Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	17.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Safety safety	1.8	3.2	2015	27.3 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

19 pages, 772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge Sharing as a Safety Catalyst: The Dimensions of Safety Attitudes in Enhancing Sports Stadium Construction Workers’ Emergency Response

by Yuyang Hou, Chengze Mi and Qian Huang

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3754; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123754 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 338

Abstract

As the scale and complexity of sports stadium construction projects around the world continue to grow, the safety risks faced by workers are becoming increasingly severe. In particular, the emergency response capabilities of workers have become a key factor affecting construction safety when [...] Read more.

As the scale and complexity of sports stadium construction projects around the world continue to grow, the safety risks faced by workers are becoming increasingly severe. In particular, the emergency response capabilities of workers have become a key factor affecting construction safety when dealing with unexpected accidents. However, there is still a relative lack of systematic exploration of the factors affecting the emergency response capabilities of sports stadium construction workers in existing research, especially the complex impact of multidimensional safety attitudes and knowledge sharing on this ability. This study focuses on the intersection of safety management and organizational behavior, analyzing how the safety awareness, safety behavior, safety culture, and safety responsibility of stadium construction workers affect their emergency response capabilities. It further explores the mediating role of knowledge sharing in this process. Through structural equation model (SEM) analysis of survey data, this study found that although safety culture did not directly affect emergency response capabilities, it had a significant indirect effect through knowledge sharing. Safety awareness did not significantly improve emergency response capabilities through knowledge sharing. In contrast, safety behavior and safety responsibility both had a significant direct and indirect impact on workers’ emergency response capabilities. This study not only provides a new theoretical framework for improving the emergency response capabilities of construction workers, but also reveals the potential value of knowledge sharing as a safety management tool. The research results have certain guiding significance for the future safety management policy design of large and complex construction projects such as sports stadiums. It emphasizes the synergistic effect of promoting knowledge sharing and comprehensively improving safety attitudes in emergency response, which will provide a scientific basis for more efficient construction safety management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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24 pages, 2623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Recovery Exercises to Enhance Construction Workers’ Willingness for Career Continuity under the Dual-Process Theory: A Perspective from Physical Exercise

by Zimo Zhao, Zhengke Xu, Jia Zhang and Sijie Tan

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103287 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 553

Abstract

Globally, the construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage, and attracting and retaining workers has become a pressing challenge. This study examined the effect of rehabilitation exercise on construction workers’ willingness to sustain their careers through a questionnaire survey of 479 construction [...] Read more.

Globally, the construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage, and attracting and retaining workers has become a pressing challenge. This study examined the effect of rehabilitation exercise on construction workers’ willingness to sustain their careers through a questionnaire survey of 479 construction workers using a quantitative research methodology. It aims to reveal how the self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, and self-regulation of rehabilitation exercise affect construction workers’ occupational sustainability through physical and psychological recovery. The results of the study show that (1) the rehabilitation exercise self-efficacy and perceived usefulness of recovery exercise positively affect construction workers’ career sustainability intentions and (2) psychological recovery and physical recovery play parallel mediating roles in the effects of rehabilitation exercise self-efficacy, the perceived usefulness of recovery exercise, and self-regulation of recovery exercise on construction workers’ career sustainability intentions. The findings suggest that improving the physical and psychological capital of construction workers through recovery exercise can effectively enhance their career commitment and willingness to be sustainable. This study provides a reference for the design of more comprehensive and systematic rehabilitation and health management programs in the future and offers suggestions from the perspective of recovery exercise for the development of sustainable construction workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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16 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Professional Sports Event Attendance and Construction Workers’ Job Burnout: The Mediating Role of Leisure Spillover

by Yuyang Hou, Hao Jiang, Yucai Gao, Qian Huang and Lei Yang

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103251 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 711

Abstract

In recent years, with the increase in work intensity and the more complex working environment in the construction industry, the problem of job burnout among construction workers has become increasingly prominent. Job burnout not only affects workers’ physical health and work efficiency, leading [...] Read more.

