Abstract
The South African civil engineering industry (SACEI) is a critical contributor to the nation's economy through its substantial impact on GDP and employment. However, the industry faces persistent challenges related to OHS, marked by high rates of site accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Although advanced digital technologies such as GPS, RFID, and integrated sensors in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are available to improve safety, their adoption remains limited. This study aims to assess the level of adoption, impact, and challenges of implementing these sensing and warning-based technologies to enhance safety standards in civil engineering projects across South Africa. A quantitative approach was adopted for this study, utilising a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from industry stakeholders. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 153 were returned and deemed usable, representing a 43% response rate. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean item score), multivariate statistics (exploratory factor analysis), and Cronbach's alpha reliability test.
Findings revealed a low level of adoption of sensing and warning-based technologies within the South African Civil Engineering Industry, primarily owing to a strong reliance on traditional safety management practices and a limited understanding of the potential benefits of these technologies. The barriers to adoption were categorised into three main factors: Technology Adoption Concerns, Implementation Barriers, and Integration Concerns. Key barriers identified included lack of awareness and knowledge, resistance to change, security concerns, and the need for extensive technical support. Despite these barriers, the study highlights that the adoption of these technologies can significantly enhance safety and productivity by enabling early detection of safety issues, improving risk management, and allowing real-time monitoring of site activities.
To facilitate technology adoption, the study recommends fostering an organisational culture that prioritises safety, ensuring top management commitment, and encouraging the continuous improvement and integration of these technologies with other innovations like Building Information Modelling (BIM). The study also emphasises the need for strategic leadership, collaboration among stakeholders, and the establishment of clear standards and guidelines to create conditions conducive to successful technology integration. By addressing these barriers through comprehensive awareness campaigns, education and training programs, and robust
policy frameworks, the South African civil engineering industry can significantly improve its OHS performance, and align with global best practices, enhancing its competitive edge.