Hazard identification is a fundamental step in safety management that has the potential to reduce the number and severity of occupational injuries on construction sites. Researchers have identified and evaluated some of the hazards, but few have extensively discussed all of them and none have classified them by sector. The goal of this paper is to fill that research gap by considering hazard identification through an organized synthesis of the existing literature. After a comprehensive literature review, 236 publications were deemed eligible for further analysis. Eighteen safety hazards were identified and then categorized into four groups based on their physiological impacts, ranked based on frequency of citation, and classified by sector. The results revealed that falls from heights, material handling, and heavy machinery were the most frequently cited hazards and the most likely to impact all sectors. Mitigation strategies were also identified, and it was determined that most hazards can be mitigated through the use of personal protective equipment, and effective training and supervision.

Modular construction has the potential to transform the construction industry, as most (80–95%) of the modules, which are considered prefabricated buildings, are manufactured off-site, which is more efficient, safe, cost-effective, sustainable, productive, and faster than traditional construction. It is not without challenges, however, as it requires detailed and comprehensive planning, high initial costs, and navigating transportation and design constraints. The goal of this study was to identify and categorize the benefits and challenges of modular construction and offer strategies for resolving the challenges. This study also provides a comprehensive review of modular construction methods, including permanent modular construction (PMC), movable modular construction (RMC), volumetric modular construction (VMC), and panelized construction, and examines the connectivity of the modules, as well as the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The results revealed that the most frequently cited benefits of modular construction were reducing construction time by up to 50%, 20% cost savings, and material waste reduction of up to 83%. The most common challenges included transportation complexity, limited design flexibility, and high initial costs. The results of this study will assist project managers, construction professionals, and company owners in evaluating modular construction by providing quantified benefits and challenges, a comparative analysis of different modular methods, and insights into effective mitigation strategies, allowing them to assess its suitability based on project timelines, budgets, design requirements, and logistical constraints.

Work-related stress is a major contributing factor to the relatively high number of deaths from suicide and other mental disorders among those who work in the construction industry. Despite the knowledge that unmanaged stress can manifest as depression and ultimately trigger thoughts of suicide or even the act itself, workers’ mental health is often neglected. This study aims to identify the risk factors that are at the root of the workers’ mental health challenges, as well as the strategies that can be initiated to overcome or at least mitigate them. To accomplish this, a systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA method, and 132 relevant publications that met the pre-defined inclusion criteria were selected for further analysis. From the data analysis, 45 risk factors were identified and classified into five categories based on the literature and the definition of stressors. The most frequently cited mental health risk factors were revealed to be gender inequality (diversity and equity category), poor working conditions (health-related category), work overload (job demand category), poor work–life balance (organizational category), and lack of social support (personal category). Thirty-two (32) intervention strategies were identified and divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary types. It was evident from the findings that combining all three types of interventions is the most effective way to improve the mental health of the construction workforce. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and regulatory agencies who develop and implement policies aimed at improving mental health and occupational safety in the construction industry.