In recent years, with the increase in work intensity and the more complex working environment in the construction industry, the problem of job burnout among construction workers has become increasingly prominent. Job burnout not only affects workers’ physical health and work efficiency, leading to more serious safety hazards, but also deeply affects the well-being of construction workers. This study adopts an alternative perspective to explore the impact of professional sports event attendance on construction workers’ job burnout and to analyze the mediating role of leisure spillover in this process. Through a questionnaire survey of construction workers, 641 data points were collected for empirical statistical analysis. The results of the study show that the attention of construction workers’ sports career events can effectively reduce job burnout, and that leisure spillover plays a partial mediating role in this process. This study verifies the positive role of sports career events in promoting construction workers’ mental health through empirical analysis and provides practical references for occupational health management and the mental health development of construction worker groups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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26 pages, 2118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Willingness to Pay and Its Influencing Factors for Aging-Appropriate Retrofitting of Rural Dwellings: A Case Study of 20 Villages in Wuhu, Anhui Province

by Chang Yang, Hongyang Li, Su Yang and Xuanying Lai

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3163; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103163 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 742

Abstract

Every country in the world, except for African nations, faces significant challenges due to the increasing older population, with China being particularly affected. This issue is more pronounced in rural areas compared to urban centers. To better understand consumer attitudes and willingness to [...] Read more.

Every country in the world, except for African nations, faces significant challenges due to the increasing older population, with China being particularly affected. This issue is more pronounced in rural areas compared to urban centers. To better understand consumer attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for age-friendly retrofitting and to identify industry development shortcomings, this study designed a retrofitting scenario and organized a questionnaire survey to collect WTP and its influencing factors from respondents in the Wuhu area of Anhui Province, China. This study determined the retrofit cost to be CNY 12,224.4 and found that over 80% of respondents intended to pursue age-friendly retrofitting. The analysis results indicated that respondents’ education level, perceived psychological benefits, and perceived social benefits were positively correlated with their WTP. Additionally, education level, monthly personal income, and choice of retirement area positively influenced retrofitting budgets, whereas age bracket, employment status, and perceived situational risk negatively influenced them. The study’s findings will assist consumers in making informed retrofitting decisions and support the government in formulating appropriate policies to enhance the quality of rural residential environments and improve the living standards of the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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12 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovating Built Environment Education to Achieve SDG 4: Key Drivers for Integrating Augmented Reality Technologies

by Opeoluwa Akinradewo, Mohammed Hafez, Clinton Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien, Peter Adekunle and Osamudiamen Otasowie

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8315; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198315 - 24 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1018

Abstract

Augmented Reality Technologies (ARTs) are increasingly pivotal in transforming various industries, with notable implications for the built environment sector. This article delves into the drivers of ART adoption for education and training within the built environment, focusing on its role in enhancing educational [...] Read more.

Augmented Reality Technologies (ARTs) are increasingly pivotal in transforming various industries, with notable implications for the built environment sector. This article delves into the drivers of ART adoption for education and training within the built environment, focusing on its role in enhancing educational delivery and operational efficiency. Utilising a structured survey distributed among professionals in South Africa’s built environment, this study employs descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data, identifying key trends and correlations. Our results demonstrated that ART significantly enhances task accuracy, fosters better collaboration and mitigates misinformation, thereby improving training and education outcomes. Professionals particularly highlight ART’s capacity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical site experience, underscoring its value in preparatory education and on-site training. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the integration of ART into educational curricula and professional practices not only augments learning experiences but also propels safety and quality in construction projects. Given these findings, this study strongly recommends that stakeholders in the construction and educational sectors in South Africa prioritise the adoption of ART to fully leverage its benefits for innovation and competitive advantage in the built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

14 pages, 713 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Can Safety Contribute to Working Conditions in the Construction Industry? A Conceptual Framework

by Ayodele Alejo, Clinton Aigbavboa and Douglas Aghimien

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8213; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188213 - 21 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1584

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated the critical role that safety plays in preserving favourable working conditions in the construction industry, which is necessary to accomplish goals. The aim of this research was to inform stakeholders in the construction industry in developing nations about the value [...] Read more.

