Industrialised Building System (IBS) In Construction Technology towards Ergonomics for Safety and Health

Abstract

The Malaysian construction industry has increasingly used the Industrialised Building System (IBS) as part of construction technology to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability. This research aims the effects of construction technology innovation on onshore fabrication projects in Malaysia, focusing specifically in steel framing system on advancements in ergonomics, occupational safety, and work-life balance. The research examines the use of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) encompassing mechanized production processes, automated material handling systems, and modular steel fabrication techniques. These technologies diminish reliance on physical labour, minimize repetitive motions, and restrict workers' exposure to hazardous site activities. Moreover, fabrication in regulated production settings improves quality control and operational efficiency relative to traditional on-site construction techniques. This study used a qualitative single case study methodology to investigate the effects of construction technology innovation design on ergonomics, occupational safety, and work–life balance in onshore fabrication projects in the Malaysian construction sector. This case study examines an onshore fabrication project, selected according to their technical adoption, project scale, and significance to onshore fabrication operation. Data was gathered via semi-structured interviews with project managers, engineers, safety officers, and fabrication workers, in addition to an examination of project paperwork and safety records. Interview data were utilized to get practitioners’ viewpoints on alterations in workload, safety performance, and work–life balance after the adoption of novel technology focused on labor processes, material handling techniques, equipment utilization, and workstation design to assess ergonomic conditions and safety protocols. The data gathered were analyzed thematically. Moreover, the implementation of technology-driven operational workflows enhances job scheduling, minimizes overtime demands, and optimizes labor resource management. These enhancements positively affect employees' physical health, fatigue levels, and overall job satisfaction, hence promoting a healthier work–life balance. The results demonstrate that the deliberate and systematic application of IBS technologies in Malaysia yields quantifiable enhancements in safety performance and productivity, while concurrently fostering sustainable worker behaviors. This study asserts that ongoing IBS innovation in construction technology is crucial for Malaysia’s construction sector with national modernization efforts and long-term labor welfare goals.