The applicability of wearable technology to improve construction safety in Hong Kong

Abstract

The construction sector is one of the major industries in Hong Kong, which involves a lot of professionals and personnel. Yet, construction safety has always been one of the major concerns of the industry, as the number of occupational deaths and injuries remain relatively significant. Researchers and practitioners have shown interest in developing and adopting wearable technology in Hong Kong to improve construction safety because of its many benefits. Wearable devices enable functions like health monitoring, environmental sensing, fall detection and location tracking, which information is stored and monitored on a central data processing system. The adoption of wearable devices has the potential to enhance construction safety through efficient data analysis and real-time monitoring about risks on construction sites. This research explores the applicability of wearable technology to improve construction safety in Hong Kong by investigating the effectiveness of wearable technology, supportiveness of the industry and the extensiveness of its adoption. The analysis is performed in four steps. First, literature concerning the general concept of wearable technology and its implementation in the Hong Kong construction industry is explored. Second, a SWOT analysis is done to study the performances and potential of wearable technology on construction safety. Third, questionnaire surveys are distributed to construction workers, contractors, and developers to study their attitude towards the adoption of wearable technology. Lastly, recommendations are given to promote the use of wearable technology to improve construction safety in Hong Kong. Results show that the adoption of wearable devices makes health and safety monitoring more effective. Many large construction companies in Hong Kong are increasingly researching the use of wearable devices on construction sites to promote health and safety. A majority of construction workers are supportive towards the use of wearable technology on construction sites, with the significant advantages of enhanced safety at work and their ease of use. Most contractors and developers are also willing to adopt wearable devices for large-scale, riskier projects such as demolition works, excavation works and superstructural works. Nevertheless, concerns have been expressed on personal privacy and security of information collected. Resistance to the adoption of wearable devices remains for small-scale, less risky projects such as alterations and additions as well as maintenance and renovation. Concerns about construction workers’ unfamiliarity with wearable technology and a lack of expertise may also hinder the extensive use of wearable technology in the Hong Kong construction industry. Overall, wearable technology is to a large extent applicable in Hong Kong to improve construction safety. Different measures and strategies can be implemented to allow the extensive use and optimize the applicability of wearables for construction safety. Recommendations are given following the opinions of questionnaire survey respondents. They include fundings for research and development, organization of promotional activities, provision of training and education, implementation of award schemes and showing preferences during tender assessment. These recommendations are expected to overcome industry’s concerns and provide incentives to encourage the industry to make further use of wearables in improving construction safety.