EVALUATING THE ADOPTION OF SMART SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES IN NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS
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Augustine Chibueze Iherobiem(1*)
Department of Business Administration, Olabisi Onabanjo University
(*) Corresponding Author
Keywords:
Construction Safety, Smart Safety Technologies, Project Management
Abstract
This study investigates how smart safety technologies are being adopted in Nigeria's construction sector. The study used a quantitative methodology using a survey questionnaire to collect data from Nigerian construction industry professionals. The study's target group consisted of construction professionals who lived in Ogun State, Nigeria's Ijebu Ode Area. The researcher selected a sample size of 150. The exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis extraction procedures were used to analyse the data. The study came to the conclusion that the application of smart safety technology in Nigeria's construction sector has improved project completion and success while lowering accidents and injuries. Thus, the study suggested that construction companies should increase the amount of money allocated to purchase new technologies and offer frequent training programs to teach their employees how to use them in order to help overcome the fundamental barriers that prevent the adoption of smart safety technology.
Keywords: Construction Safety; Smart Safety Technologies; Project Management
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References
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2021.04.001
Babalola, A., & Harinarain, N. (2024). Policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the Nigerian construction industry: an exploratory factor analysis. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 22(1), 214-234.
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Bello, A. O., Abdulraheem, A. A., Agboola, S. A., & Afolabi, O. P. (2024). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology in Developing Countries: An Examination of Nigerian Construction Industry. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 1-31.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2024.2384375
Davis, D. F. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. Management Information Systems Research Center, MIS Quarterly Vol (13), 319-340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
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Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C., & Samsurijan, M. S. (2023). An appraisal of blockchain technology relevance in the 21st century Nigerian construction industry: perspective from the built environment professionals. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, 16(1), 142-160.
https://doi.org/10.1108/JGOSS-01-2022-0005
Ejidike, C. C., Mewomo, M. C., & Anugwo, I. C. (2022). Assessment of construction professionals' awareness of the smart building concepts in the Nigerian construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 22(5), 1491-1504. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2022-0263
Goretzko, D., Siemund, K., & Sterner, P. (2024). Evaluating model fit of measurement models in confirmatory factor analysis. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 84(1), 123-144. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131644231163813
Gorsuch, R.L., (2015). Factor Analysis. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.
Hammond, M. & Wellington, J. (2007) Research Methods. The Key Concepts. London and New York, Routledge. Available as an e-book via library catalogue.
He, Y., Wang, Z., & Xu, G. (2021). A note on the likelihood ratio test in high-dimensional exploratory factor analysis. psychometrika, 86(2), 442-463.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11336-021-09755-4
Ibrahim, K., Simpeh, F., & Adebowale, O. J. (2024). Awareness and adoption of wearable technologies for health and safety management in the Nigerian construction industry. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, 4(1), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/FEBE-11-2022-0041
Ibrahim, K., Simpeh, F., & Adebowale, O. J. (2025). Benefits and challenges of wearable safety devices in the construction sector. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 14(1), 50-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-12-2022-0266
Ilesanmi, O. O., Oke, A. E., Moyanga, D. T., & Aliu, J. (2024). Unveiling the Imperatives: Drivers for Incorporating Smart Building Technologies in the Construction Sector in Nigeria. In Industry 5.0 and Emerging Technologies: Transformation Through Technology and Innovations (pp. 199-215). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70996-8_10
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Islam, M. R., Khan, N. A., & Baikady, R. (Eds.). (2022). Principles of social research methodology. Springer Nature.
