulfil the requirement for efficient occupational health and safety. The majority
of the environment technology applied to construction health and safety management is
sensor-based technology. In general, environment technologies focus on a few
applications which are Accident Forewarning System (AFS), prediction and planning of
safety route for workers and equipment, Integrated Safety Management (ISM) that
monitors workers’ health and safety, control quality of building materials, and Safety
Training and Education (ST&E).
Wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the examples that is commonly used
where they are being installed at workplaces for instant monitoring of the entire
construction site itself and the building elements. The network then will better facilitate
the conveyance of information between the teams, especially in the construction industry
where there are many parties involved and a vast amount of information produced at every
stage of the whole construction process. There are various aspects where sensors come
into the picture such as temperature, displacement, light, optical fibre, and pressure. Wang
et al. (2010) have highlighted the use of optical fibre sensors in health and safety
management at Three Gorges Dam. On the other hand, Ahsan et al. (2011) have
converged the use of advanced communication networks such as Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) to transmit audio information more clearly.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is another widely used tool that uses
radiofrequency to transmit, retrieve and store data that can be employed for demonstrating
real-time data gathering. RFID is considered to be more mature in its applications and use
as compared to WSM which is still in the transitional phase towards maturity (Zhang et
al, 2017). RFID has been extensively used as it can locate fixed and moving targets
11
precisely in both indoor and outdoor environments, and the information captured can then
be processed for generating relevant actions to responses towards the stimulus or further
actions required.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) overlap both the virtual and
real-world environments. It simulates real-life imagery and hearing to better allow the
team to visualize and communicate the consequences of different construction activities.
This is more applicable before the commencement of work on-site where VR or AR aids
in recognizing risk factors with inputs such as site layout and relevant activities carried
out on site. Accordingly, the safety information database can be established and with the
data available, a virtual site model can be simulated to better understand all possibilities
of accidents from all aspects for all parties involved (Li, 2018).
2.5 Digital Maturity in South African Construction Health and Safety Management
Aigbavba et al. (2014) pointed out that the South African construction industry faces
various challenges and problems, including the shortage of skilled construction
professionals, especially health and safety experts. This is further supported by CIDB
(2020) that skilled workers only make up 28% of their construction workforce. This has
indirectly lead to the stagnant state of South African construction industry health and
safety management due to the absence of relevant executives.
Phumudzo in CIDB’s (2008) report mentioned that the South African construction
industry needs a ‘shift in mindset’ to become more healthy and safety-conscious by
improving that situation where at least 2 workers die in site accidents every week.
Moreover, it is also found that accidents in the construction industry contribute to a huge
proportion of general occupational injuries, which is then ranked as the third-highest
death rate industry in South Africa (CIDB, 2008; Ayessaki and Smallwood, 2018). It is
indeed an urgent need for a modern form of health and safety management in the South
Africa Construction Industry, in the spectrum of digital technologies application.
Embarking on the adoption of relevant digital technologies in construction health

and safety management, Zhou et al. (2015) has highlighted that the government and the
private sectors in South Africa proposed the implementation of Health and Safety
Management Systems (HSMS), limiting to within the organizations for assessing and
12
monitoring site safety. Before this, the traditional approach in South Africa construction
health and safety management is based on the fragmented features of isolating people,
technology, and organizational elements (Okonkwo, 2019). Gallagher (2000) described
the traditional approach focused on technical control of hazards with health and safety
professionals being the critical drivers. The traditional model was only dominant before
the year 2000 and beyond that, the systematic approach has shown its effort in bringing
people, technology, and organizations together. However, Robson et al. (2007) has
mentioned that there is no mutual understanding on the scope and operation of HSMS at
a national level due to its broad scope and an absence of established and standardized
process or procedures.
2.6 General Challenges and Strategies in Implementing Digital Technologies in

Construction Health and Safety Management
Digital technologies implementation has been introduced to the South African

construction industry for some time, yet the level of adoption remains comparatively low
to other nations or other industries. There are a few possible rationales behind the low
application of digital tools in the construction industry, especially in terms of health and
safety management. Among all, familiarity with the current method of working is one of
the prominent challenges in digitalization. Nnaji and Karakhan (2020) highlighted that
the aging workforce that is reluctant to change and the preference by the organisations to
stick back to original ways of doing things contribute to the digital transformation as the
change of mode brings excess uncertainties and potential loss of control. Besides, lack of
awareness in the use of digital technologies is also often one of the causes of failure in
digital solutions implementation.
Not only that, Nnaji and Karakhan (2020) mentioned that lack of relevant
knowledge also causes practitioners to doubt the reliability of the technology in
improving construction site health and safety management. People play an important role
in the process of installing a new change also. Emmanuel, Omoregie, and Koloko (2018)
found that lack of relevant training and sufficient competent expert in relevant fields can
be problematic to the digital technologies implementation. Despite the clear benefits
stated of digital systems in managing construction site health and safety effectively, the
lack of integration from stakeholders can lead to unsuccessful implementation too (Enka
13
Systems, n.d.). Different education backgrounds, levels of understanding of digital tools,
and location factors can also contribute to the lack of accessibility to appropriate digital
technologies. Emmanuel, Omoregie, and Koloko (2018) also opinion that some digital
solutions that are difficult and complex to operate also hesitate practitioners to adopt.
Data security and privacy remain a major area of concern when considering
digitalization in construction health and safety management (Emmanuel, Omoregie, and
Koloko, 2018; Nnaji and Karakhan, 2020). Besides poor standardization in the industry,
as well as little to no regulations for operations for practitioners to use has indirectly
blurred the direction of adoption, especially for fresh beginners. From the view of
financial aspects, digital technologies can sometimes be expensive and then burden the
users during the transition with the additional costs associated with the tool itself.
Emmanuel, Omoregie, and Koloko (2018) and Nnaji and Karakhan (2020) also spotted
another financial resistance in a full digital transformation is the slim profit margin it
brings to the project, leading to a low return on investment (ROI).
According to Emmanuel, Omoregie, and Koloko (2018), there are a few preferred
strategies in enhancing the use of digital solutions in the South African construction
industry, which encourage digital technologies usage by management, need of proper
education and training on digital technologies, ensure easy access to digital technologies
and collaboration, the increment of research and development (R&D) and computerized
frameworks for implementation. These approaches are believed to be workable for
construction industry health and safety management as the parties involved are the same,
with minor adjustments of convergence on the subject matter. All the strategies adopted
shall be taken in accordance with the challenges faced for the effective execution of plans.
2.7 Summary of Chapter
There are a few research related to construction health and safety management, for
instance, Zhou et al. (2012) researched the application of advanced technology in
improving construction industry safety management in general, while Haupt et al. (2019)
has studied the existing technologies application in construction health and safety
management specifically in South Africa. Both research only collected data via the
traditional literature review approach and were limited to the stage of identification of
technologies.
14
From the point of view on the adoption rate of technologies, Ikuabe et al. (2020)
have explored the adoption of digital technologies in different construction phases, but it
did not focus on health and safety management. Whereas in terms of challenges of
implementation of technologies, Swallow & Zulu (2019) had studied the challenges of
4D modelling adoption in construction site health and safety too. Nonetheless, 4D
modelling is one of the digital technologies but not everything.
In short, the key question on the actual implementation level and areas, challenges,
and strategies of digital technologies application holistically in South Africa construction
health and safety management remain.
Table 2.1: Summary of Past Researches Related to the Health and Safety Management
in South Africa
Research Title Summary
i. Applying Advanced Technology to A general view of technology application

