CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Smart Construction Technologies Application to Improve Health and Safety in the South African Construction Industry: A Systematic Review

Ayodeji Olatunji Aiyetan, Nathaniel Ayinde Olatunde, Bavelile Myeza, Babajide Bohan

Keywords: Construction industry, health and safety, smart construction technologies, South Africa

Abstract

The South African construction industry continues to experience persistent health and safety challenges despite regulatory frameworks. This study systematically reviews the application of smart construction technologies and their potential to improve occupational health and safety outcomes within the South African construction context. A qualitative systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework was adopted. Peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and industry reports published between 2015 and 2025 were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and SA ePublication databases. A total of 113 eligible studies were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that smart construction technologies—including IoT devices, wearable sensors, BIM, drones, and automated systems—significantly enhance real-time hazard detection, worker monitoring, emergency response, and safety management. However, adoption remains limited due to high initial costs, inadequate technical skills, resistance to change, insufficient infrastructure, and weak regulatory support. The study highlights the need for targeted training programmes, supportive government policies, and strategic investment to encourage widespread adoption of smart safety technologies across the South African construction industry. The review relies solely on secondary data and reports findings for only one research objective due to space limitations. Future empirical studies are recommended to validate these findings within live construction projects.