Kissi, E., Aigbavboa, C., & Kuoribo, E. (2023). Emerging technologies in the construction industry: challenges and strategies in Ghana. Construction Innovation, 23(2), 383-405. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-11-2021-0215
Lu, W., Huang, G. Q., & Li, H. (2011). Scenarios for applying RFID technology in construction project management. Automation in Construction, 20(2), 101–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2010.09.007
Mahmoud, A. S., Hamdan Ahmad, M., Mohd Yatim, Y., & Aminu Dodo, Y. (2022). Safety performance framework at construction site for self-regulation by building developers. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(9), 3394-3414. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0808
Mchunu, J. S., Anugwo, I. C., & Anugwo, J. C. (2024, August). Evaluating Impact of Smart Technologies Within Construction Site and Office Operations Among South African Contractors. In International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (pp. 585-598). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87364-5_49
Nnaji, C., Gambatese, J., Karakhan, A., & Eseonu, C. (2019). Influential safety technology adoption predictors in construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(11), 2655-2681.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2018-0381
Obasa, A. J., Akinradewo, O. F., & Olanipekun, A. O. (2024). Impact of technologies towards addressing stress-related problems among practicing quantity surveyors in Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 24(6), 623-632. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2022.2135943
Okafor, C. C., Aigbavboa, C., & Thwala, W. D. (2023). A Delphi approach to evaluating the success factors for the application of smart mobility systems in smart cities: a construction industry perspective. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(8), 1289-1298.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2021.1968567
Okanlawon, T. T., Oyewobi, L. O., & Jimoh, R. A. (2024). Assessment of barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, 4(1), 59-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/FEBE-04-2023-0017
Oke, A. E., Aliu, J., Fadamiro, P., Jamir Singh, P. S., Samsurijan, M. S., & Yahaya, M. (2024). Robotics and automation for sustainable construction: microscoping the barriers to implementation. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(3), 625-643. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-12-2022-0275
Olanrewaju, O. I., Bello, A. O., Semiu, M. A., & Mudashiru, S. A. (2024). Critical barriers to effective communication in the construction industry: evidence from Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2024.2362018
Olawumi, T. O., & Chan, D. W. (2022). Developing project evaluation models for smart sustainable practices implementation in construction projects: a comparative study between Nigeria and Hong Kong. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(3), 1522-1552. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2020-0906
Osunsanmi, T. O., Aigbavboa, C. O., Emmanuel Oke, A., & Liphadzi, M. (2020). Appraisal of stakeholders' willingness to adopt construction 4.0 technologies for construction projects. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 10(4), 547-565. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-12-2018-0159
Oyediran, A. O., Oke, A. E., Ikuabe, M. O., Aliu, J. O., Adeosun, F. E., & Aigbavboa, C. O. (2025). Exploring application areas of cyber-physical systems in the construction industry: a case of Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.2482216
Pallant, J., (2005). SPSS Survival Manual: A Step-By-Step Guide to Data Analysis Using SPSS for Windows (Version 12), 2nd Edition, Allen and Unwin, Crow’s Nest.
Polonsky, M.J. & Waller, D.S. (2019) Designing and Managing a Research Project: A Business Student’s Guide. 4th edn. London, SAGE.
Saunders, M. & Lewis, P. (2019) Doing Research in Business and Management: An Essential Guide to Planning Your Project. 2nd edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Saunders, M.N.K, Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2023) Research Methods for Business Students. 9th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Schreiber, J. B. (2021). Issues and recommendations for exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 17(5), 1004-1011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.027
Watkins, M. W. (2021). A step-by-step guide to exploratory factor analysis with SPSS. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003149347
Wilson, J. (2014) Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to Doing Your Research Project. 2nd edn. London: SAGE.
Ammad, S., Alaloul, W. S., Saad, S., & Qureshi, A. H. (2021). Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage in construction projects: A systematic review and smart PLS approach. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 12(4), 3495-3507.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2021.04.001
Babalola, A., & Harinarain, N. (2024). Policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the Nigerian construction industry: an exploratory factor analysis. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 22(1), 214-234.
https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-07-2021-0375
Bello, A. O., Abdulraheem, A. A., Agboola, S. A., & Afolabi, O. P. (2024). Factors Influencing the Adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology in Developing Countries: An Examination of Nigerian Construction Industry. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 1-31.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2024.2384375
Davis, D. F. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. Management Information Systems Research Center, MIS Quarterly Vol (13), 319-340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
Davis, F. D., Bagozzi, R. P., & Warshaw, P. R. (1989). User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models. Management Science, 35(8), 982–1003. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.35.8.982
Davis, F. D., & Granic, A. (2024). The Technology Acceptance Model 30 Years of TAM (1st ed. 2024.). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45274-2
Dubey, U. K. B., & Kothari, D. P. (2022). Research methodology: Techniques and trends. Chapman and Hall/CRC. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315167138
Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C., Aliu, J., Thwala, W. D., & Emuchay, F. E. (2022, July). Improving safety on building project sites: the role of sensor-based technology. In Construction Industry Development Board Postgraduate Research Conference (pp.23-32). Cham: Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22434-8_3
Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C., & Samsurijan, M. S. (2023). An appraisal of blockchain technology relevance in the 21st century Nigerian construction industry: perspective from the built environment professionals. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, 16(1), 142-160.
https://doi.org/10.1108/JGOSS-01-2022-0005
Ejidike, C. C., Mewomo, M. C., & Anugwo, I. C. (2022). Assessment of construction professionals' awareness of the smart building concepts in the Nigerian construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 22(5), 1491-1504. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2022-0263
Goretzko, D., Siemund, K., & Sterner, P. (2024). Evaluating model fit of measurement models in confirmatory factor analysis. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 84(1), 123-144. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131644231163813
Gorsuch, R.L., (2015). Factor Analysis. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.
Hammond, M. & Wellington, J. (2007) Research Methods. The Key Concepts. London and New York, Routledge. Available as an e-book via library catalogue.