Improve Safety Management in the for construction safety from different
Construction Industry: A Literature aspects of project and phase was established
Review (Zhou et al., 2012) from online publications.
ii. Applications of Digital technologies Existing technologies in South African

for Health and Safety Management in construction health and safety management
Construction (Haupt et al., 2019) have been identified and categorized into
people, process, and environmental
technologies.
iii. Exploring the Adoption of Digital The awareness of digital technology in the
Technology at the Different Phases of construction industry remains relatively
Construction Projects in South Africa low.
(Ikuabe et al., 2020)
iv. Benefits and Barriers to the Adoption There is a relatively low level of 4D
of 4D Modelling for Site Health and modelling adoption rate in the construction
Safety Management (Swallow & Zulu, site safety, with the barriers from financial,
2019) time, and cultural aspects.
15
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter covers the approaches selected in achieving the research aims and objectives.
There are generally 2 major approaches in carrying out research, namely the qualitative
and quantitative methods, but in some circumstances, a combination of both methods can
be used to produce a more holistic view for meeting the research objectives (Farrell, 2011).
In this dissertation, a quantitative research approach is used to address the research
objectives. It further provides justification and explanation of the methods considered. It
is then followed by a framework of the research instrument layouts and rationale. Before
that, the relevant research population and sampling technique is explained.
3.2 Research Ethics
The data obtained for this dissertation has not been manipulated or falsely recorded to
benefit the author’s outcome and findings. Besides, the four principles that are associated
with ethics concerning the details of the respondents which are harm, consent, privacy,
and deception have been well taken care of (Diener &Crandall, 1978). Before the
commencement of the questionnaire, the respondents are informed and well aware that
their details such as names and companies will not be mentioned in this dissertation.
3.3 Research Design
According to Naoum (2012), research design describes how research can be carried out
in answering the research objectives. In general, the two main research strategies are
quantitative and qualitative strategy.
3.3.1 Quantitative Research Strategy
Quantitative research is objective. Naoum (2012) highlighted that it can be done either
by objective measurement or by the placement of theory. The aim of a quantitative
16
research strategy by nature is to determine the relationship between two variables. It is
suitable to be used in generalizing a finding or a concept more widely to predict the
potential future trend. Due to its numeric data approach, quantitative research is a more
reliable method (Pathak, Jena, and Kalra, 2013).
3.3.2 Qualitative Research Strategy
Qualitative research is subjective. According to Naoum (2012), qualitative research

mostly focuses on verbally described experience-based data collection. Similarly, it can
be classified under two groups which are exploratory and attitudinal. It is more
appropriate in understanding people’s beliefs, attitudes, and interactions. This has been
further supported by Hammarberg, Kirkman, and de Lacey (2016) that qualitative
approaches very often answers research objectives that require respondent’s perspectives
and opinions from their standpoints.
3.3.3 Justification for Research Strategy
Various research methods have been assessed to determine the most suitable approach in
meeting the research aims and objectives.
The published information is utilized as secondary data in this dissertation in

getting a broad overview of discussed digital technologies available in the market, as well
as the general challenges faced among the practitioners in adopting digital solutions in
health and safety management. In this dissertation, primary data obtained from
quantitative research is significant in collecting factual evidence and investigating the
relationship between these facts. Respondents’ experience in digitalization reflects the
answer to all research objectives which intends to gather the overall opinions of the
industry practitioners on digital implementation. As compared to qualitative research,
quantitative research focuses more on the breadth which fits into the research aim that is
to study the possibility and relevance of digitalization in construction health and safety
management as a whole. Therefore, a quantitative research strategy is employed in this
dissertation
17
3.4 Research Methodology
3.4.1 Research Instrument
The research instrument used in this dissertation is a structured questionnaire survey. It

is comparatively easier to be analysed and interpreted as it mainly involves only figure-
based data (Debois, 2019). However, the use of only multiple-choice or rating types of
questions limits the outcome, including less detailed and less elaborate accounts of data
collected on human perception due to the restriction of the result by numerical
descriptions instead of narrative descriptions. Therefore, this dissertation employs both
open-ended questions and rating questions to allow some degree of flexibility in gathering
relevant data.
In this dissertation, the questionnaire created comprises five sections. In this

digital era, the relevant tool like Google Form has been adopted in collecting data. The
layout of the instrument is Table 3.1.
Table 3.1: Layout of Instrument (Questionnaire)
Questions Purpose
A. Information of Respondents
1. What is your role in the project/ contractor firm? Basic understanding of
2. How many years of experience do you have in the the respondents’
above-mentioned role? background.
3. What is the size of the contractor firm that you are
currently in? (CIDB Registered Contractor Grading
Designation)?
4. What is your highest academic qualification?
B. Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management
5. Does your project/ contractor firm employ the Research Objective 1: To
following digital technology in construction health and identify the digital
safety management? If yes, what is the intensity/ technologies used in
frequency of employment of the following digital promoting health and
technology in your project/ contractor firm? safety in the South
6. What is the proficiency level of the following digital African construction
technology in your project/ contractor firm? industry.
7. How important is the following digital technology to
your project/ contractor firm?
C. Views of Practitioners on Digital Technologies in Construction Health and
Safety Management
18
8. In your opinion, how helpful is the following digital Research Objective 2: To
technology in promoting construction health and safety examine the contractors,
in your project/ contractor firm? project managers, and site
9. In your opinion, how applicable is following digital operatives’ views of
technology in promoting construction health and safety digital technologies as a
in your project/ contractor firm? tool for promoting health
and safety on
construction sites.
D. Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies Adoption in South African
10. How challenging are the following factors in Research Objective 3: To
promoting the adoption of digital technology in analyse the
construction health and safety in your project/ implementation of digital
contractor firm? technologies in
11. In your opinion, what are the other challenges that promoting health and
impeding the implementation of digital technology in safety in construction
your project/ contractor firms in promoting South projects.
African construction health and safety?
E. Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African Construction
Health and Safety Management
12. In your opinion, how effective is the following factors Research Objective 3: To
in promoting the adoption of digital technology in analyse the
construction health and safety in your project/ implementation of digital
contractor firm? technologies in
13. In your opinion, what are the potential strategies that promoting health and
can be adopted in promoting the use of digital safety in construction
technology in South African construction health and projects.
safety management?
3.4.2 Research Population and Sampling
The target population for this dissertation is all contractor firms of Grade 1 to Grade 9 in
South Africa, with the accessible population focuses on the city of Durban. According to
CIDB, the contractors are categorised into Grade 1 to Grade contractors and there are
restrictions and limitations imposed on their tender value in which is portrayed in Table
3.2.
19
Table 3.2: Grade of CIDB Contractors and Their Tendering Capacity Limitations
CIDB Registered Grade Tendering Capacity Limits (R)

Grade 1 R 200,000
Grade 2 R 650, 000
Grade 3 R 2,000,000
Grade 4 R 4,000,000
Grade 5 R 6,500,000
Grade 6 R 13,000,000
Grade 7 R 40,000,000
Grade 8 R 130,000,000
Grade 9 No limit
The sampling technique used in quantitative research is random sampling where

the unintentional bias of respondents can be avoided. It allows all individuals in the
research population have similar and random opportunities of being selected as samples.
This is the primary advantage of using simple random sampling, as it creates a balanced
subset having the biggest possibility of representing the target population as a whole
(Horton, 2019). Before that, there are various methods in determining the appropriate
sample size. However, there is no one specific formula or method in deciding the
minimum sample size. In this dissertation, a five-point Likert scale was used in the
questionnaire on different aspects of digital technology implementation in construction
health and safety management such as the adoption rate, proficiency level, significance
level, usefulness, relevance, challenges, and strategies in the application. As offered by
Tabachnik and Fidell (2013), sample size calculation was proposed using the formula as
follows:
N ≥ 50 + 8m where m = number of predictor variables
The questionnaire designed for this dissertation has 5 factors, therefore the
minimum sample size is defined as 90. This dissertation received 100 completed
questionnaire responses, which has exceeded the selected minimum threshold, making
the dissertation analysis and discussion more relevant and reliable.
20
In short, a quantitative research strategy has been adopted in this dissertation, with
primarily primary data collection via questionnaire survey that comprises both open and
close-ended questions to be able to fully answer all research objectives accordingly. A
simple random sampling technique is used in identifying a suitable sample size that is fair
and unbiased. The data collected will be analysed descriptively by using frequency and
mean analysis. The analysis of data will be presented in the following manner:
Table 3.3: Layout of Data Analysis Presentation (Research Objective 1 & 2)
Review of
Digital Technologies in Digital
Used Technologies
Intensity of Usage Performance
Importance Level
Helpfulness Level
Proficiency Level
Types of Technologies
Applicability
Level
People WSD
Technologies Automation and
robotics System
Process Integrated online
Technologies database
IoT
UAV
BIM
CAD
Environment Smart sensors and
Technologies wireless networks
VR
AR
RFID
21
Table 3.4: Layout of Data Analysis Presentation (Research Objective 3)
Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies Adoption in

