Abstract
This paper investigates the current level of application of e-learning approaches for safety
education and training in the Australian construction industry. The key issues discussed include the
extent of uptake, its effectiveness, possible barriers and future implications of e-learning for
construction safety training. Telephone interviews and case studies were used with regulatory
bodies, teaching institutions and trade associations to collect relevant data. An action research
methodology was adopted in which the authors trialed e-learning packages in order to draw
comments. It was found that both face-to-face and e-learning are being used as training methods
with an increasing trend towards e-learning. High initial cost and lack of IT skill are the main
barriers for e-learning development. It is concluded that e-learning is feasible and valuable for most
construction safety education and training, but further research is necessary into understanding its
effectiveness and worker acceptance as well as learning outcomes.
education and training in the Australian construction industry. The key issues discussed include the
extent of uptake, its effectiveness, possible barriers and future implications of e-learning for
construction safety training. Telephone interviews and case studies were used with regulatory
bodies, teaching institutions and trade associations to collect relevant data. An action research
methodology was adopted in which the authors trialed e-learning packages in order to draw
comments. It was found that both face-to-face and e-learning are being used as training methods
with an increasing trend towards e-learning. High initial cost and lack of IT skill are the main
barriers for e-learning development. It is concluded that e-learning is feasible and valuable for most
construction safety education and training, but further research is necessary into understanding its
effectiveness and worker acceptance as well as learning outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of CIB W099 Conference on Working Together: Planning Designing and Building a Healthy and Safe Construction Industry |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| Publisher | CIB |
| Pages | 1-9 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | CIB W099 Conference on Working Together: Planning Designing and Building a Healthy and Safe Construction Industry - Melbourne, Australia Duration: 21 Oct 2009 → 23 Oct 2009 |
Conference
| Conference | CIB W099 Conference on Working Together: Planning Designing and Building a Healthy and Safe Construction Industry |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| Period | 21/10/09 → 23/10/09 |
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Cite this
Wagener, E., & ZOU, P. (2009). E-learning for construction safety training in the Australian construction industry. In Proceedings of CIB W099 Conference on Working Together: Planning Designing and Building a Healthy and Safe Construction Industry (pp. 1-9). Australia: CIB.