Building information modelling (BIM) offers considerable potential to improve safety outcomes across the project lifecycle; however, its uptake in developing countries, including Ghana, continues to face significant challenges. This study explores the application of BIM for health and safety (H&S) management in the construction industry of Ghana. Adopting a quantitative method for the study, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 208 construction professionals in Ghana using the convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed using frequencies, mean scores, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicate low overall utilisation of BIM for H&S management among the professionals. ANOVA results revealed significant differences based on profession and company size, with medium-sized firms and civil/structural engineers showing higher engagement. No significant variation was found across employment categories. These results highlight the need for targeted training and support, particularly for underrepresented professions. This study addresses a relatively underexplored area in the construction sector, particularly within the context of a developing country like Ghana. By offering empirical evidence and practical insights, it contributes to a broader understanding of how innovative technologies can be harnessed to enhance H&S management in emerging economies.
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Research Article|
September 14 2026
BIM utilisation for health and safety management in the Ghanaian construction industry
Hayford Pittri
;
Institute of Sustainable Built Environment, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society,
Heriot-Watt University
, Edinburgh, UK
Corresponding author Hayford Pittri (hayfordp09@gmail.com)
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Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee Godawatte
;
Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee Godawatte
Institute of Sustainable Built Environment, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society,
Heriot-Watt University
, Edinburgh, UK
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Evans Narh
;
Evans Narh
Computer Science Department,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
, Kumasi, Ghana
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Kofi Agyekum
Kofi Agyekum
Department of Construction Technology and Management,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
, Kumasi, Ghana
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Corresponding author Hayford Pittri (hayfordp09@gmail.com)
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Received:
September 29 2024
Accepted:
August 19 2026
Online ISSN: 2397-8759
© 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited
2026
Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Smart Infrastructure and Construction 1–13.
Article history
Received:
September 29 2024
Accepted:
August 19 2026
Citation
Pittri H, Godawatte GAGR, Narh E, Agyekum K (2026;), "BIM utilisation for health and safety management in the Ghanaian construction industry". Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Smart Infrastructure and Construction, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1680/jsmic.24.00031
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