Studies have demonstrated the critical role that safety plays in preserving favourable working conditions in the construction industry, which is necessary to accomplish goals. The aim of this research was to inform stakeholders in the construction industry in developing nations about the value of safety and possible strategies for influencing their opinions regarding safety protocols. The importance of safety to the construction sector, which is crucial to the advancement of the country, has also been emphasised. However, due to a lack of adequate safety understanding among stakeholders in the construction sector, the construction industry is characterised by a great deal of instability and hazard. To determine what factors affect productive working conditions in construction production, this study examined safety. We studied what is obtainable in developed countries through a literature review and then making recommendations for developing countries. A systematic review approach was used to examine 81 research articles on construction safety that were released between 2004 and 2022. There were not many articles on construction safety before 2004. The person dimension, environmental factors, safety behaviour, organisation features, technology, and safety incentives were the six construction safety categories into which the results of this study were classified from the in-depth review of the health and safety literature. Additionally, these construction safety variables were developed into a conceptualised framework. To solve different construction safety issues related to working conditions in the construction sector, this study adds to the body of knowledge by systematically classifying and defining the often-utilised safety variables. It is now imperative to bring in these dimensions to improve the safe working conditions in the construction industry, particularly in developing countries. By putting these safety factors into practice, the construction industry can reduce safety risks, lower the number of accidents and fatalities, cut expenses related to subpar safety performance, safeguard the reputation of construction companies, boost employee morale and satisfaction with their work, enhance employee retention, reduce absenteeism, and enhance sustainability goals. Furthermore, it is certain that the conceptual framework that has been suggested would be novel and well-liked in developing countries. The conceptual framework was created with this supposition in mind. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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23 pages, 702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Construction Professionals’ Skills: A Case Study of Chile

by Felipe Araya, Katherine Olivari, Luis A. Salazar, Omar Sánchez, Leonardo Sierra-Varela and Briguitte Neculman

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7588; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177588 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1676

Abstract

The construction industry faced several challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting different aspects of construction projects, such as the financial stability of companies and the mental well-being of professionals. However, there is limited knowledge about how these challenges impacted the skills required [...] Read more.

The construction industry faced several challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting different aspects of construction projects, such as the financial stability of companies and the mental well-being of professionals. However, there is limited knowledge about how these challenges impacted the skills required by professionals in construction. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze changes in skills required by construction professionals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we qualitatively analyzed interviews obtained from construction professionals in Chile who worked through the pandemic to study how skills required by construction professionals before the pandemic were impacted during, and after the pandemic. The results indicate that before the pandemic, the most valued skills were related to teamwork, decision-making, planning, and leadership. During the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, skills such as effective communication, computer skills, planning, and stress management were prominent. Regarding the post-pandemic period, interviewees emphasized that construction professionals required mainly adaptability to change, stress management, and planning skills. Our study contributes by identifying changes in the skills required by construction professionals, emphasizing a shift towards skills like digital communication, adaptability, and stress management. Additionally, our study emphasizes planning as the most relevant skill for construction professionals to deal with a highly disruptive event such as the pandemic in construction projects. The study contributed to theorizing the consequences of the pandemic faced by the construction sector in the context of skills required by construction professionals. In practicality, construction managers may use our results to develop strategies to adapt to the post-pandemic context and be prepared for future disruptive events. Ultimately, this will help make the construction industry a more resilient sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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14 pages, 1129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Occupational Safety and Health Disclosure Practices: Insights from 8 Years in Taiwan’s Construction Industry

by Chieh-Wen Chang, Tomohisa Nagata, Louise E. Anthony and Ro-Ting Lin

Safety 2024, 10(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10020046 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1524

Abstract

The construction industry has been identified as a major contributor to occupational accidents that can lead to fatalities. As a result, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of new safety and health regulations and revised guidelines in improving safety and health disclosures [...] Read more.

