The nature of tasks in the construction industry predisposes workers to the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Ergonomic assessment tools are designed to minimise this risk. These tools are developed to evaluate tasks based on workers’ exposure to MSD risk factors. However, most existing assessment tools are limited in the risk factors they incorporate or in the anatomical regions they assess. The discomfort survey and postural assessment (DiSPA) tool has been developed to address the collective shortcomings of existing MSD assessment tools. It comprises a discomfort survey component and a postural assessment component. DiSPA incorporates more MSD risk factors and is equipped to assess both upper and lower body parts. A psychometric test was conducted to evaluate the inter-rater reliability of DiSPA. Seventy-two construction workers from six different trades, namely, drivers, operators, carpenters, iron workers, masons, and labourers, were assessed using DiSPA. The data generated were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 29, with p < 0.01. The results of the reliability test suggest a strong relationship among the variables (rho = 0.938–1.000), indicating a high inter-rater reliability. The outcome demonstrates that the novel DiSPA tool is reliable for assessing workers' exposure to MSD risk factors.
For public procurement, the evaluation of competent contractors is one of the most effective decisions, especially for construction project delivery. Although a plethora of studies have developed contractor evaluation criteria, a limited validated measurement scale currently assesses contractor performance based on empirically structured capability dimensions. The present study aims to develop and validate the contractor performance assessment scale (CPAS). This instrument is designed to measure practitioners’ perceived importance of contractor capability dimensions which are conceptually distinct from direct capability measurement or post-award performance outcomes. A total of 109 construction professionals in Pakistan were approached to collect data. The study employs a five-phase model: item analysis and screening, two-stage exploratory factor analysis (EFA), scale validation [including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT)-based discriminant validity], and higher-order dimensional analysis. The 16 first-order factors produced by the first-stage EFA from three theoretically defined sub-pools load onto four higher-order CPAS dimensions confirmed by both EFA and CFA (comparative fit index = 0.906; root mean square error of approximation = 0.074). HTMT ratios confirm discriminant validity across all factor pairs. The CPAS offers procurement practitioners an empirically sound, importance-weighted tool to evaluate contractors in developing countries. It operates by scoring candidates across four capability dimensions during pre-award tender evaluation to support transparent and evidence-based contractor shortlisting.
Despite employing only 7% of the workforce, construction accounts for approximately 20% of workplace fatalities globally, underscoring the critical importance of safety. While integrating health and safety (H&S) into procurement processes is essential for improving outcomes, regulatory frameworks in developing economies remain underexplored. This study employs a comparative leximetric analysis to examine the extent to which H&S requirements are embedded within construction legislation in Nigeria and South Africa. Using a qualitative leximetric approach, which employed a four-dimensional framework comprising legal scope and coverage, H&S requirements, procurement integration, and enforcement mechanisms, legal provisions were systematically coded using standardised criteria. The findings reveal substantial differences in formal regulatory design. South Africa demonstrates a more coherent and integrated legal framework, whereas Nigeria exhibits a fragmented structure with limited integration of H&S into procurement processes. These results highlight critical regulatory gaps, particularly in procurement-stage requirements and enforcement provisions. This has implications for practice and policy by demonstrating that integrating H&S requirements into procurement processes can strengthen regulatory coherence, improve accountability among project stakeholders, and support more effective safety governance in the construction industry. This study provides the first systematic leximetric analysis of H&S integration in construction procurement legislation within an African context.
Achieving gender equality in the construction industry remains a persistent structural challenge, with women significantly under-represented in technical, trade, and leadership roles and concentrated largely in administrative positions. Despite decades of legislative reform and organisational initiatives, gender disparities persist, highlighting the need for systematic analysis of existing policy responses. While prior research has examined barriers to women’s participation, limited attention has been given to categorising and analysing policy instruments implemented across governance levels. This study conducts a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 53 peer-reviewed articles published between 1993 and 2023, drawn predominantly from Global North contexts. Legislative measures, organisational human resource policies, industry guidelines, and advocacy-led initiatives are systematically mapped using the Behavioural Change Wheel as an analytical framework to classify policy interventions across seven policy categories. The analysis is further extended through a stakeholder–policy responsibility matrix to clarify implementation roles across institutional actors. Findings indicate that existing interventions address capability, opportunity, and motivation determinants, yet challenges remain in implementation consistency, monitoring, and cross-stakeholder coordination. Key gaps relate to recruitment pathways, flexible work, worksite safety, and bias mitigation. By integrating theory-informed policy categorisation with stakeholder mapping, this study informs more coherent, accountable, and context-sensitive gender diversity strategies in construction.
This study maps the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven risk management and safety research in construction through a bibliometric and science-mapping review of Scopus-indexed journal articles published between 2000 and 2025. From 398 records, screening yielded 272 English-language documents and 177 final journal articles. Performance analysis used Microsoft Excel, OpenRefine, and biblioMagika, while science mapping used the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer, supported by manual verification of AI-assisted synthesis. The study integrates performance indicators, network analysis, thematic validation, and gap-oriented interpretation to extend previous bibliometric research on occupational safety and health. Results show a shift from early sensor-based monitoring towards predictive analytics, computer vision, wearable systems, digital twins, conversational AI, and autonomous inspection. Seven clusters were identified: AI safety frameworks; predictive analytics and risk modelling; real-time monitoring and machine safety; worker health monitoring; socio-technical and ethical AI; AI-based safety training and virtual environments; and autonomous inspection. The findings emphasise a transition from reactive practices to proactive, data-driven safety management. Overall, the review provides a structured framework for advancing safer, smarter, and more resilient construction operations.