Mean Scores
a. Satisfaction with the existing method of working
b. Lack of awareness in the use of digital technologies
c. Lack of relevant knowledge
d. Lack of relevant training
e. Lack of sufficient competent expert in the relevant field
f. Lack of integration from all stakeholders
g. Lack of accessibility of digital technologies
h. Complexity of digital technologies
i. Data security and privacy
j. Poor standardization in the industry
k. Expensiveness of digital technologies
l. Low return on investment (ROI)
Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies Adoption in
Mean Scores
a. Encouraging digital technologies usage by management
b. Need of proper education on digital technologies
c. Need of proper training on digital technologies
d. Ensure easy access to digital technologies
e. More research and development (R&D) is desired
f. Computerized frameworks for implementation
22
CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
The primary data was collected via the distribution of a questionnaire survey to the target
population: Grade 1 to Grade 9 individuals of various roles and experience in contractor
firms in Durban, South Africa. Out of 230 sets of questionnaires distributed to contractor
firms, 100 responses were received, with a 43.48 percent of response rate. This chapter
comprises two major parts, which are the approaches to data analysis, reliability of the
questionnaire, and the analysis of findings. This will be followed by a summary of the
major findings from the questionnaire data. The quantitative findings aim to deliver
critical insights for a better understanding of the application of digital technologies into
South African construction health and safety management.
4.2 Approach to Data Analysis
The data collected will be illustrated in the form of pie and column charts for a more
direct understanding of the relevancy of that specific option to the overall choices.
Besides, an examination of descriptive analysis information is performed via frequency
analysis, and mean analysis as the questionnaire questions were designed on a Likert-
Scale basis, which leads to the ordinal data collected. Lastly, several significant
observations from the findings will be drawn to be compared with the findings from the
previous works of literature.
4.3 Reliability of Questionnaires
Upon commencing the questionnaire survey, it is essential to test the reliability of the
questionnaire by using Alpha- Cronbach. Alpha-Cronbach is a measure of internal
consistency of a scale, expressing as a number between 0 and 1. The acceptable range of
alpha is between 0.70 and 0.80 (Finch, French, and Immekus, 2016). In this research, the
coefficient is 0.734 (exceeding 0.70) which makes this questionnaire reliable to study.
Table 4.1 shows Alpha-Cronbach Internal Consistency Table, whereas Table 4.2 shows
the Reliability Statistics of this questionnaire.
23
Table 4.1: Alpha-Cronbach Internal Consistency (Finch et al., 2016)
Alpha- Cronbach Internal Consistency

α ≥ 0.9 Excellent
0.9 ≥ α ≥ 0.8 Good
0.8 ≥ α ≥ 0.7 Acceptable
0.7 ≥ α ≥ 0.6 Questionable
0.6 ≥ α ≥ 0.5 Poor
0.5 ≥ α Unacceptable
Table 4.2: Reliability Statistics of Questionnaire
4.4 Normality of Questionnaires
A normality test is performed to determine the normal distribution of the data collected.
Ghasemi and Zahedisl (2012) have identified several classifications for normality tests,
including chi-square, moments, empirical distribution, spacings, regression and
correlation, and other relevant tests. In this dissertation, moments (skewness test and
kurtosis test) were carried out. The symmetry of the distribution is shown by the skewness
whereas the peaks of the distribution are illustrated by the kurtosis. A perfectly normal
distribution will have the value of 0 for both skewness and kurtosis indicators, however,
the skewness should be within the range of +2 to -2, while kurtosis should be within the
range of +7 to -7 in achieving relative normality (Kim, 2013). The normality of the data
has been achieved in this dissertation where the skewness values are between 0.468 and
-0.345. It is relatively symmetry revolving the perfect value 0. On the other hand, the
kurtosis ranges between -0.449 to -1.529, which is slightly skewed to the right. Table 4.2
shows the Skewness Test and Kurtosis Test.
24
Table 4.3: Skewness Test and Kurtosis Test
N Skewness Std. Error of Skewness Kurtosis Std. Error of Kurtosis
B11A 100 0.468 0.241 -0.663 0.478
B11B 100 -0.092 0.241 -1.112 0.478
B12A 100 -0.022 0.241 -0.837 0.478
B12B 100 0.272 0.241 -1.028 0.478
B12C 100 0.116 0.241 -0.979 0.478
B12D 100 0.075 0.243 -1.375 0.481
B12E 100 0.105 0.241 -1.101 0.478
B13A 100 -0.002 0.241 -1.014 0.478
B13B 100 0.021 0.241 -1.460 0.478
B13C 100 -0.058 0.243 -0.800 0.481
B13D 100 0.087 0.241 -1.187 0.478
B21A 100 0.149 0.241 -0.883 0.478
B21B 100 -0.032 0.243 -1.470 0.481
B22A 100 -0.091 0.241 -0.547 0.478
B22B 100 -0.123 0.241 -1.451 0.478
B22C 100 -0.177 0.241 -0.950 0.478
B22D 100 -0.064 0.241 -1.488 0.478
B22E 100 0.101 0.241 -0.920 0.478
B23A 100 0.026 0.241 -0.764 0.478
B23B 100 -0.096 0.241 -1.386 0.478
B23C 100 0.084 0.243 -1.153 0.481
B23D 100 -0.237 0.241 -1.231 0.478
B31A 100 0.123 0.241 -0.716 0.478
B31B 100 -0.090 0.241 -1.411 0.478
B32A 100 0.068 0.243 -0.592 0.481
B32B 100 0.240 0.241 -1.446 0.478
B32C 100 0.177 0.241 -1.268 0.478
B32D 100 -0.223 0.241 -1.272 0.478
B32E 100 -0.225 0.241 -1.242 0.478
B33A 100 0.113 0.241 -0.717 0.478
B33B 100 0.015 0.241 -1.529 0.478
B33C 100 0.020 0.241 -0.952 0.478
B33D 100 0.127 0.241 -1.241 0.478
C11A 100 0.332 0.241 -0.449 0.478
C11B 100 -0.302 0.241 -1.248 0.478
C12A 100 0.097 0.241 -0.591 0.478
C12B 100 0.224 0.241 -1.236 0.478
C12C 100 -0.091 0.241 -1.148 0.478
C12D 100 0.056 0.241 -1.162 0.478
C12E 100 -0.283 0.241 -1.046 0.478
C13A 100 -0.054 0.241 -0.508 0.478
C13B 100 -0.170 0.243 -1.278 0.481
C13C 100 0.054 0.241 -0.865 0.478
C13D 100 -0.037 0.241 -1.347 0.478
25
N Skewness Std. Error of Skewness Kurtosis Std. Error of Kurtosis
C21A 100 0.259 0.244 -0.714 0.483
C21B 100 -0.096 0.241 -1.328 0.478
C22A 100 0.182 0.243 -0.613 0.481
C22B 100 0.109 0.243 -1.278 0.481
C22C 100 0.033 0.243 -0.836 0.481
C22D 100 0.013 0.241 -1.430 0.478
C22E 100 0.049 0.241 -0.763 0.478
C23A 100 0.127 0.241 -0.472 0.478
C23B 100 -0.311 0.241 -1.289 0.478
C23C 100 0.383 0.244 -0.980 0.483
C23D 100 -0.122 0.241 -1.212 0.478
D1A 100 0.131 0.243 -0.522 0.481
D1B 100 -0.295 0.241 -1.425 0.478
D1C 100 0.213 0.241 -0.722 0.478
D1D 100 0.055 0.243 -1.394 0.481
D1E 100 -0.008 0.241 -1.145 0.478
D1F 100 0.058 0.241 -0.842 0.478
D1G 100 -0.338 0.241 -1.238 0.478
D1H 100 -0.079 0.243 -1.251 0.481
D1I 100 0.210 0.241 -1.110 0.478
D1J 100 0.100 0.241 -1.050 0.478
D1K 100 -0.102 0.243 -0.970 0.481
D1L 100 -0.086 0.243 -1.098 0.481
E1A 100 0.350 0.244 -0.773 0.483
E1B 100 -0.345 0.243 -1.016 0.481
E1C 100 0.037 0.243 -1.094 0.481
E1D 100 0.086 0.243 -1.048 0.481
E1E 100 0.193 0.243 -1.093 0.481
E1F 100 -0.184 0.243 -1.077 0.481
4.5 Analysis of Findings
4.5.1 Section A- Information of Respondents
This section commences with an overview of the sample characteristics and

