An Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of construction practitioners towards the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies as a strategy to prevent/ minimize the occurrence of fatalities, injuries and diseases in Zimbabwe's construction sector: A Case Study of Bindura University

Abstract

The construction industry's workplace safety and health is a critical issue, especially in Zimbabwe, where high injury and fatality rates continue despite safety regulations and conventional methods. This is because of the changing nature of risks and the growing complexity of operations. Despite the construction industry's substantial economic contribution, little is known about how Industry 4.0 technology might improve worker safety, especially given the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of construction workers. This study is to explore these facets at Bindura University’s Department of Physical Planning and Construction through assessing their present level of comprehension of these technologies, the willingness to use them in the workplace, and the current industry 4.0 technological practices. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to identify gaps and support safer practices in Zimbabwe's construction sector. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out and data was collected using research questionnaires. 61 research questionnaires were administered amongst the participants. The questionnaire consisted of 4 sections namely, demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) section. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and SPSS version 23. A total of 56 respondents participated in the study, with 67.9% being men and 32.1% women. There was a 91.8% participation rate against a targeted sample size of 61. Participants between the ages of 18 and 30 made up the largest group (67.9%). Knowledge scores were poor at 39.4%, and attitudes were negative at 43%. Practices were very poor, scoring only 21%. Of the respondents, 28.6% demonstrated an awareness of BIM and its potential to enhance planning and collaboration before starting a building project. Despite 67.9% believing that human labor will be entirely replaced by robots, 58.9% recognized that Industry 4.0 technologies could improve construction safety. However, 73.2% exhibited a negative overall attitude toward adopting these technologies, and 94.6% reported not using BIM in their daily work. Construction practitioners at Bindura University displayed poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding Industry 4.0 technologies. Despite acknowledging the potential benefits of these technologies for improving safety, many respondents expressed concerns about job security, lacked practical experience with them and also less showed confidence in the ability to adapt to technological changes. This illustrates how urgently focused training and awareness campaigns are needed. Through workshops and other ongoing initiatives, the government in collaboration with construction companies must help current practitioners better understand and foster a more positive attitude toward the adoption of technology in the construction industry. It must also change educational curricula to better prepare future practitioners thus meeting education 5.0 which routes for continual learning and adoption of new technologies. Legislators must also establish tax breaks or grants for construction companies using Industry 4.0 technologies.