The construction industry has been identified as a major contributor to occupational accidents that can lead to fatalities. As a result, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of new safety and health regulations and revised guidelines in improving safety and health disclosures and performance within the construction industry. We retrieved safety and health disclosure reports from 25 Taiwanese construction companies between 2013 and 2020 using the Market Observation Post System website. We analyzed the data using the Kaplan–Meier method to assess the timing of disclosures and differences between larger (≥300 employees) and smaller (<300 employees) companies. We found that construction companies reported safety indicators more promptly than health indicators and that larger companies disclosed earlier compared to smaller ones. Only 45% of companies provide detailed reviews and preventative measures in their sustainability reports despite 64% disclosing occupational accidents. We found that from 2013 to 2020, more companies improved their occupational safety and health (OSH) reporting. This improvement coincided significantly with the adoption of international standards and Taiwan’s government regulations. In summary, the study found that larger companies were more likely to disclose OSH data compared to smaller ones. This suggests that company size and available resources could have an impact on reporting practices. While some progress was made, companies still struggle to provide detailed reports on major accidents, balancing transparency with competitiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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23 pages, 22994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bond Performance of Seamless Steel Pipe Grouting Sleeves under Large-Deformation Repeated Tension and Compression after High Temperature

by Jun Zhao, Changji Wei, Jing Chen, Bin Ma and Weiwei Xiao

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041136 - 18 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 852

Abstract

Grouting sleeves are widely used in the field of assembled construction. The present study aims to investigate the reliability of grouting sleeves under large-deformation repeated tension and compression after high temperature, considering the influences of steel bar diameter, the cooling method, and the [...] Read more.

Grouting sleeves are widely used in the field of assembled construction. The present study aims to investigate the reliability of grouting sleeves under large-deformation repeated tension and compression after high temperature, considering the influences of steel bar diameter, the cooling method, and the protective layer. Through experimentation on 28 test pieces, we analyzed the bonding performance of the test pieces at different high temperatures. The results indicate that within the temperature range of 20–800 °C, the bond performance of the test pieces declines by no more than 9.8%. However, upon reaching a temperature of 1000 °C, the bond performance of the test pieces decreases by over 33.7%, with the compressive strength of the grout material reduced to only 27.50% of that kept at 20 °C. Employing larger-diameter steel bars is advantageous for maintaining the bond performance of the test pieces. Natural cooling shows relatively good bond performance, although its influence is not significant. Furthermore, the protective layer effectively attenuates the heating rate of the test pieces, thus safeguarding their bond performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals that the decomposition of C-H and C-S-H phases is the primary cause of high-temperature degradation of the grouting material. Finally, a recommendation for the correlation coefficient (

k

) between the average bond strength and the compressive strength of the grout material is proposed, with a suggested value of

k

≤ 2.58. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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12 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating How Corporate Social Responsibility Affects Employees’ Thriving at Work: A Social Exchange Perspective

by Xue Han, Qinyi Li and Xinyi Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031095 - 27 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2375

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) helps enterprises achieve sustainable development in the current competitive environment. Premised on social exchange theory, we argue that CSR also contributes to employees’ sustainable development, which can be gauged by thriving at work. We conducted a three-wave questionnaire survey [...] Read more.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) helps enterprises achieve sustainable development in the current competitive environment. Premised on social exchange theory, we argue that CSR also contributes to employees’ sustainable development, which can be gauged by thriving at work. We conducted a three-wave questionnaire survey to examine our hypothesized model. We found that employees’ perceived CSR helps employees to build a good social exchange with their company, which in turn contributes to enhanced thriving at work. Further, for employees with higher levels of trait gratitude, CSR is more likely to facilitate their social exchange and subsequent thriving at work. Our findings enrich the nomological network of CSR and thriving, and provide insights for organizations to build a thriving and sustainable workforce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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23 pages, 10131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Construction Workers’ Safety Risk Sharing in Tunneling Projects Based on a Two-Mode Network: A Case Study of the Shangwu Tunnel

by Xi Cai, Jianling Huang and Chunyan Peng

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2689; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112689 - 25 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1476

Abstract

There is a high level of construction safety risk shared among construction workers in tunneling projects due to collaboration on the narrow and semi-enclosed construction site. However, no one has reported on this. Therefore, this paper proposes a new network model to explore [...] Read more.

