Kenneth Lawani

Existing studies demonstrate the extensive adoption of digital technologies within the global construction industry. The level of awareness and need to mitigate occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in the construction industry through technological adoption is imperative. However, there is a gap in literature regarding the review of the impact of existing use of wearable technology for mental health support and physical wellbeing among construction site workers in the Nigerian context. This study undertook a critical evaluation of extant studies regarding the impact and effectiveness of existing wearable technology for providing mental health support and if it enhances physical wellbeing amongst Nigerian construction site operatives. A robust synthesis and systematic review of the adoption of this technology in relation to mental health support and physical wellbeing from 2014 to 2024 resulted in 31 publications considered for this paper. Work-related stress, high workload, depression, anxiety, long working hours, and physical hazards were identified as the most prevalent mental health and physical wellbeing challenges faced by Nigerian construction workers. The study also found several wearable devices and sensors for mental health support, including wristbands, smart safety vests, smart helmets, smart glasses, EEG, EDA, ECG, and HRV; however, these were not specific to the Nigerian context. Challenges associated with wearable technology interventions included privacy concerns, financial costs, and concerns regarding the accuracy of the data collected. Overall, Nigerian construction workers face mental health challenges, and wearable technology has the potential to improve it.

The physical condition of motorways and trunk roads in Scotland is monitored by specialist contractors on behalf of Transport Scotland by annual condition survey to provide information about the structural, surface and safety condition of the road surface or pavements. Flexible asphalt pavement is subjected to continuous vehicular and environmental loading causing potholes that needs to be reinstated to maintain functional requirements. However, traditional pothole repair materials have sustainability concerns and can deteriorate quickly after installation. The longevity and durability of pothole repairs is important as repeat treatments incite additional costs. Innovation can enhance sustainable development and for road transport infrastructure, the challenge is to utilise innovations without affecting the performance of the product. The action research focused on an ongoing road maintenance project and evaluated if sustainable innovative materials provided durability and longevity in comparison to traditional pothole repair materials and methods. The research was based on a trial of three sustainable materials. The findings suggest that creating a durable and long-lasting repair using cut and fill method that is excavated to the depth of the sound pavement is imperative. ‘G’, with reclaimed asphalt pavement performed well in comparison with existing baseline cold mix asphalt Viafix which also provides equivalent durability. The methyl methacrylate resin-based innovative materials ‘D and P’ provided strong resistance to dishing comparable with the baseline products. ‘D’ provided repairs that bonded well with the existing pavement and resisted ravelling whilst ‘P’ resisted polishing failures. All the innovative materials provided enhanced polishing resistance in comparison to the existing baseline cold mix asphalt Sandcarpet.

The integration of laser scanning technology and Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes offers a transformative approach to managing the complexities in live construction projects. This paper aims to explore the significant impacts of incorporating laser scanning and BIM on construction projects in terms of as-built models, information management, and overall project performance utilising case study analysis of a building that was not BIM-based. The research scope is defined by the need to investigate the integration of laser scanning and BIM in live construction projects. It details the data acquisition process, challenges encountered due to site obstructions, and the methodologies employed for spatial modelling procedures. Key findings reveal that such integration can significantly enhance the accuracy of data collection and improve project outcomes. Results also identify the need for specialised equipment and skills for the effective implementation of such integrations. The research concludes by offering a practical approach to enhancing construction processes, from design to maintenance. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a detailed analysis of the practical application of laser scanning and BIM in a live construction project, offering insights into the benefits, challenges, and future directions for integrating these technologies in the construction industry.

Studies on mental health are increasingly complementing those on safety and physical health within the construction research community, with suicide numbers being an indicative measure of mental health. In the UK, deaths by suicide are approximately 470 per year, which dwarfs fatal accident numbers. The aim of this paper is to review the evidence base about suicide and construction workers. The methods consisted of two approaches: combining secondary data from UK statistical databases to create a suicide rate per 100,000 for construction occupations; and a systematic literature review to help explain the suicide rates observed. Trend analysis of suicide rates, from 2015 to 2021 shows construction occupations to be approximately three times that of the combined non-construction occupations, and steadily rising, whereas non-construction rates have remained relatively steady. Unskilled workers have the highest rate, around seven times managers and professional occupations. Potential reasons for this, found in the literature, included managers/professionals' greater propensity to shift beliefs about suicide stigmas, and skilled workers being more likely to report substance abuse;-rather than hide it, thereby increasing opportunities to discuss and resolve such issues to reduce suicide risk. However, the socioeconomic risk associated with unskilled workers means being poor is certainly not good for their mental health. The analysis presented in this paper informs industry policy and practice by uncovering a previously unknown upward trend in suicide rates among UK construction workers, along with a focused list of evidence-based factors to inform further research on why this phenomenon is occurring.

Transportation systems are somewhat incomplete without integrating non-motorised transport (NMT) facilities to ensure safety, security, convenience, productivity and reduced environmental impact from such projects. This study examined the performance of NMT infrastructure and services provided to ensure smart transport and mobility in Johannesburg, South Africa. Two projects were identified as case studies, and a total of 21 semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with residents and other road users in the vicinity of the projects to enable the acquisition of relevant information. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis supported with Atlas-ti software. Findings revealed that, although the facilities are in good condition and adequately maintained, the usage level is low. Incidents of poor safety and security were reported. Nevertheless, new value-added businesses operate along the routes and users indicated some satisfaction with their travel experience. To achieve value creation where NMTs are provided, it is crucial to ensure that the "smartness" of the cities is achieved and sustained. The practical implication of this study is the provision of invaluable information towards assisting road and NMT infrastructure stakeholders in improving the planning and delivery of sustainable transport infrastructure. Future studies will benefit from using more case study projects to strengthen these findings further and improve the generalisability.

The use of drone technology in the construction sector promises faster and more streamlined working practices. Forward-thinking contractors are investing in digitizing their operations and the use of drones with the capability of providing real-time site information is already a reality. Deploying drones for site inspections can help construction and safety managers avoid placing workers in precarious situations and the ability to quickly gather site aerial data can be invaluable. This study focuses on creating a drone flying game for inspecting a virtual construction site and identifying potential safety hazards. The single-player, user-focused game is built using the Unity game engine for WebGL which renders interactive 3D graphics to be played in modern web browsers without the use of plug-ins. The game’s aim is to give a simulated experience of piloting a drone and using it to identify potential hazards in an active simulated construction site, and educating players of the effectiveness of using drones for this task, without the real-world risk of collision, damage or injury. Preliminary findings from 47 purposive sampled participants revealed that the drone game was engaging; participants found the game intuitive to use and easy to pilot the drone; the hazards and the simulated construction environment were realistic; and the game satisfies the main aim of highlighting the benefits of using drones on a construction site. The target audience for user experience and usability testing are construction and safety managers, construction professionals and students working in the industry. The skills acquired from playing the educational drone game for virtual construction site inspection and monitoring could be successfully applied when flying a real drone on a live construction site. The significance of learning how to fly drones for site inspection during Covid-19 pandemic where workers need to be physically distanced is timely and relevant.

The challenges of improving efficiency and safety is a daunting task as workers are squeezed with an ever-dwindling resource pool and yet expected to deliver construction projects at optimum capacity. Improving efficiency and safety using telescopic cranes for the construction of Off-Site Manufacturing (OSM) timber kit homes is a viable option for the speedy delivery of new homes. An action research evaluated the maximization of the build and process efficiency and safety using a crane to erect wall panels, floors, and roofs. Data collection through direct observation assessed the labor uptime and downtime, including crane usage. A balanced score card was used by management for strategic organizational decision-making regarding the crane erection. The use of the crane reduced workplace manual handling of OSM panels, minimized the exposure of operatives to work at height risks, and eliminated alterations to scaffolds. However, the manual loading of thermal-insulated plasterboards to floor decks impacted the process efficiency and speed of installing the fixtures and increased the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. High labor downtimes were associated with the adverse weather conditions, which slowed the efficiency of the workforce during construction. The management’s inability to adequately plan the work program further hindered aspects of lifting operations and the speed and number of houses built.

This qualitative study developed task-based trust themes and a framework – ‘lack of trust’, ‘ability’ (skill, experience and competence), ‘benevolence’ and ‘company integrity’ – from interviews based on the perceptions of workers regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) practices. The phenomenological study adopted semi-structured interviews involving engaged workers until saturation. An additional 22 workers participated in validating the trust framework. Findings suggest that no worker perceived lack of trust within their organisations. Two workers perceived their own skill, knowledge and experience and that of other workers to work safely, but considered their organisation to lack genuine care and company integrity. Six workers acknowledged the presence of ability and genuine benevolence within their workplace. However, they identified lack of company integrity from their management regarding OSH practices. Fourteen workers identified ability, genuine benevolence and company integrity qualities and that their management adhere to sets of principles that they find acceptable and consistent. They also recognised their workplaces to have a strong and transparent organisational leadership and integrity. This study of workplace trust, which is part of a wider study, involves the development of a worker engagement maturity model and a prototype digital tool which would be useful for assessing existing workforce engagement towards improving construction OSH practices.