Transforming construction health and safety management during COVID-19 pandemic using innovative technologies: PLS-SEM approach
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 14 February 2023
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) for financial support under Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) Project Number: FRGS/1/2022/SS02/UTAR/02/1 for the project entitled “Technology Readiness Index (TRI) for the adoption of innovative technologies in construction safety science and management in Malaysia” and UTAR Research Fund (UTARRF) Project Number: IPSR/RMC/UTARRF/2021-C1/J01. The authors express their sincere thanks to all the industry practitioners who have participated in the data collection process.
Citation
Kum, Y.T., Yap, J.B.H., Lew, Y.-L. and Lee, W.P. (2023), "Transforming construction health and safety management during COVID-19 pandemic using innovative technologies: PLS-SEM approach", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2022-0780
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited