Mobile Applications for Enhancing Safety Audits in Healthcare Construction Sites

Rubel Datta¹, Pankaj Kumar Sarker², Lima Shikdar³, Md. Halimuzzaman⁴, Mohammad Rezaul Karim⁵

This study demonstrates the potential of mobile applications to enhance safety audits in healthcare construction sites in Bangladesh.

Abstract

Background: Safety audits and inspections in healthcare construction are crucial to protect workers and vulnerable populations, particularly in resource-constrained countries like Bangladesh. Traditional paper-based methods are inefficient and error-prone. Mobile apps offer a promising solution by improving real-time data capture, communication, and overall safety management. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Surveys were distributed to 150 safety managers, supervisors, and construction workers involved in healthcare construction projects in Bangladesh to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile apps in improving safety audits. Additionally, 20 qualitative interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, such as project managers and IT professionals, to gain in-depth insights into their experiences with mobile technology. Results: The results indicated that 78% of respondents observed significant efficiency improvements in safety audits and inspections when using mobile apps. Furthermore, 72% reported enhanced data accuracy, while 67% cited better communication and collaboration among stakeholders. However, challenges such as resistance to change, cost concerns, and data privacy issues were identified as barriers to broader adoption. Conclusion: Mobile applications have the potential to revolutionize safety audits and inspections on healthcare construction sites in Bangladesh by improving efficiency, data accuracy, and communication. Despite the barriers to adoption, the benefits of mobile apps make them a valuable tool in enhancing safety management in construction. Training programs, cost-effective solutions, and robust data security protocols are recommended to overcome these challenges and maximize the potential of mobile technology in this sector.

Keywords: Mobile applications, Safety audits, Healthcare construction, Bangladesh, Risk management

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