Integration of Health and Safety (H&S) into Construction Procurement System: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to the economy of many nations; however, the industry is bedevilled by poor health and safety (H&S) records, leading to significant human and economic losses. This study systematically reviews the integration of H&S into the construction procurement system, identifying key drivers and barriers. Using a systematic literature review approach, 71 articles were analysed out of 21,407 records that were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases to uncover the drivers and barriers to H&S incorporation into the procurement system. The study discovered the ambivalent influence of procurement methods, digital technology, legislation, and project ecosystem on H&S integration. The findings reveal that traditional procurement methods, low technology adoption, inadequate legislation, and negative management actions are major barriers. Conversely, modern procurement methods, robust digital technologies, clear legislative frameworks, and positive management actions serve as drivers. The study highlights significant research gaps, including limited empirical evidence on the long-term impact of procurement methods on H&S outcomes, especially in developing countries, and proposes future research directions to enhance H&S integration in construction procurement. There is a need for the enactment and enforcement of robust legislative frameworks that mandate H&S considerations in the construction procurement system. Also, contractors need to adopt modern procurement methods and leverage digital technologies to enhance H&S.