Swallow, M and Zulu, S L (2025) Investigating the implementation of immersive technologies within on-site construction safety processes. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(1), pp. 323-343. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: The benefits of integrating immersive technologies (ImTs) within a construction safety context are acknowledged within the literature; however, its practical application on construction sites remains low. Whilst research into the integration of ImTs within the construction industry is underway, most have viewed this from a broader adoption context or within educational settings, and not specifically from a practical on-site safety perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to address the contributing factors to its integration within on-site safety processes, using the experiences of active construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a qualitative approach. Data was collected through online focus groups involving UK based construction professionals with experience in using ImTs, recruited using selective sampling. Data sets were subsequently analysed using inductive thematic analysis and are presented within key themes. Findings: The results showed that among the experienced construction professionals, the use of ImTs specifically for on-site safety applications (including inductions/training/workshops) was rare on projects. The findings identified various contributing factors related to the integration of ImTs, including the potential improvements in on-site safety practices such as enhanced communication of hazards, safety planning, engagement during training and more accurate risk assessment. Critical challenges, concerns and frustrations included a lack of engagement from senior level management, inadequate leadership, limited investment, a need for digital expertise, fear of complacency and the acceptance of ImTs within existing safety processes from the wider project team. Originality/value: This study provides a fresh perspective to this field by using practical accounts from active and experienced on-site construction professionals. This study supports the integration of ImTs within the construction industry, presenting key contributing factors influencing its integration within on-site safety processes. These factors can be considered by industry adopters, and includes the rationale, challenges and potential on-site benefits of ImTs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; health and safety; immersive technology; information communication technology; safety; technology adoption; virtual reality |
| Index terms: | workshop, qualitative approach, risk assessment, construction professional, virtual reality, sampling, implementation, construction industry, project team, technology adoption, focus group, health and safety, immersive technology, construction site, integration, methodology, thematic analysis, construction safety |
| Subjects: | project delivery, work location, data collection methods, virtual reality, industry analysis, environmental health, organizational analysis, methods and analysis, professional development, innovation and technology management, contractual arrangements, construction type, health safety and environment, financial risk, research methods |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Site Management, Information Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Construction Technology, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Health and Safety, Sustainability, 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