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This study aims to examine relationships between several key technology acceptance variables that predict workers’ wearable sensing devices (WSDs) acceptance in the construction industry by using technology acceptance model, theory of planned behavior and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model. The study proposes a hybrid conceptual model to measure construction field workers’ intentions to use WSDs and their usage behaviors. The study introduces variables that are instrumental in understanding and improving WSD acceptance in construction.

The study was carried out using a structured literature review, online survey and structural equation modeling. A total of 195 field workers across the USA, with experience in using WSDs, participated in the study.

Results indicate that all three theories predict WSD acceptance with variables explaining at least 89% of the variance in actual use, with the UTAUT outperforming other models (91%). However, the differences between the predictive power of these models were not statistically significant. A hybrid conceptual model is proposed using findings from the present study.

The study contributes to knowledge and practice by highlighting key variables that influence WSD acceptance. Findings from this study should provide stakeholders with critical insights needed to successfully drive WSD acceptance in the construction industry.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the predictive strength of multiple technology acceptance theories and models within the construction worker safety technology domain. Additionally, the study proposes a hybrid conceptual model which could provide practitioners and researchers with information pertinent to enhancing WSD acceptance.

Construction is a risky industry. Therefore, organizations are seeking ways towards improving their safety performance. Among these, the integration of technology into health and safety leads to enhanced safety performance. Considering the benefits observed in using technology in safety, this study aims to explore digital technologies' use and potential benefits in construction health and safety.

An extensive bibliometrics analysis was conducted to reveal which technologies are at the forefront of others and how these technologies are used in safety operations. The study used two different databases, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, to scan the literature in a systemic way.

The systemic analysis of several studies showed that the digital technologies use in construction are still a niche theme and need more assessment. The study provided that sensors and wireless technology are of utmost importance in terms of construction safety. Moreover, the study revealed that artificial intelligence, machine learning, building information modeling (BIM), sensors and wireless technologies are trending technologies compared to unmanned aerial vehicles, serious games and the Internet of things. On the other hand, the study provided that the technologies are even more effective with integrated use like in the case of BIM and sensors or unmanned aerial vehicles. It was observed that the use of these technologies varies with respect to studies conducted in different countries. The study further revealed that the studies conducted on this topic are mostly published in some selected journals and international collaboration efforts in terms of researching the topic have been observed.

This study provides an extensive analysis of WoS and Scopus databases and an in-depth review of the use of digital technologies in construction safety. The review consists of the most recent studies showing the benefits of using such technologies and showing the usage on a systemic level from which both scientists and practitioners can benefit to devise new strategies in technology usage.