There is a high level of construction safety risk shared among construction workers in tunneling projects due to collaboration on the narrow and semi-enclosed construction site. However, no one has reported on this. Therefore, this paper proposes a new network model to explore risk-sharing features among construction workers based on a two-mode network. That model represents a new personnel safety management tool to provide suitable risk mitigation for tunneling projects. First, the work breakdown structure (WBS)–risk breakdown structure (RBS) method was employed to identify construction activities, risk resources, and construction safety risk factors (CSRFs). Subsequently, the two-mode WBS–RBS matrix was further established. The construction workers’ sets were determined based on the organization breakdown structure (OBS)–WBS method and a two-mode OBS–WBS matrix was established. By applying the construction activities in the WBS tree carrying the CSRFs as the link, a two-mode OBS–RBS network was established by converting the two-mode WBS–RBS and OBS–WBS matrices. Hence, taking CSRFs allocated by several construction workers as a basis for network generation, the construction workers’ risk-sharing network was further established. Centrality analysis identified the network characteristics and determined the most important construction workers in risk network. For example, this model was employed to explore the whole network characteristics of the Shangwu Tunnel and identify the workers in key positions in the risk-sharing network. Expert interviews demonstrated the model’s rationality and practicality. The results show that each construction worker’s safety risk-sharing degree in the Shangwu tunnel differed and reached varying levels. However, the staff from the engineering management department were in the key position of the risk-sharing network. Collectively, this model can help construction workers understand their risk-sharing degree to improve their safety awareness and adjust their attitude toward safety accordingly. Moreover, this strategy provides project managers with the necessary information to more effectively allocate safety resources and to be cognizant of the safety quality of each construction worker according to the different risk-sharing degrees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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20 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety Risk Evaluation of Metro Shield Construction When Undercrossing a Bridge

by Kuang He, Jun Zhu, Hui Wang, Yanlong Huang, Hujun Li, Zishuang Dai and Jingxiao Zhang

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102540 - 8 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1253

Abstract

The government of China has planned numerous metro projects, and with more metros, undercrossing of bridges can hardly be avoided. Metro shield construction when undercrossing a bridge (MSCUB) frequently takes place in complicated natural and social contexts, which often makes the construction process [...] Read more.

The government of China has planned numerous metro projects, and with more metros, undercrossing of bridges can hardly be avoided. Metro shield construction when undercrossing a bridge (MSCUB) frequently takes place in complicated natural and social contexts, which often makes the construction process more susceptible to safety accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to look into the safety risk during MSCUB. This paper identified the safety risk factors during MSCUB by using a literature review and expert group evaluation, proposed a novel safety risk assessment model by integrating confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and fuzzy evidence reasoning (FER), and then selected a project case to test the validity of the suggested model. The study results show that (a) a safety risk factor list for MSCUB was identified, including four first-level safety risk factors and thirty-seven second-level safety risk factors; (b) the proposed safety risk assessment model can be used to measure the risk values of the overall safety risk of a worksite, the first-level safety risk factors, and the second-level safety risk factors during MSCUB; (c) environment-type safety risk factors and personnel-type safety risk factors have higher risk values during shield construction when undercrossing a bridge; (d) when compared with worker-type safety risk factors, manager-type safety risk factors are the higher risks. This study can enrich the theoretical knowledge of MSCUB safety risk assessment and provide references for safety managers for conducting scientific and effective safety management on a construction site when constructing metro shields undercrossing a bridge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce)

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