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Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry
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Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 15903

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Fidelis A. Emuze

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unit for Lean Construction and Sustainability, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
Interests: construction management; lean construction; health, safety and well-being; people; sustainability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world’s population is now over 8 billion and increasing per second. The growth pattern necessitates the use of shelter and infrastructures designed and built by people in construction (PiC). The surging demand increases the involvement of construction and engineering professionals in operations that often expose them to near-miss incidents and accidents, either onsite or in industrial workspaces. The outcome of such events in the form of injuries and fatalities attests to the notion that the conventional engineering/technological approach to ensuring health, safety, and wellbeing (HSW)—creating more warnings and safeguards—fails due to limited or inadequate analyses of the social side of hazards and risks. The workforce continues to live with high-risk work site rules, methods, practices, and technologies at project and industry levels. Today, accidents, injuries, and fatalities onsite and offsite in construction appear to defy known solutions. Engineering projects (airports, dams, power stations, oil and gas plants, and petrochemical plants) and building projects (residential and commercial buildings) are not immunized from HSW maladies. Types and levels of interactions in operations suggest that the social side of countermeasures is required to support the concept of no harm. The approach involves organizational and personal factors that see ‘safety differently’ and encourage research on the worldview of Safety I and Safety II. This construction HSW Special Issue invites topics on Safety Science, Human Factors, Workplace Culture, Industrial Safety and Health, High-Risk Technologies, Site Safety, Resilience Engineering, and Loss Control. Papers that combine high academic standards with practical applications are encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Fidelis A. Emuze
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • accident
  • construction
  • health
  • safety
  • wellbeing

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 329 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Perceptions of Construction Workers and Senior Management Towards Mental Wellness Interventions Using Q-Methodology
by Evan Stoddard, Siddharth Bhandari, Fred Sherratt, Lauren Bone and Sloan Russell
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010052 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1200
Abstract
The construction industry faces a significant crisis with rising suicide rates and mental health issues among workers. Addressing these challenges requires both systemic changes in work practices and improved access to mental wellness resources. However, there is limited research on the perceptions of [...] Read more.
The construction industry faces a significant crisis with rising suicide rates and mental health issues among workers. Addressing these challenges requires both systemic changes in work practices and improved access to mental wellness resources. However, there is limited research on the perceptions of both workers and senior management towards proposed solutions to reducing psychological distress experienced in occupational settings. Understanding these perceptions is crucial to determining the needs and acceptability of different wellness interventions. Thus, this study aimed to uncover preferences for validated wellness interventions in occupational settings by exploring the attitudes of 12 senior managers and 15 frontline workers using Q-Methodology. Findings revealed that frontline workers favored personalized wellness interventions tailored to their unique situations. Additionally, notable differences were identified between frontline workers and senior managers in their views on policies and practices aimed at reducing workload pressures and enhancing accountability and communication. The data also showed that current contracting and work practices potentially hinder the implementation of interventions perceived to be most beneficial by workers and senior managers. These results provide valuable insights for future research and offer guidance to organizations on designing, implementing, and communicating effective wellness interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)
16 pages, 1167 KiB  
Article
Workers’ Injury Risks Focusing on Body Parts in Reinforced Concrete Construction Projects
by Jiseon Lim, Jaehong Cho, Jeonghwan Kim and Sanghyeok Kang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121655 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 984
Abstract
This study addresses occupational safety in reinforced concrete construction, an area marked by high accident rates and significant worker injury risks. By focusing on activity–body part (A–BP) combinations, this research introduces a novel framework for quantifying injury risks across construction activities. Reinforced concrete [...] Read more.
This study addresses occupational safety in reinforced concrete construction, an area marked by high accident rates and significant worker injury risks. By focusing on activity–body part (A–BP) combinations, this research introduces a novel framework for quantifying injury risks across construction activities. Reinforced concrete construction tasks are categorized into ten specific activities within three major work types: rebar work, formwork, and concrete placement. These are further analyzed concerning six critical body parts frequently injured on-site: head/face, arm/shoulder, wrist/hand, torso, leg/pelvis, and foot/ankle. Using data from 2283 construction accident reports and expert surveys, the probability and severity of injuries for each A–BP element were calculated. Probability scores were derived from actual incident data, while severity scores were determined via expert evaluations, considering injury impact and the required recovery time. To ensure precision and comparability, scores were standardized across scales, enabling a final risk assessment for each A–BP. Results identified that wrist and hand injuries during rebar work activities, particularly cutting and shaping, exhibited the highest risk, underscoring the need for focused protective measures. This study contributes to construction safety management by providing detailed insights into injury risk based on activity–body part interactions, offering safety managers data-driven recommendations for tailored protective equipment, enhanced training, and preventive protocols. This research framework not only helps optimize safety interventions on conventional construction sites but also establishes a basis for future studies aimed at adapting these strategies to evolving construction methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)
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18 pages, 375 KiB  
Article
Importance of Prefabrication to Easing Construction Workers’ Experience of Mental Health Stressors
by Rasaki Kolawole Fagbenro, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Chethana Illankoon and Samuel Frimpong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(9), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21091218 - 17 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Construction is widely acknowledged for its socioeconomic contributions, although it is also always considered as a dangerous and incident-prone industry. As a new method of working, prefabrication presents better work environments and other benefits that can potentially improve the safety and mental health [...] Read more.
Construction is widely acknowledged for its socioeconomic contributions, although it is also always considered as a dangerous and incident-prone industry. As a new method of working, prefabrication presents better work environments and other benefits that can potentially improve the safety and mental health of construction workers. This study compares the extent of stressors in traditional and prefabricated construction. Eighty-four construction site and factory-based workers in Australia were surveyed. Prefabricated construction respondents reported less experience of industry-related, management/organisational, and personal stressors. Specifically, the stressors found to be weakened by prefabrication were mental fatigue, work injuries, poor working conditions, unfavourable shift rosters, work overload, and poor work–life balance. Furthermore, the degree of the experience of potential mental health improvement factors such as labour effort efficiency, reduced on-site trade overlap, increased mechanised construction, and less dependence on weather conditions, among others, was significantly higher in prefabrication than in traditional construction. The influence of prefabrication on measures of poor and positive mental health is recommended for further studies, particularly by finding its links with the different groups of construction workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)
18 pages, 814 KiB  
Article
Scaling up a Positive Safety Culture among Construction Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Ghana
by Eric Adzivor, Fidelis Emuze, Moses Ahiabu and Moses Kusedzi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070817 - 22 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2129
Abstract
The Ghanaian construction industry faces challenges in managing safety, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need more resources. This research addressed the critical need for a positive safety culture framework specifically designed for SMEs in Ghana. The study adopts the Delphi [...] Read more.
The Ghanaian construction industry faces challenges in managing safety, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need more resources. This research addressed the critical need for a positive safety culture framework specifically designed for SMEs in Ghana. The study adopts the Delphi research approach, which involves a series of questionnaire ‘rounds’ to gather and refine information and develop a collaborative safety culture framework with SME stakeholders. The study employed a mixed-methods strategy, harnessing quantitative and qualitative data to meet the research goals. The critical components of the developed framework included safety commitment, adaptability, information, awareness, culture, and performance. The research offered evidence-based recommendations for effective positive safety practices across Ghana’s SMEs by analysing the relationship between these interventions and safety outcomes. Applying the framework should reduce workplace accidents and foster a positive safety culture that aligns with international best practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)
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15 pages, 669 KiB  
Article
Psychosocial Hazards in the Northern Territory Building and Construction Industry: A Profile of Job Demands and Job Resources in a Jurisdiction and Industry with High Rates of Suicide
by Nicholas Thompson, Adam Robertson, Rebecca Loudoun, Amanda Biggs and Keith Townsend
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030334 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2893
Abstract
The work environment for building workers in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is characterised by concerningly high rates of distress and suicide at both a jurisdictional and an industry level. Work-related psychosocial hazards are known antecedents of work-related distress and suicide, and more research [...] Read more.
The work environment for building workers in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is characterised by concerningly high rates of distress and suicide at both a jurisdictional and an industry level. Work-related psychosocial hazards are known antecedents of work-related distress and suicide, and more research is required to understand how these hazards impact workers in this unique building context. This paper examines the unique work environment in the NT building industry by comparing psychosocial hazards in the NT with those in the broader Australian building and construction industry. When comparing 330 NT self-report survey responses about psychosocial hazards in the workplace to 773 broader Australian building industry responses, supervisor task conflict for NT workers was more concerning, at 10.9% higher than the broader Australian cohort. Within the NT sample, comparisons between fly-in and fly-out/drive-in and drive-out (FIFO/DIDO) workers and non-FIFO/DIDO workers were also performed to determine specific local psychosocial hazards. When comparing FIFO/DIDO workers’ responses to their NT peers, role overload and supervisor task conflict were significantly higher, and co-worker and supervisor support were lower. In FIFO/DIDO environments, praise and recognition, procedural justice, and change consultation were at concerningly lower averages than the broader NT building and construction industry. These results suggest that the NT building and construction industry, and particularly FIFO/DIDO operations, require greater resourcing, investment, and focus on workplace mental health initiatives to improve the work environment and wellbeing of this workforce and mitigate hazards that can lead to distress and the high rates of occupational suicide found in this jurisdiction and industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)
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13 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Impact of Social Identity on the Bullying of Construction Industry Apprentices
by Peter Greacen and Victoria Ross
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(21), 6980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20216980 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2947
Abstract
Background: There is a lack of literature specifically examining the workplace bullying of apprentices and trainees in traditional, male-dominated sectors such as the Australian building and construction industry. Using social identity theory (SIT), the aim of this study was to gather the attitudes, [...] Read more.
Background: There is a lack of literature specifically examining the workplace bullying of apprentices and trainees in traditional, male-dominated sectors such as the Australian building and construction industry. Using social identity theory (SIT), the aim of this study was to gather the attitudes, thoughts, and feelings of construction industry leaders to better understand how social identification (i.e., group membership) impacts bullying on targets and perpetrators and the willingness to report bullying to targets and bystanders. Method: One-on-one, semi-structured interviews using a purposive sample of eight leaders from construction and blue-collar industries. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were identified: difficulties for apprentices transitioning into industry, the need for continued improvement in industry culture, reluctance to report bullying, and rethinking apprenticeships to empower. Each theme provides insight into the psychosocial phenomenon of the bullying of trade apprentices and suggests that an apprentice’s level of social identification with work groups shapes how bullying is identified, interpreted, and prevented. Conclusion: Findings from this study will be important for tailoring evidence-based interventions, human resource policies, and initiatives for education and awareness training. Themes also highlight systemic inadequacies impacting apprentices’ mental health and skill development, with implications for the future sustainability of apprenticeship training agreements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)

