Data-Driven Analysis of Construction Safety Dynamics: Regulatory Frameworks, Evolutionary Patterns, and Technological Innovations

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, consistently reporting high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. Despite advancements in safety regulations and technologies, significant risks persist due to hazardous tasks, including working at heights, operating heavy machinery, a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hosam Olimat, Zaid Alwashah, Osama Abudayyeh, Hexu Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1680
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Summary:Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries, consistently reporting high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. Despite advancements in safety regulations and technologies, significant risks persist due to hazardous tasks, including working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to harmful materials. The establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1971 marked a significant turning point in construction safety, resulting in a decline in workplace fatalities. However, evolving construction methodologies and digital transformations demand continuous research to enhance worker protection and mitigate emerging risks. This study conducts a longitudinal bibliometric analysis to examine the evolution of construction safety research from 1972 to 2025. Using a dataset of 14,174 journal publications from Scopus, the analysis identifies key research trends, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts that have shaped the field. Findings reveal a transition from basic safety regulations to AI-driven hazard detection, digital twins, and IoT-enabled safety monitoring. The study also identifies key contributors, including prominent countries. By tracing both historical and contemporary research trends, this study offers insights into knowledge gaps and provides guidance on future directions. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, supporting the development of research-informed safety strategies and the integration of emerging technologies in an increasingly complex industry.
ISSN:2075-5309