demographics. The respondents in the sample have various professional experiences with
a diverse length of experience in the relevant industry. It has a relatively even distribution
in its roles among contractors (21%), site operatives (39%), and project managers (40%).
Table 4.4 and Figure 4.1 show the respondent’s designation statistics.
26
Table 4.4: Respondent’s Designation Statistics
Figure 4.1: Respondent’s Designation Statistics
The majority of the respondents have 2-5 years (71%) of experience in their
current roles in the contractor firms, followed by respondents with 6-10 years of
experience (15%), whereas 7% of the respondents have only 1 year of experience and
there are only 5% of the respondents are occupied for more than a decade. This has made
the sample slightly less diversified from the aspects of a year of experience. However,
this sample characteristic remains relatively appropriate as the majority of the workforce
in the South African construction industry predominantly consists of more young and
inexperienced workers (CIDB, 2018). Table 4.5 and Figure 4.2 show the respondent’s
year of professional experience
27
Table 4.5: Respondent’s Year of Professional Experience
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid < 2 years 6 6.0 6.0 6.0
2 - 5 years 74 74.0 74.0 85.0
6 - 10 15 15.0 15.0 100.0
years
> 10 years 5 5.0 5.0 11.0
Total 100 100.0 100.0
Figure 4.2: Respondent’s Year of Professional Experience
The past works of literature have suggested that the size of an organization
indirectly affects its health and safety practices on construction sites (Sorensen et al., 2007;
Dong et al., 2011). Therefore, the size of the contractor firms has also been considered as
one of the factors that might vary the output. Evenly distributed samples were spread
among Grade 2 to Grade 6 contractors of 16%, 16%, 25%, 19%, and 10% respectively.
On the other hand, Grade 1 and Grade 9 contractors constitute the least proportion of the
sample with only 1% and 2% respectively. This is accompanied by a slightly higher
percentage of samples in Grade 7 (6%), and Grade 8 (5%) contractors. The overall sample
is slightly skewed towards the left (lower grade contractors), with a median of 4. This
might slightly affect the findings as the data is not normally distributed among contractors
of all grades. Table 4.6 and Figure 4.3 show the respondent’s contractor firm registered
grade with CIDB.
28
Table 4.6: Respondent’s Contractor Firm Registered Grade
Figure 4.3: Respondent’s Contractor Firm Registered Grade
Besides, the respondents have also been asked about their highest academic
qualifications. 33% of the respondents hold a National Certificate or equivalent Higher
National Certificate, while 27% of the respondents hold a Vocational Secondary
Education and another 20% of the respondents have a Bachelor degree. Only a small
amount of respondents acquire a postgraduate academic position (11%) and a minimum
secondary education (9%). Table 4.7 and Figure 4.4 show the respondent’s highest
academic qualification.
29
Table 4.7: Respondent’s Educational Background
Figure 4.4: Respondent’s Educational Background
4.5.2 Section B- Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management
This section will discuss the digital technologies in three major categories (people
technologies, process technologies, and environment technologies) used in construction
health and safety management from three aspects, which are the intensity of usage,
proficiency level, and importance level. Respondents were asked to rate the respective
aspect on a five-point Likert-Scale basis. The mean value for each digital technology for
each aspect will indicate the relevance of this digital solution in managing construction
health and safety. Moreover, the standard deviation of each aspect will also be studied to
determine the spread from the expected value (mean).
30
Firstly, from the perspective of usage, environment technologies are employed by
a majority of the contractor firms, with an average score of 3.04. Smart sensors and
wireless networks with a mean of 3.08 rank the highest among all digital technologies,
followed by automation and robotics systems (3.05) and VR (3.05). The mean score for
all digital technologies falls within the range of 2.66 to 3.08, which is a slightly low
adoption rate of digital tools. The standard deviations for all the technologies range
between 1.141 and 1.513, which is a relatively high deviation, indicating there is a gap
between the higher and lower grade of contractor firms in the process of implementation
of digital technologies in construction health and safety management. It is worth noting
that the median for all technology is 3, except wearable safety device which only has a
median value of 2. This shows the adoption rate of WSD is below satisfaction. Table 4.8
illustrates the intensity of usage of each digital technology by respondents in managing
construction site health and safety.
Table 4.8: Intensity of Usage Statistics

Mean Average Median Mode Std. Variance
Deviation
1. People Technologies [Wearable Safety 2.66 2.00 2 1.183 1.398
Devices (WSD)]
2.86
1. People Technologies [Automation and 3.05 3.00 3 1.366 1.866
robotics system]
2. Process Technologies [Integrated online 2.99 3.00 3 1.141 1.303
databases]
2. Process Technologies [Internet of Things 2.80 3.00 3 1.341 1.798
(IoT)]
2. Process Technologies [Unmanned Aerial 2.86 3.00 3 1.263 1.596
Vehicles (UAV)] 2.91
2. Process Technologies [Building Information 2.98 3.00 5 1.471 2.163
Modelling (BIM)]
2. Process Technologies [Computer-Aided 2.90 3.00 2 1.307 1.707
Design (CAD)]
3. Environment Technologies [Smart sensors 3.08 3.00 3 1.269 1.610
and wireless networks]
3. Environment Technologies [Virtual Reality 3.05 3.00 5 1.513 2.290
(VR)]
3.04
3. Environment Technologies [Augmented 3.01 3.00 3 1.182 1.398
Reality (AR)]
3. Environment Technologies [Radio 3.02 3.00 2 1.356 1.838
Frequency Identification (RFID)]
Table 4.9 summarised the descriptive statistic of the proficiency level of

respondents in employing each digital technology studied. Respondents in general have
more experience and can acquire the skills and knowledge in using process technologies
such as unmanned aerial vehicles (3.14) and Building Information Modelling (3.17).
Besides, respondents also show relevant expertise more in implementing radio frequency
identification (3.18) in construction health and safety management. However, the findings
31
pose a slightly lower proficiency level for wearable safety devices (2.96) and AR (2.97).
All digital technologies have a median score of 3 in which indicates that approximately
50% of the respondents acquire the skills required in operating these technologies in
managing construction health and safety. Another significant finding is the standard
deviation for proficiency level remains high, with a minimum value of 1.111.
Table 4.9: Proficiency Level Statistics

Deviation
1. People Technologies [Wearable Safety 2.96 3.00 2a 1.205 1.453
Devices (WSD)]
3.01
robotics system]
databases]
(IoT)]
2. Process Technologies [Building 3.17 3.00 5 1.518 2.304
Information Modelling (BIM)]
Design (CAD)]
3. Environment Technologies [Smart 3.09 3.00 3 1.147 1.315
sensors and wireless networks]
(VR)]
3.06
Reality (AR)]
*a. Multiple modes exist. The smallest value is shown
On the other hand, the significance of each digital tool in managing construction
site health and safety has also been identified and summarised in Table 4.10. Based on
Table 4.10, process technologies rank top compared to people and environment
technologies with a mean of 3.10. However, the mean score among all technologies
ranges between 2.84 to 3.27, which is revolving around the slightly important to a
moderately important level. There is no one most prominent and critical digital
technology found in managing construction health and safety. Similarly, all the standard
deviations are considered high, ranging between 1.066 and 1.573.
32
Table 4.10: Importance Level Statistics
1. People Technologies [Wearable Safety 3.00 3.00 3 Deviation
1.146 1.313
Devices (WSD)]
3.01
robotics system]
databases]
(IoT)]
3.10
Vehicles (UAV)]
Modelling (BIM)]
Design (CAD)]
(VR)]
3.01
Reality (AR)]
In short, assessment of digital technologies in construction health and safety

management from the aspects of the intensity of adoption, proficiency level, and
importance level have shown similar results. The implementation of process technology
and environmental technology is comparatively stable than people technology. Both
process and environment technologies are more inclined to proactive measures whereas
people technologies are in a more passive stance. This has been further supported by
Suárez, Carvajal, and Catalá (2017) that implementation of proactive measures is the
trend in construction health and safety instead of reactive measures.
However, all the technology applications in South African construction health and
safety management are not fully mature. The mean ratings overall are medium-low, in
the range of 2.66 to 3.27. Among all, it is worth noting that Building Information
Modelling (BIM) leads the growth of digitalization with an average mean score of 3.13,
followed by the use of smart sensors and network systems (3.08). The technologies that
are still lagging are wearable safety devices (2.87) and the internet of things (2.90). This
is in line with findings from Deloitte Africa (2020) that 75% and 45% of the respondents
were in the opinion that the implementation of IoT and WSD are far behind their
expectations respectively. Overall, the adoption rate scores an average mean of 2.95
which is in the position of low-medium, indicating that the South African construction
industry is still fresh and beginner in the process of digitalizing construction health and
safety management, which is consistent with the statistics by Deloitte Africa (2020) that
33
only 37% of the organizations in South African are in the early stages of digital
development. Table 4.11 shows the summary of the findings of various digital
technologies in managing construction health and safety from the aspects of adoption,
proficiency, and importance.
Table 4.11: Summary of Digital Technologies Implementation in Construction Health

