A holistic evaluation of success factors for advancing IoT adoption through mitigating barriers in construction site safety

The construction industry is characterized by persistently high accident rates and pervasive hazards, highlighting a critical need for innovative safety interventions. One promising solution is the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), which offers capabilities such as real-time data analysis, early hazard detection, and rigorous enforcement of safety protocols. However, despite its considerable potential, the widespread implementation of IoT technologies in construction remains limited due to significant barriers, including high financial costs, technical integration challenges, and resistance to change. While previous studies have focused on identifying barriers, they have overlooked critical success factors (CSFs) and best practices necessary for effective IoT adoption. This gap hinders widespread implementation, leaving construction sites vulnerable to preventable accidents. This study addresses this gap by identifying CSFs that simplify IoT adoption and reduce barriers, offering a unified framework for stakeholders. A four-phase methodology was employed: a systematic literature review to identify CSFs and barriers, a questionnaire survey to collect data from industry and academic professionals, and partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships between CSFs and barriers. The results reveal a moderate correlation (R² = 0.137), demonstrating that CSFs such as stakeholder collaboration, cost-effective implementation strategies, and workforce training significantly mitigate adoption barriers. For instance, integrating IoT with existing safety protocols and providing targeted training programs can enhance adoption rates. These findings enable governments and construction organizations to develop actionable strategies, such as incentivizing IoT investments, fostering public-private partnerships, and standardizing implementation guidelines. By addressing barriers and leveraging CSFs, this research provides a pathway for improved IoT adoption, ultimately enhancing construction site safety and reducing accident rates. The study's practical insights and best practices offer valuable guidance for construction companies, policymakers, and technology developers, paving the way for safer and more efficient construction environments.