ABSTRACT
Smart technologies, including IoT sensors, wearable safety devices, drones, and AI-driven monitoring, ensure real-time hazard detection, faster responses, and predictive risk management in construction projects. However, in Tanzania, local contractors struggle to adopt them because of Tanzania's works procurement environment and related costs. This study aims to assess the barriers to adopting health and safety (H&S) smart technologies in construction projects. Complementing similar works from Kenya and South Africa, this paper focuses on the local context involving large contractors not previously been explored. Through a survey, 52 responses were obtained from Class 1 and Class 2 contractors. Descriptive statistics and the Analytic Hierarchy Process were used to analyze collected data. The top four barriers that emerged are: high cost of installation, operational complexity, workforce resistance, and maintenance costs. The paper provides actionable recommendations to address these barriers through pilot programs with supplier training for contractors, tax credits for policymakers, and tiered maintenance and local support from technology providers.
