ROLE OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES IN ENHANCING CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

The construction industry continues to face persistent safety challenges, increasing demand for technology-enabled solutions that enhance worker protection while maintaining productivity. This study examines construction professionals’ perceived benefits of wearable technologies for improving site safety and operational performance in South Africa. A quantitative survey of 156 professionals in Gauteng Province was analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis, which identified a seven-factor structure comprising proactive safety and health monitoring; worker tracking and incident investigation; digital safety integration and performance outcomes; situational awareness; hazard identification and emergency response; safety communication; and decision-support capability. These factors explained 73.745% of the total variance, indicating a coherent multidimensional perception structure. The findings suggest that wearable technologies are primarily valued as proactive safety management tools, with productivity benefits perceived as indirect outcomes of improved safety performance. As the study is perception-based, the results reflect professional evaluations rather than measured implementation impacts. The study provides context-specific insight to support informed decision-making on digital safety initiatives within the South African construction sector.