An exploratory study into construction health and safety practices and digitalisation in South Africa

The construction sector in South Africa is hazardous, with a high incidence of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This study examines current health and safety (H&S) practices and the potential of digital technology (DT) to enhance H&S performance through focus group discussions with South African construction professionals. A qualitative study was conducted through four focus group discussions involving 40 South African construction professionals. The insights from these participants were analysed using thematic analysis. Key findings revealed the reliance on reactive responses rather than preventive measures, weak enforcement of H&S regulations, inconsistent application of standards, competency deficiencies among inspectors, organisational cultures prioritising compliance over genuine H&S, and limited resources for smaller contractors. The study suggests that DT provides tools to enhance risk assessments, predict hazards, and promote proactive H&S measures, thereby offering a promising solution to the dangers faced in the construction sector. Based on these findings, the study recommends a shift toward a preventive H&S culture, more vigorous regulatory enforcement, specialised training, and the adoption of digital technologies (DT) in the construction industry. The study also recommends a collaborative approach involving organisational management, workers, and H&S professionals to improve H&S outcomes.

Citation

Daniel, E I, Adah, C, Emuze, F, Chinyio, E, Windapo, A, Iyiola, C, Oshodi, O and Filtane, A (2025) An Exploratory Study into Construction Health and Safety Practices and Digitalisation in South Africa, In: Thomson, C and Neilson, C J (Eds) Proceedings of the 41st Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2025, Abertay University, Dundee, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 369-378

Type

Conference contribution

Description

Paper published in Thomson, C and Neilson, C J (Eds) Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) PROCEEDINGS OF THE 41st ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Dundee, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management. Available online at https://arcom.ac.uk/conf-archive-indexed.php.

ISBN

9780995546394

Collections

Faculty of Science and Engineering