He, Y., Wang, Z., & Xu, G. (2021). A note on the likelihood ratio test in high-dimensional exploratory factor analysis. psychometrika, 86(2), 442-463.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11336-021-09755-4
Ibrahim, K., Simpeh, F., & Adebowale, O. J. (2024). Awareness and adoption of wearable technologies for health and safety management in the Nigerian construction industry. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, 4(1), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/FEBE-11-2022-0041
Ibrahim, K., Simpeh, F., & Adebowale, O. J. (2025). Benefits and challenges of wearable safety devices in the construction sector. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 14(1), 50-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-12-2022-0266
Ilesanmi, O. O., Oke, A. E., Moyanga, D. T., & Aliu, J. (2024). Unveiling the Imperatives: Drivers for Incorporating Smart Building Technologies in the Construction Sector in Nigeria. In Industry 5.0 and Emerging Technologies: Transformation Through Technology and Innovations (pp. 199-215). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70996-8_10
International Labour Organisation. (2023). Occupational safety and health. [Online]. Available: https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/nearly-3-million-people-die-work-related-accidents-and-diseases?utm_source (Accessed: 21 May 2025).
Islam, M. R., Khan, N. A., & Baikady, R. (Eds.). (2022). Principles of social research methodology. Springer Nature.
Kissi, E., Aigbavboa, C., & Kuoribo, E. (2023). Emerging technologies in the construction industry: challenges and strategies in Ghana. Construction Innovation, 23(2), 383-405. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-11-2021-0215
Lu, W., Huang, G. Q., & Li, H. (2011). Scenarios for applying RFID technology in construction project management. Automation in Construction, 20(2), 101–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2010.09.007
Mahmoud, A. S., Hamdan Ahmad, M., Mohd Yatim, Y., & Aminu Dodo, Y. (2022). Safety performance framework at construction site for self-regulation by building developers. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(9), 3394-3414. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0808
Mchunu, J. S., Anugwo, I. C., & Anugwo, J. C. (2024, August). Evaluating Impact of Smart Technologies Within Construction Site and Office Operations Among South African Contractors. In International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (pp. 585-598). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-87364-5_49
Nnaji, C., Gambatese, J., Karakhan, A., & Eseonu, C. (2019). Influential safety technology adoption predictors in construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(11), 2655-2681.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2018-0381
Obasa, A. J., Akinradewo, O. F., & Olanipekun, A. O. (2024). Impact of technologies towards addressing stress-related problems among practicing quantity surveyors in Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 24(6), 623-632. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2022.2135943
Okafor, C. C., Aigbavboa, C., & Thwala, W. D. (2023). A Delphi approach to evaluating the success factors for the application of smart mobility systems in smart cities: a construction industry perspective. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(8), 1289-1298.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2021.1968567
Okanlawon, T. T., Oyewobi, L. O., & Jimoh, R. A. (2024). Assessment of barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria. Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, 4(1), 59-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/FEBE-04-2023-0017
Oke, A. E., Aliu, J., Fadamiro, P., Jamir Singh, P. S., Samsurijan, M. S., & Yahaya, M. (2024). Robotics and automation for sustainable construction: microscoping the barriers to implementation. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(3), 625-643. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-12-2022-0275
Olanrewaju, O. I., Bello, A. O., Semiu, M. A., & Mudashiru, S. A. (2024). Critical barriers to effective communication in the construction industry: evidence from Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2024.2362018
Olawumi, T. O., & Chan, D. W. (2022). Developing project evaluation models for smart sustainable practices implementation in construction projects: a comparative study between Nigeria and Hong Kong. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(3), 1522-1552. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2020-0906
Osunsanmi, T. O., Aigbavboa, C. O., Emmanuel Oke, A., & Liphadzi, M. (2020). Appraisal of stakeholders' willingness to adopt construction 4.0 technologies for construction projects. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 10(4), 547-565. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-12-2018-0159
Oyediran, A. O., Oke, A. E., Ikuabe, M. O., Aliu, J. O., Adeosun, F. E., & Aigbavboa, C. O. (2025). Exploring application areas of cyber-physical systems in the construction industry: a case of Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.2482216
Pallant, J., (2005). SPSS Survival Manual: A Step-By-Step Guide to Data Analysis Using SPSS for Windows (Version 12), 2nd Edition, Allen and Unwin, Crow’s Nest.
Polonsky, M.J. & Waller, D.S. (2019) Designing and Managing a Research Project: A Business Student’s Guide. 4th edn. London, SAGE.
Saunders, M. & Lewis, P. (2019) Doing Research in Business and Management: An Essential Guide to Planning Your Project. 2nd edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Saunders, M.N.K, Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2023) Research Methods for Business Students. 9th edn. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Schreiber, J. B. (2021). Issues and recommendations for exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 17(5), 1004-1011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.027
Watkins, M. W. (2021). A step-by-step guide to exploratory factor analysis with SPSS. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003149347
Wilson, J. (2014) Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to Doing Your Research Project. 2nd edn. London: SAGE.
Published
2025-11-01
How to Cite
Iherobiem, A. (2025). EVALUATING THE ADOPTION OF SMART SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES IN NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS. Journal of Management : Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), 18(3), 1541-1554. https://doi.org/10.35508/jom.v18i3.23280
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