and Safety
Adoption Proficiency Importance Average
1. People Technologies Wearable Safety Devices (WSD) 2.66 2.96 3.00 2.87
2.96
Automation and robotics system 3.05 3.05 3.02 3.04
2. Process Technologies Integrated online databases 2.99 3.09 3.13 3.07
Internet of Things (IoT) 2.80 3.06 2.84 2.90
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) 2.86 3.14 3.03 3.01 3.04
Building Information Modelling (BIM) 2.98 3.17 3.23 3.13
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) 2.90 3.04 3.27 3.07
3. Environment Technologies Smart sensors and wireless networks 3.08 3.09 3.07 3.08
Virtual Reality (VR) 3.05 3.02 3.01 3.03
3.04
Augmented Reality (AR) 3.01 2.97 3.02 3.00
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) 3.02 3.18 2.93 3.04
2.95 3.07 3.05
4.5.3 Section C- Views of Practitioners on Digital Technologies in Construction Health

and Safety Management
This section discusses the views and opinions of practitioners in the South African
construction industry, especially from the perspectives of project managers, contractors,
and site operatives. The views predominantly discover the helpfulness level and
applicability level of each digital tool in the eyes of practitioners.
Based on Table 4.12, the respondents rated all the people, process, and
environment technologies more or less similar, in descending of the mean score are 3.10
(environment technologies), 3.08 (people technologies), and 3.05 (process technologies).
Irrespective of the category, the automation and robotics system has scored the highest
mean value of 3.25 which shows its helpfulness in managing construction health and
safety. This is supported by Deloitte Africa (2020) where 77% of the organizations are
positive of the importance of robotics and automation to their organizations’ digital
strategy. Another top variable is VR with a mean score of 3.20. On the other hand,
wearable safety device has the lowest mean value (2.91) which this finding suggests that
practitioners find wearable safety device the least efficient in mitigating construction risks.
34
This is aligned with CDC (2020) that wearable safety devices only serve as protection
that is positioned at the lowest level of the hazard control hierarchy. The standard
deviation remains high, indicating a weak mean value of the data collected. This can be
interpreted as the gap between higher and lower-grade contractors in understanding and
exposure to digital technologies is relatively huge.
Table 4.12: Helpfulness Level Statistics

Deviation
1. People Technologies [Wearable Safety 2.91 3.00 3 1.074 1.153
Devices (WSD)]
3.08
robotics system]
databases]
(IoT)]
2. Process Technologies [Building 2.97 3.00 2a 1.344 1.807
Information Modelling (BIM)]
Design (CAD)]
3. Environment Technologies [Smart 3.05 3.00 3 1.095 1.199
sensors and wireless networks]
(VR)]
3.10
Reality (AR)]
The respondents have also been asked about the relevance of each digital
technology to the context of managing construction health and safety. Similarly,
environment technologies rank first (3.04) followed by people technologies (3.00) and
the process technologies score the lowest mean value (2.98). A significant finding is the
application of virtual reality and radio frequency identification in managing construction
health and safety are the most relevant with a mean score of 3.33 and 3.21 respectively.
Overall, the mean score ranges between 2.76 and 3.33, where the practitioners find all the
digital technologies studied are moderately relevant in aiding construction site health and
safety. There is no one pertinent digital technology supported by the practitioners in
monitoring construction health and safety. Similarly, the standard deviation remains high
with all the values at 1.009 and above.
35
Table 4.13: Applicability Level Statistics
1. People Technologies [Wearable Safety 2.98 3.00 3 Deviation
1.130 1.278
Devices (WSD)]
3.00
robotics system]
databases]
(IoT)]
2.98
Vehicles (UAV)]
Modelling (BIM)]
Design (CAD)]
(VR)]
3.04
Reality (AR)]
4.5.4 Section D- Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African

This section explores the various challenges in promoting digital technologies in

managing construction health and safety. There are twelve challenges identified in the
literature review in the process of digitalisation, which comprises the aspects of awareness,
knowledge and skills, accessibility, complexity, standardization, financial capability and
return. Table 4.14 summarises the descriptive analysis of challenges in promoting digital
technologies in construction health and safety management.
Overall, the mean values of challenges variables range between 2.79 to 3.29. The
most significant variable found is ‘lack of accessibility of digital technologies’ (3.29).
According to Noordin (2019), one of the top three challenges to digitalization is low
access to technology. When there is less to no availability of technology, there is pointless
for very useful and impactful digital technologies to be introduced as there are no targeted
users and audience available in the market. ‘Lack of awareness in the use of digital
technologies has ranked second (3.24) after lacking accessibility. Alabdal, Basingab, and
Alotaibi (2020) have pointed that generally, a lack of awareness leads to unfavourable
attitudes and practices, giving rise to negative impacts to the change. On the other hand,
36
data security and privacy have been ranked the last (2.72) as the challenges. This is similar
to the findings by Emmanuel et al. (2018) where data security and privacy have been
ranked as second last as the challenges of digital collaboration. This suggests that data
security and privacy is not the main reason why appropriate digital technologies are not
widely adopted in managing construction health and safety. Nonetheless, ‘satisfaction
with the existing method of working’ ranks second last in this finding (2.91) ranks last in
previous research by Emmanuel et al. (2018). This shows that practitioners in South
Africa are not tied to the current working system of managing construction health and
safety, they are open to utilizing a new tool or solution. However, the standard deviation
of all challenges variables remains high with a minimum value of 1.051, indicating that
the views from the practitioners are more spread out.
Table 4.14: Challenges Statistics

Ranking Mean Median Mode Std. Variance
Deviation
Lack of accessibility of digital technologies 1 3.29 4.00 4a 1.438 2.067
Lack of awareness in the use of digital 2 3.24 4.00 5 1.551 2.406
technologies
Low return on investment (ROI) 3 3.13 3.00 3 1.330 1.768
Complexity of digital technologies 4 3.08 3.00 3 1.405 1.973
5 3.06 3.00 a 1.456 2.119
Lack of relevant training 2
Lack of sufficient competent expert in the 6 3.02 3.00 2
a 1.279 1.636
relevant field
Poor standardization in the industry 7 2.99 3.00 3 1.314 1.727
Lack of integration from all stakeholders 8 2.97 3.00 3 1.235 1.524
Lack of relevant knowledge 9 2.93 3.00 3 1.183 1.399
9 2.93 3.00 a 1.223 1.495
Expensiveness of digital technologies 3
Satisfaction with the existing method of 10 2.91 3.00 3 1.051 1.104
working
Data security and privacy 11 2.72 3.00 2 1.319 1.739
There are other challenges in the opinion of respondents in the open-ended

questions sound “In your opinion, what are the other challenges that impeding the
implementation of digital technology in your project/ contractor firms in promoting South
African construction health and safety?” such as organizational structure. This can be
interpreted as there is weak digital leadership in implementing digital technologies within
the organization. This statement is supported by Deloitte Africa (2020) that as high as 46%
of the senior leaders indicated that they are not confident in successfully leading the
organization in the digital economy.
37
4.5.5 Section E- Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African
This section discusses the various strategies in promoting digital technologies in

managing construction health and safety in South Africa. Table 4.15 summarises the
effectiveness of all the strategies identified from past pieces of literature. ‘The need for
proper education on digital technologies’ ranks first with a mean value of 3.21. According
to Deloitte Africa (2020), there is only 24% of the senior leaders indicated that there are
sufficient young practitioners equipped with the right digital skills while as high as 69%
of the organizations do not acquire enough relevant skills in the digital economy. This
explains the reasons why respondents urge the need for proper digital education. Without
appropriate knowledge and skills in operating digital technology, the use of the
technology will be stagnant and eventually cease. This is agreed by Emmanuel et al. (2018)
that creating avenues for proper education and training on digital collaboration ranks first
in their findings.
However, encouragement from the management in monitoring the use of digital

technologies ranks last (2.79) where the respondents do not agree that this is an effective
approach in promoting the use of digital technologies in construction health and safety
management. Although employee motivation is one of the keys to an organization’s
success, this is not going to work for a long-term change, and commitment as one’s will
is the most critical factor in determining the sustainability of digital technology
implementation.
Table 4.15: Effectiveness Statistics

