Ghosh, A; Jha, S K and Hasan, A (2022) A scientometric review of technological applications in occupational health and safety management in the construction industry. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 38th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2022, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
Poor safety performance has remained a significant concern in the construction industry worldwide. However, increased affordability and capabilities of emerging technologies could enable proactive OHS management. The paper presents a scientometric review of 151 peer-reviewed journal articles (2000-2021) on applications of various technologies in OHS management in construction projects. It identifies past and emerging research trends; primary research themes; collaborations among individuals; institutions; and countries; research gaps and future research directions. Most research has been conducted in the United States; followed by China and Hong Kong. Research was clustered around five major themes: (1) machine learning; sensors and wearable technologies; (2) virtual reality and experimental designs; (3) hazard identification and improved decision-making; (4) BIM and digital design; and (5) ergonomics. The review found less research in developing countries and a lack of discussion on legal; cybersecurity and ethical concerns surrounding technologies such as wearable devices and video surveillance.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | occupational health and safety, wearable devices, sensors, construction workers, scientometric review |
| Index terms: | hazard identification, emerging technology, construction project, China, surveillance, wearable device, Hong Kong, journal, ergonomics, collaboration, experimental design, virtual reality, affordability, occupational health and safety, machine learning, safety performance, United States, construction worker, construction industry, decision-making, developing country |
| Subjects: | monitoring and control systems, research dissemination and communication, virtual reality, production management, Geography, artificial intelligence, practitioner, economic analysis, decision analysis, digital technology, industry analysis, innovation and technology management, financial risk, occupational health and safety management, management, development economics, research design and methodology |
| Topics: | International Construction, Risk Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Health and Safety, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Geographical Context, Cost Management, Governance |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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