Ethical and safety implications of artificial intelligence-driven surveillance on construction sites in Nigeria: a case study approach

Abstract

In Nigeria today, there is a significant shift happening in the construction industry in Nigeria due to the rising use of technologies associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are designed to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety performance. Surveillance technologies that involve computer vision, smart cameras, drones, sensors, machine learning, and predictive analytics become more and more popular among construction project managers. Certain opportunities exist for the application of those technologies in order to detect threats, observe behavior, prevent accidents and make sure that the safety regulations are adhered to. However, the use of AI surveillance technologies poses many ethical and safety concerns about the protection of privacy, worker autonomy, data ownership, algorithmic bias, cyber-security, and the creation of highly monitored workplaces. The paper explores the ethical and safety issues raised by the implementation of AI-based surveillance systems at construction sites. This research will analyze the connection between technological innovation and responsible safety management from the perspective of construction professionals, employees, and organizational stakeholders. This research is based on the qualitative methodology with the use of case studies along with a literature review, which will include information on the use of artificial intelligence, construction safety management, workplace surveillance, and responsible governance of technology. It has been found that artificial intelligence-based workplace surveillance has a huge potential for improving construction safety as a result of hazards early detection, predictive risk assessment, and regulatory compliance. But at the same time, the lack of responsible ethical frameworks can harm the trust of workers, raise issues about the breach of their privacy, as well as increase problems related to transparency and accountability. The research findings highlight the need to apply a human-centered approach to the use of artificial intelligence in construction, meaning that technologies should be used to help professionals and workers in making decisions