Using wearable technologies to minimise occupational illnesses among construction workers

Abstract

This study investigated how wearable technology could help construction workers contract fewer occupational illnesses. A case study research strategy was used to collect qualitative data. The qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured interview, and 30 participants were interviewed from multiple case studies. A model for using wearable technologies for minimising occupational illnesses was developed. Additionally, it was determined that wearable technology supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 9. The use of wearable technologies for construction workers to monitor their health in real time is another option to support UN Sustainable Development Goal 3. Additionally, it was inferred that the construction workers’ use of wearable technology was significantly constrained by ethical considerations. To improve the usability and functionality of wearable technology, this study suggested that user acceptance, security, ethical issues and big data challenges be addressed.