Effect of Construction Mechanization on the Quality of Work Life of Construction Workers in Kenya

Abstract

Mechanization has emerged as a cornerstone of modern construction, promising significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost management, and overall project quality. However, its influence on the Quality of Work Life (QWL) for construction personnel remains a subject of intense debate, especially within the context of developing economies like Kenya. This research provides a critical examination of the relationship between construction mechanization and QWL, specifically focusing on high-rise building projects in Nairobi. QWL was investigated through a multidimensional lens, encompassing four key constructs: fairness of compensation and reward systems, physical and psychological working conditions, occupational health and safety, and worker welfare and social integration. Utilizing a quantitative survey design, the study targeted 125 registered construction projects. Data were meticulously gathered from accredited site supervisors to assess mechanization levels across seven core work categories, while QWL indicators were evaluated using established Likert-scale constructs. Statistical reliability and validity tests confirmed a high degree of internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha exceeding 0.95. The correlation analysis produced complex, mixed outcomes. While mechanization was found to positively influence general working conditions (r = 0.274, p < 0.01), it demonstrated a significant negative impact on worker compensation (r = –0.219, p < 0.05) and health and safety standards (r = –0.241, p < 0.05). Furthermore, regression analysis highlighted that while mechanization in scaffolding improved QWL, mechanization during site preparation actually reduced it. Overall, the chosen mechanization variables accounted for 15% of the total variation in worker QWL. These findings emphasize mechanization’s paradoxical nature: while it acts as a catalyst for modernization, it simultaneously introduces new vulnerabilities for the workforce. To harmonize technological advancement with worker well-being, the study recommends comprehensive policy reforms, mandated technical training, equitable wage frameworks, and the implementation of more robust site safety protocols.