Kum, Y T; Yap, J B H; Lew, Y L and Lee, W P (2024) Transforming construction health and safety management during COVID-19 pandemic using innovative technologies: PLS-SEM approach. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 31(7), pp. 2770-2808. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. Design/methodology/approach: An extensive literature review is conducted to develop a conceptual framework. The variables identified from the literature review are included in a cross-sectional survey which gathered a total of 203 valid feedback. The variables for challenges are grouped under their relevant construct using exploratory factor analysis. Then, a hypothesized model is developed for PLS-SEM analysis using Smart PLS software. Later, the outcome of the model is further validated by nine construction experts using a semi-structured questionnaire survey. Findings: The results rationalized the relationships between the COVID-19 H&S measures, challenges in implementing COVID-19 H&S measures on construction sites and the innovative technologies in transforming construction H&S management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible challenges that obstruct the implementation of H&S measures are highlighted. The potential technologies which can significantly transform H&S management by reducing the impact of challenges are presented. Practical implications: The findings benefited the industry practitioners who are suffering disruption in construction operations due to the pneumonic plague. Originality/value: By developing a conceptual model, this study reveals the contribution of technology-based H&S management for construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains under-studied, especially in the context of the developing world.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; construction technologies; COVID-19 pandemic; health and safety management |
| Index terms: | practitioner, questionnaire, methodology, construction project, partial least square, conceptual framework, health and safety, COVID-19, exploratory factor analysis, survey, structural equation modelling, construction site, literature review, health and safety management, construction technology, implementation, construction industry, pandemic, construction operation |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, statistical analysis, production management, health safety and environment, theoretical framing, health risk and incident analysis, research methods, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, construction operations, work location, practitioner, data collection methods, digital engineering |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Site Management, Health and Safety, Project Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here