Other

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26 pages, 4638 KiB  
Systematic Review
Heat Stress Prevention in Construction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors and Control Strategies
by Mehdi Torbat Esfahani, Ibukun Awolusi and Yilmaz Hatipkarasulu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121681 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2372
Abstract
In hot and humid work environments, construction workers can experience heat stress and heat-related illnesses (HRIs). While several studies have investigated engineering and administrative control methods to prevent certain heat stress risk factors, a comprehensive understanding of all existing risk factors and their [...] Read more.
In hot and humid work environments, construction workers can experience heat stress and heat-related illnesses (HRIs). While several studies have investigated engineering and administrative control methods to prevent certain heat stress risk factors, a comprehensive understanding of all existing risk factors and their corresponding control strategies is still lacking. It is crucial to identify gaps in current control strategies and develop a safety management framework for effective heat stress control by implementing existing measures. In addition, the effectiveness of the most common control strategies must be rigorously evaluated to ensure their efficacy and to guide future research aimed at enhancing these strategies or developing more effective ones. This study employed a mixed literature review methodology to address this knowledge gap. A structured literature review investigated and synthesized heat stress risk factors and control methods to find the gaps in control options to address underestimated risk factors. Furthermore, a comprehensive systematic literature review, including trend analysis, scientometric analysis, and meta-analysis, determined research foci and evaluated the effectiveness of the heat stress control methods. The scientometric analysis identified 11 clusters, encompassing key research themes such as environmental risk factors (e.g., high-temperature environments, climate change), administrative controls (e.g., work–rest schedules, climate change risk assessment), and personal interventions (e.g., cooling vests and sleep-related strategies). These findings highlight that the most commonly studied control methods are cooling vests, work–rest schedules, and cooling interventions. According to these results and the availability of quantitative results, the meta-analysis evaluated nine datasets of reductions in core body temperature by using types of cooling vests and anti-heat-stress uniforms and established the significant effectiveness of this control strategy in mitigating heat stress with a medium effect size. Moreover, five potential research studies have been identified to address gaps in control strategies for certain underestimated risk factors, including leveraging sensor technologies, conducting control training, dynamic work–rest schedules, using cutting-edge PPE, and governmental initiatives. Insights gained from this study enhance decision making for resource allocation, selection of control options, and intervention prioritization within a heat-stress-control framework based on the safety management system. The findings also highlight the effectiveness of cooling vests and areas that need to be developed, and evaluate potential heat-stress-control methods in construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in the Engineering and Construction Industry)
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