Ranking Mean Median Mode Std. Variance
Need of proper education on digital 1 3.21 3.00 4 Deviation
1.350 1.822
technologies
Computerized frameworks for 2 3.07 3.00 3 1.334 1.781
implementation
Need of proper training on digital 3 2.95 3.00 2 1.281 1.640
technologies
Ensure easy access to digital technologies 4 2.94 3.00 3 1.300 1.690
More research and development (R&D) is 5 2.87 3.00 2 1.337 1.789
desired
Encouraging digital technologies usage by 6 2.79 3.00 2 1.160 1.345
management
Additionally, there are responses on other possible strategies to employ in

enhancing the use of digital technologies, including encouragement by the government.
Government can include the compulsoriness in adopting digital technologies in managing
38
construction health and safety in specific government projects or provide a guideline in
implementing digital technologies for site health and safety use. Not only that but there
is also suggested on the need for support from the government in terms of funding and
tax incentives. Emmanuel et al. (2018) elaborated that easy access to financial loans
should be granted for companies to implement digital collaboration.
Awareness of the use along with its benefits should also be better enhanced among
the practitioners in the industry in promoting the utilization of digital tools in construction
health and safety. This effort aligns with the second top challenge in the previous sections.
Awareness is important in making fewer stereotypes and generalizations about ideas and
statements. The industry practitioners must understand the need to adapt themselves
following the potential future trend as early as possible to stay relevant and stand a
competitive advantage.
In short, the findings discover that the overall digital technology application in South
African construction health and safety management is at the beginner phase. Among
people, process and environmental technologies, both process and environmental
technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), smart sensors, and
computer-aided design (CAD) have higher adoption rates. However, the overall level of
implementation is still considered low-medium level. On the other hand, from the
perspectives of the practitioners, they find environmental technologies are more relevant
and helpful in managing construction health and safety. Among all, practitioners find
virtual reality (VR) more applicable in the health and safety management context.
Generally, practitioners find the lack of accessibility and awareness of digital

technologies is the major challenge in the impeding implementation in the industry. As
the practitioners are not aware of the significance of digitalization, plus their less exposure
to these advanced tools, they are eventually lagging in the process of digitalization.
Therefore, the respective strategy and solution recommended in promoting better use of
digital technologies are to encourage and provide relevant education to the practitioners
including site operatives so they get to understand its importance and its applicability in
enhancing the facilitation of construction site health and safety.
39
CHAPTER 5 RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Introduction
The chapter summarises and concludes the research outcome which is the overall findings
and analysis based on the research objectives. Besides, this chapter also illustrates the
limitation of the research. Also, this chapter discusses recommendations for future
potential research areas besides concluding this research.
5.2 Research Outcome
5.2.1 Objective 1: To Identify The Digital Technologies Used in Promoting Health and
Safety in The South African Construction Industry
Objective 1 for this research study was to identify the digital technologies used in
promoting health and safety in the South African construction industry. This research
focused on people, process, and environment technologies, namely wearable safety
devices (WSD), automation and robotics system, integrated online databases, internet of
things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), building information modelling (BIM),
computer-aided design (CAD), smart sensors and wireless networks, virtual reality (VR),
augmented reality (AR), and radio frequency identification (RFID). From the findings
from the previous chapter, it can be concluded that all the digital technologies are not
fully mature as the mean ratings overall are still medium-low. Among all, the
environmental technologies have led the way in their adoption rate, however, the industry
is more proficient in utilizing process technologies, especially BIM.
5.2.2 Objective 2: To Examine The Contractors, Project Managers, and Site Operatives’
Views of Digital Technologies As A Tool For Promoting Health and Safety on
Construction Sites
Objective 2 for this research study was to examine the practitioners’ view of digital
technologies as a tool in promoting construction health and safety. Their perceptions have
been analysed in terms of the tool’s helpfulness and applicability in enhancing
construction health and safety management. The findings show that the current
automation and robotics system is the most helpful tool in preventing accidents from
40
happening. On the other hand, the practitioners are in the opinion that the core principle
of virtual reality application is more applicable in visualizing and communicating the
potential hazards present on construction sites. However, the ability of VR at this present
time has not been explored to its fullest potential use in real-life practice. More research
and development is required for VR application to provide more advanced functions to
construction health and safety management.
5.2.3 Objective 3: To Analyse The Implementation of Digital Technologies in

Promoting Health and Safety in Construction Projects
Objective 3 of this research study is to analyse the implementation of digital technologies

in promoting construction health and safety. This has been assessed from two aspects,
namely the challenges in the implementation and the strategies recommended to
accelerate the adoption and familiarity with the digital technologies. The findings show
that the top challenges in using digital technologies are the lack of accessibility and
awareness of these tools. Not only that, but the practitioners also pointed out that the use
of digital technologies in managing their construction health and safety gives a low return
on investment (ROI). Despite the huge upfront capital that is required, the effectiveness
and efficiency in curbing the health and safety issues do not return monetarily as much as
the amount that was invested. It is surprising to find that data security and privacy in the
use of these digital technologies as the least concern of the practitioners. On the other
hand, the practitioners urge for the need of proper education on digital technologies to the
industry of all ages and levels of management, in ensuring that all the parties involved in
the construction project can be aware of the significance of using it, and everyone stays
on par in monitoring the construction site.
5.3 Limitation of Study
There are several limitations encountered in the process of completing this research. One
of the limitations is data limitation. The data received mostly concentrates on the
contractor firms of lower grades (Grade 2 – Grade 6), thus it could not represent the whole
picture of the contractor firms in the construction industry very precisely. Besides, there
is also no way of testing the honesty and integrity of the responses which indirectly affects
the reliability of the data collected. Not only that, as the digital era is changing very
41
rapidly, thus the digital technologies covered under this research might not be very
applicable in the five to ten more years to come, as new and more advanced technologies
are emerging very fast.
5.4 Recommendation for Future Research
Qualitative research may be conducted in the future to analyse the implementation of

digital technologies in promoting South African construction health and safety to
overcome the shortcoming of the quantitative research. Meanwhile, more rich content can
be obtained from the qualitative interviews. Besides, as digital technologies are
improving very fast, there may be some undetected factors regarding the digital trend
which was excluded in designing the questionnaire can also be obtained via interview.
Total word count: 10,934.
42
REFERENCE
Ahsan, S., El-Hamalawi, A., Bouchlaghem, D. and Ahmad, S. (2007). Mobile

Technologies for Improved Collaboration on Construction Sites, Architectural
Engineering and Design Management, 3, pp.257-272.
Aigbavboa, C.O., Thwala, W.D. (2014). Challenges Facing Black Owned Small And
Mediumconstruction Companies: A Case Study Of Nelspruit–Mbombela
Municipality, South Africa. Retrieved on Nov 14, 2020 from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335100536_Barriers_for_the_Adoption
_of_Incorporating_RFID_with_Mobile_Technology_for_Improved_Safety_of_C
onstruction_Professionals
Alabdal, H., Basingab, F. and Alotaibi, R. (2020). An analytical study on the awareness,
attitude and practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Journal of Infection and Public Health, 13 (10). 1446 – 1452.
Ayessaki, W., Smallwood, J. (2018). Construction Project Manager Health and Safety
Interventions towards Improving Workers’ Performance. Proceedings of the 21st
International Symposium on Advancement of Construction Management and Real
Estate, 2016, pp. 513–521.
Azmy, N. and Zain, A. (2016). The Applications of Technology in Enhancing Safety and
Health Aspects on Malaysian Construction Projects. ARPN Journal of Engineering
and Applied Sciences, 11, pp.7209- 7213.
Balaguer, C., Gimenez, A. and Abderrahim, C. (2002). ROMA Robots for Inspection of
Steel Based Infrastructures. Industrial Robot, 29 (3), pp. 246-251.
Barro-Torres, S., Fernández-Caramés, T., Pérez-Iglesias, H. and Escudero, C. (2012).

Real-Time Personal Protective Equipment Monitoring System. Computer
Communications, 36(1), pp.42- 50.
CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). (2020). “Hierarchy of Controls”
NIOSH. Retrieved on Nov 14, 2020 from
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/default.html
43
Chen, Y., Zhang, J., and Min, B. (2019, July). Application of BIM and UAV to
Construction Safety. Paper presented at CSCE Annual Conference.
Cheung, S.O., Kevin K.W. Cheung, Henry C.H. Suen. (2004). CSHM: Web-based Safety
and Health Monitoring System for Construction Management. Journal of Safety
Research, 35 (2), pp. 159-170.
Chu, B., Jung, K., Lim, M.Y. and Hong, D. (2013). Robot-based Construction
Automation: An Application to Steel Beam Assembly (Part I). Automation in
Construction, 32, pp. 46-61.
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), (2018). Construction Monitor

Employment Q3-2018.
Construction Monitor Employment October 2020. (2020). Construction Industry

Development Board (CIDB).
Debois, S. (2019, March 8). 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Questionnaires.

