Critical drivers for the adoption of wearable sensing technologies (WSTs) for construction safety monitoring in Ghana: a fuzzy synthetic analysis

Abstract

Purpose The construction industry is one of the most hazardous working environments globally. Studies reveal that wearable sensing technologies (WSTs) have practical applications in construction occupational health and safety management. In the global south, the adoption of WSTs in construction has been slow with few studies investigating the critical drivers for its adoption. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors driving WSTs adoption in Ghana where investment in such technologies can massively enhance health and safety through effective safety monitoring. Design/methodology/approach To meet the objectives of this study, research data was drawn from 210 construction professionals. Purposive sampling technique was used to select construction professionals in Ghana and data was collected with the use of well-structured questionnaires. The study adopted the fuzzy synthetic evaluation model (FSEM) to determine the significance of the critical drivers for the adoption of WSTs. Findings According to the findings, perceived value, technical know-how, security, top management support, competitive pressure and trading partner readiness obtained a high model index of 4.154, 4.079, 3.895, 3.953, 3.971 and 3.969, respectively, as critical drivers for WSTs adoption in Ghana. Among the three broad factors, technological factors recorded the highest index of 3.971, followed by environmental factors and organizational factors with a model index of 3.938 and 3.916, respectively. Practical implications Theoretically, findings are consistent with studies conducted in developed countries, particularly with regard to the perceived value of WSTs as a key driver in its adoption in the construction industry. This study also contributes to the subject of WSTs adoption and, in the case of emerging countries. Practically, findings from the study can be useful to technology developers in planning strategies to promote WSTs in the global south. To enhance construction health and safety in Ghana, policymakers can draw from the findings to create conducive conditions for worker acceptance of WSTs. Originality/value Studies investigating the driving factors for WSTs adoption have mainly centered on developed countries. This study addresses this subject in Ghana where studies on WSTs application in the construction process are uncommon. It also uniquely explores the critical drivers for WSTs adoption using the FSEM.