Investigating the Acceptance of an Electronic Incident Reporting System in the Construction Industry: An Application of the Technology Acceptance Model

Incident reporting has drawn the attention of safety experts in the construction industry to reduce the likelihood of future hazards by learning from previous events. A number of barriers have been identified that inhibit the effective reporting of safety incidents. Adopting an electronic incident reporting system (E-IRS) has immense potential to overcome these barriers and enhance incident reporting frequency in the construction industry. Nonetheless, the successful implementation of E-IRS requires an in-depth understanding of users' acceptance of the system and the factors influencing its usage. This research employed a cross-sectional design based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) to quantitatively examine the factors influencing the adoption of E-IRS in the construction industry of developing countries. Data were collected using an online questionnaire survey to test the 11 hypothesized relationships. A total of 128 completed responses are retrieved and the results are analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that perceived ease of use and trust are critical determinants that influence the acceptance behavior of E-IRS. Facilitating conditions and technological self-efficacy have a significant positive effect on perceived ease of use. In addition, social influence is found to have a significant impact on trust. The outcomes of this study provide a theoretical basis for all the concerned stakeholders to take effective measures to encourage the use of E-IRS in the construction industry, thereby reducing the likelihood of construction-related incidents.

Automated summary

Incident reporting in the construction industry has been the focus of safety experts to prevent future hazards. The adoption of an electronic incident reporting system (E-IRS) has the potential to enhance incident reporting frequency by overcoming barriers. This study examines the factors influencing the adoption of E-IRS in the construction industry of developing countries using the technology acceptance model (TAM). The results suggest that perceived ease of use and trust are critical determinants of E-IRS acceptance.