Survey/Anyplace. Retrieved January 4, 2021 from
https://surveyanyplace.com/questionnaire-pros-and-cons/
Deloitte Africa. (2020, August). Digital Disruption Index- South Africa. Being digital:
aligning strategy, workforce and technology. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/za/Documents/za_Digital_Disrup
tion_Index_South_Africa_2020.pdf.
Diener, E. & Crandall, R. (1978). Ethics in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press.
Dogde Data and Analytics. (2017). Safety Management in the Construction Industry,
Smart Market Report, Bedford, MA.
Dong, X., Fujimoto, A., Ringen, K., Stafford, E., Platner, J., Gittleman, J., and Wang, X.
(2011). Injury underreporting among small establishments in the construction
Industry, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Vol. 54, pp. 339-349.
Druley, K. (2018, March 25). The Hierarchy of Controls. Safety and Health Magazine.
Retrieved on Nov 12, 2020 from
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/16790-the-hierarchy-of-
controls
44
Emmanuel, O. A., Omoregie, A. D., & Koloko, A. C. O. (2018). Challenges of digital
collaboration in the South African construction industry. In Proceedings of the
International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations
Management (pp. 6-8).
Enka Systems. (n.d.) 5 Main Digital Transformation Challenges in Construction Industry.

Retrieved January 3, 2021 from https://www.enkasystems.com/news-
activities/blog/5-main-digital-transformation-challenges-in-construction-industry-
part-1/
Farrell, P. (2011). Writing a Built Environment Dissertation: Practical guidance and

examples. Chichester: Blackwell Publishing.
Finch, H., French, B. F., & Immekus, J. C. (2016). Applied psychometrics using SPSS
and AMOS: IAP.
Gallagher, C. (2000). Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems: System

Types and Effectiveness. Australia: Deakin University.
Ghasemi, A., & Zahediasl, S. (2012). Normality tests for statistical analysis: a guide for
non-statisticians. International journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 10(2),
486.
Guo, Brian & Scheepbouwer, Eric & Yiu, Kenneth Tak Wing & Gonzalez, Vicente.
(2017). Overview and Analysis of Digital Technologies for Construction Safety
Management.
Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M. and de Lacey S. (2016). Qualitative Research Methods:

When to Use Them and How to Judge Them. Human Reproduction, 31 (3), 498-
501.
Haupt, T. C., Akinlolu, M., & Raliile, M. T. (2019, November). Applications of digital
technologies for health and safety management in construction. In Proceedings of
the 8th World Construction Symposium, Colombo, Sri Lanka (pp. 8-10).
Hlati, O. (2019, October 16). Safety in Construction Industry under the Spotlight.
Independent Online (IOL). Retrieved on November 11, 2020 from
https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/safety-in-construction-industry-under-the-
spotlight-35098202
45
Horton, M. (2019, April 18). Simple Random Sample: Advantages and Disadvantages.
Investopedia. Retrieved January 5, 2021 from
https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042815/what-are-disadvantages-
using-simple-random-sample-approximate-larger-population.asp
Kheni, N. A., Dainty, A. R. J., & Gibb, A. G. F.. (2008). Health and safety management
in developing countries: a study of construction SMEs in Ghana (Version 1).
Kim, H.-Y. (2013). Statistical notes for clinical researchers: assessing normal distribution
(2) using skewness and kurtosis. Restorative dentistry & endodontics, 38(1), 52-54.
Krejcie, R. V., & Morgan, D. W. (1970). Determining sample size for research
activities. Educational and psychological measurement, 30(3), 607-610.
Lee, H.C., Chang, Y.T., Fo, K.W., and Kong, S.K. (2020). The Potential of Implementing
Smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Minimize Work Related Injuries in
Construction Sites. INTI Journal (2020:017).
Li, R. Y. M. (2018). Virtual Reality and Construction Safety. In An Economic Analysis

on Automated Construction Safety (pp. 117-136). Springer, Singapore.
Mills, F. (2016). What is Digital Construction? The B1M. Retrieved on Nov 11, 2020
from https://www.theb1m.com/video/what-is-digital-construction
Mordue, S. (2017, June 2). BIM for Health and Safety in Construction. Autodesk
University. Retrieved on December 25, 2020 from https://medium.com/autodesk-
university/bim-for-health-and-safety-in-construction-2062622e5157
Naoum, S. G. (2012) Dissertation research and writing for construction students.

London: Routledge.
Navon, R. and Kolton, O. (2006). Model for Automated Monitoring Of Fall Hazards In
Building Construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management,
132(7), pp.733-740.
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.
46
Noordin, K. A. (2019, January 21). News: SMEs still not using digitalisation enablers.
The Edge Malaysia. Retrieved 2021, March 18 from
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/news-smes-still-not-using-digitalisation-
enablers
Okonkwo, P.N. (2019). Health and Safety Management and Performance among
Construction Contractors in South Africa. South Africa: Stellenbosch University.
Page, M. (2018). Digital Construction: What’s New and What’s Changing? Retrieved on
Nov 13, 2020 from
https://www.michaelpage.com/advice/managementadvice/development-
andretention/digital-construction-what%E2%80%99snew-and-
what%E2%80%99s
Pathak, V., Jena, B., & Kalra, S. (2013). Qualitative research. Perspectives in clinical
research, 4(3), 192. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.115389
Pinto A, Nunes IL, Ribeiro R (2011) Occupational risk assessment in construction

industry – Overview and reflection. Saf Sci 49, 614–24.
Podgórski, D. (2017). Functions of Smart PPE in Relation to the Hierarchy of Risk

Controls. Linkedin.com. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/smart-
ppe-functions-vsclassical-hierarchy-risk-daniel-podg%C3%B3rski-1/
Shafiq, M. T., Afzal, M. (2020). Potential of Virtual Design Construction Technologies

to Improve Job-Site Safety in Gulf Corporation Council. Sustainability, 12(9), 3826.
Smallwood, J.J. (1998) Health and safety and the environment as project parameters,
proceedings of CIB World Building Congress, Symposium C, Gavle, Sweden. 1587-
1594.
Sorensen, O., Hasle, P. and BachWorking, E. (2007) Working in small enterprises – is

there a special risk? Safety Science, Vol. 45, pp. 1044-1059.
Suárez Sánchez, F. A., Carvajal Peláez, G. I., & Catalá Alís, J. (2017). Occupational
safety and health in construction: a review of applications and trends. Industrial
health, 55(3), 210–218. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.2016-0108
47
Swallow, M., & Zulu, S. (2019). Benefits and Barriers to The Adoption of 4D Modelling
for Site Health And Safety Management. Frontiers in Built Environment, 4, 86.
Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics: International

edition. Pearson2012.
Wang, J., Hu, C., Xu, H., Kang, J., Zhang, Z., & Gong, H. (2010, November). Application
research of DTS system in dam. In Advanced Sensor Systems and Applications
IV (Vol. 7853, p. 78532L). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
Wu, F., Wu, T., & Yuce, M. R. (2019). An internet-of-things (IoT) network system for
connected safety and health monitoring applications. Sensors, 19(1), 21.
Yu, H. (2009). A knowledge based system for construction health and safety competence
assessment.
Zhang, M., Cao, T. and Zhao, X. (2017). Applying Sensor-Based Technology to Improve
Construction Safety Management, Sensors, 17, pp. 1- 24.
Zhou, N., Ding, L.Y and Chen, L.Y. (2011). Application of 4D Visualization Technology
for Safety Management in Metro Construction. Automation in Construction, 34, pp.
25-36.
Zhou, Z., Irizarry, J. and Li, Q. (2013). Applying Advanced Technology To Improve
Safety Management In The Construction Industry: A Literature Review.
Construction Management and Economics, 31, pp.606-622.
Zhou, Z., Goh, Y.M. and Li, Q. (2015). Overview and Analysis of Safety Management
Studies in the Construction Industry. Safety Science, 72 (0), pp.335-350.
48
APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE
HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY
THE EXISTENCE AND APPLICATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
IN PROMOTING HEALTH & SAFETY
IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
OBJECTIVES
1. To identify the digital technologies used in promoting health and safety in the South
African construction industry.
2. To examine the contractors, project managers and site operatives’ views of digital
technologies as a tool for promoting health and safety on construction sites.
3. To analyse the implementation of digital technologies in promoting health and
safety in construction projects.
QUESTIONNAIRE
All the information provided is CONFIDENTIAL and strictly for research purpose under
this study. Data collected will not be displayed nor published to public.
Name: Shaariq Joosub

