Digital technologies in construction: A systematic mapping review of evidence for improved occupational health and safety
Catherine Trask, Henrik Linderoth
Abstract
There is accelerating development of digital Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) interventions in construction, but it is not clear whether they reduce the risk of injury and illness. This systematic mapping review summarized the state of the evidence and developed recommendations for practitioners and researchers. During a keyword search of scientific databases, 392 unique records were identified and 24 (∼6%) were included in the review. The review was conducted within an Evidence Maturity framework developed for public health interventions, which outlines criteria for intervention. Studies are characterized by innovative application of a wide variety of technologies throughout pre-construction planning, construction execution, and worker training. Targeted hazards primarily included falls, struck-by incidents, and location-based hazards. Most studies focused on technology development and provided low to no evidence of improved work conditions or reduced injury/illness among construction workers. More evidence is needed before the digital solutions are promoted for widespread use. In order to achieve this, more attention need to be paid on the conflicting logics between the evidence maturity framework and the project logic in the construction practice.