Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Construction Safety: A Systematic Review of OHS Standards

The construction industry continues to face major safety challenges, with high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. Traditional safety methods are often manual, time-consuming and prone to errors, making them less effective in managing these risks. Artificial Intelligence offers powerful solutions using tools such as predictive risk assessments, real-time hazard detection and enhanced safety monitoring. However, most global and regional safety standards do not have clear guidelines for using AI resulting in regulatory, ethical and practical challenges. This study addressed this gap by systematically reviewing the existing Health and Safety legal frameworks and evaluated their readiness for AI integration into construction safety. Findings revealed disparities between developed and emerging nations, with robust regulatory frameworks in regions like the European Union and the United States, contrasted by outdated and underdeveloped standards in Africa. The study identified critical gaps in AI-specific guidelines, highlighted potential safety improvements through Artificial Intelligence applications and emphasized the need for regulatory updates to ensure ethical and effective AI-OHS implementation. The study recommendations included developing comprehensive AI-inclusive OHS guidelines, enhancing training programs and fostering international collaboration to address technological and resource disparities in emerging economies. The study contributed to advancing construction safety and aligned with global efforts to digitalize safety practices in the construction industry.