Student’s ID No: H00286141
Course: Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Construction Project Management
Contact Number: (+60) 018 766 8699
Email: sj52@hw.ac.uk
Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Patrick Quek
49
QUESTIONNAIRE INFORMATION
This questionnaire form consists of five sections:
Section A: Information of Respondents

Section B: Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management
Section C: Views of Practitioners on Digital Technologies in Construction Health and

Safety Management
Section D: Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African Construction

Section E: Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African Construction

A. Information of Respondents
Please provide information about yourself by completing the following questions. You
can tick more than one where appropriate.
1. What is your role in the project/contractor firm?
Contractor
Project Manager
Site Operatives
Others, please specify:
2. How many years of experience do you have in the above mentioned role?
_________ year (s)
3. What is the size of the contractor firm that you are currently in? (CIDB Registered
Contractor Grading Designation)?
Grade 1 Grade 6
Grade 2 Grade 7
Grade 3 Grade 8
Grade 4 Grade 9
Grade 5
4. What is your highest academic qualification?

Postgraduate e.g. Master, PhD
Bachelor degree
National Certificate/ Higher National Certificate
Vocational Secondary Education
Secondary Education
Primary Education
Others, please specify:
50
B. Digital Technologies in Construction Health and Safety Management
Scale are given with its indication in italic below the questions. Please tick (√) at
the relevant box.
1. Does your project/ contractor firm employ the following digital technology in
construction health and safety management? If yes, what is the intensity/
frequency of employment of the following digital technology in your project/
contractor firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Never employ this digital technology
2: Rarely employ this digital technology
3: Sometimes employ this digital technology
4: Often employ this digital technology
5: Always employ this digital technology
Rating
Digital Technologies
1 2 3 4 5
1. People Technologies
a. Wearable Safety Devices (WSD)
b. Automation and robotics system
2. Process Technologies
a. Integrated online databases
b. Internet of Things (IoT)
c. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
d. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
e. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
3. Environment Technologies
a. Smart sensors and wireless networks
b. Virtual Reality (VR)
c. Augmented Reality (AR)
d. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
51
2. What is the proficiency level of the following digital technology in your project/
contractor firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Novice
2: Advanced Beginner
3: Competent
4: Proficient
5: Expert
Rating
1 2 3 4 5
52
3. How important is the following digital technology to your project/ contractor
firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Unimportant
2: Slightly Important
3: Moderately Important
4: Important
5: Very Important
Rating
1 2 3 4 5
53
C. Views of Practitioners on Digital Technologies in Construction Health and
Safety Management
the relevant box.
1. In your opinion, how helpful is the following digital technology in promoting

construction health and safety in your project/ contractor firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Not at all helpful
2: Slightly helpful
3: Somewhat helpful
4: Very helpful
5: Extremely helpful
Rating
1 2 3 4 5
54
2. In your opinion, how applicable is following digital technology in promoting
construction health and safety in your project/ contractor firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Very Inapplicable
2: Inapplicable
3: Neutral
4: Applicable
5: Very Applicable
Rating
1 2 3 4 5
55
D. Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies Adoption in South African
the relevant box.
1. How challenging is the following factors in promoting the adoption of digital

technology in construction health and safety in your project/ contractor firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Easy
2: Slightly challenging
3: Moderate
4: Challenging
5: Strenuous
Challenges in Promoting Digital Technologies Rating

Adoption in Construction Health and Safety
1 2 3 4 5
Management
a. Satisfaction with existing method of working
b. Lack of awareness in the use of digital
technologies
c. Lack of relevant knowledge
d. Lack of relevant training
e. Lack of sufficient competent expert in the
relevant field
f. Lack of integration from all stakeholders
g. Lack of accessibility of digital technologies
h. Complexity of digital technologies
i. Data security and privacy
j. Poor standardization in the industry
k. Expensiveness of digital technologies
l. Low return on investment (ROI)
2. In your opinion, what are the other challenges that impeding the implementation
of digital technology in your project/ contractor firms in promoting South African
construction health and safety?
56
E. Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies in South African Construction
the relevant box.
1. In your opinion, how effective is the following factors in promoting the adoption
of digital technology in construction health and safety in your project/ contractor
firm?
Scale indication:-
1: Not effective
2: Somewhat effective
3: Effective
4: Very effective
5: Extremely effective
Strategies in Promoting Digital Technologies Rating

Adoption in Construction Health and Safety
1 2 3 4 5
Management
a. Encouraging digital technologies usage by
management
b. Need of proper education on digital technologies
c. Need of proper training on digital technologies
d. Ensure easy access to digital technologies
e. More research and development (R&D) is
desired
f. Computerized frameworks for implementation
2. In your opinion, what are the potential strategies that can be adopted in promoting
the use of digital technology in South African construction health and safety
management?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT IN COMPLETING THIS

SURVEY FORM
57
We would very much appreciate if you could provide your contact details in case we need
to contact you for further information, Please rest assured that your identity will be kept
confidential and will not be disclosed.
Name :
Company :
Contact Number :
Email :
Kindly email the completed questionnaire back to:

Shaariq Joosub
Contact Number: (+60) 018 766 8699
Email: sj52@hw.ac.uk
58

The Existence & Application of Digital Technologies in Promoting Health & Safety in The South African Construction Industry

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Existence & Application of Digital Technologies in Promoting Health & Safety in The South African Construction Industry

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

THE EXISTENCE & APPLICATION OF DIGITAL

TECHNOLOGIES IN PROMOTING HEALTH &

(D30ZA) RESEARCH DISSERTATION

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Construction Project Management

The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society

Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Patrick Quek

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 5

CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 16

CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS 23

CHAPTER 5 RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION 40

Figure 4.1: Respondent’s Designation Statistics 27

I would like to acknowledge everyone who played a role in my academic

Besides, not to forget my feelings of gratitude towards my supervisor, Dr. Patrick

To my friends, I am very grateful for your kind words of encouragement and

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all of my respondents for their

High-risk equivalents to high income. Behind the increment of South Africa’s

AFS : Accident Forewarning System

Generally, the construction industry is one of the essential sectors in contributing

1.2 Problem Statement

However, digital technology in the construction industry generally is still in its

Proper identification and understanding of the actual level of implementation of

1.3 Research Aim

This dissertation of research intends to recommend the application of digital technologies

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Research Objectives

1.6 Research Scope

1.7 Significance of Research

1.8 Research Outline

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

A quantitative study is employed in this research. Secondary data is collected

Chapter 4: Research Findings and Analysis

Chapter 5: Recommendation and Conclusion

2.2 Construction Industry as a High-Risk Industry

2.3 Health and Safety Management

This hierarchy of hazard control is a pyramid system that can be utilized in

2.4.1 People Technologies

WSD refers to wearable pieces of clothing or accessories having some

Automation and robotics system allows the replacement of human workers to

2.4.2 Process Technologies

Process technologies refer to the streamlining of the construction process by assessing

Furthermore, 3D and 4D Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) in its simple term is the

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or better known as a drone is a pilotless flying

2.4.3 Environment Technologies

In construction, environmental technologies are used in ensuring health and safety

Embarking on the adoption of relevant digital technologies in construction health

2.6 General Challenges and Strategies in Implementing Digital Technologies in

Digital technologies implementation has been introduced to the South African

2.7 Summary of Chapter

Research Title Summary

i. Applying Advanced Technology to A general view of technology application

ii. Applications of Digital technologies Existing technologies in South African

3.2 Research Ethics

3.3 Research Design

3.3.1 Quantitative Research Strategy

3.3.2 Qualitative Research Strategy

Qualitative research is subjective. According to Naoum (2012), qualitative research

3.3.3 Justification for Research Strategy

The published information is utilized as secondary data in this dissertation in

3.4.1 Research Instrument

The research instrument used in this dissertation is a structured questionnaire survey. It

In this dissertation, the questionnaire created comprises five sections. In this

Table 3.1: Layout of Instrument (Questionnaire)