Application of digital technology in labor safety monitoring at construction sites: Current situation and solutions

Abstract

The construction industry is among the sectors with the highest rates of occupational accidents worldwide, especially in developing countries such as Vietnam. Traditional occupational safety and health (OSH) management methods have shown limitations in effectively preventing accidents. The rapid advancement of digital technologies-including Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and wearable sensors-provides new opportunities for proactive risk management. This study investigates the potential applications of digital technologies in monitoring and enhancing OSH in construction projects in Vietnam. Using a mixed-methods approach combining literature review, policy analysis, and surveys of 200 workers and engineers at five major construction sites, the paper identifies key benefits, challenges, and a proposed framework for digital OSH management. Results indicate that while awareness and implementation are still limited, digital solutions demonstrate strong potential to reduce accident risks, improve productivity, and establish a culture of proactive safety management. Recommendations are made for pilot projects, policy support, and workforce training to enable the adoption of digital OSH in Vietnam’s construction industry.