Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Construction Science and Management (MCSM)
Department
Construction Science and Management
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Shima Clarke
Committee Member
Dr. Jason Lucas
Committee Member
Dr. Joseph Burgett
Abstract
Language barriers between English-speaking supervisors and Spanish-speaking workers create safety risks on U.S. construction jobsites. Hispanic workers face higher injury and fatality rates, with miscommunication being a major contributing factor. Existing translation tools lack the accuracy, cultural context, and jobsite relevance needed for effective safety communication.
In this study a mobile application with construction-specific safety phrases in English and Spanish was designed and field tested. The research included a literature review, phrase collection and validation with industry experts, application development and design with a computer science collaborator, and usability testing with supervisors and workers. Surveys and field trials measured navigation, clarity, cultural appropriateness, and performance under jobsite conditions.
Results show that the app improves clarity and reliability of safety instructions, reduces confusion, and increases user confidence. Statistical analysis confirmed these findings, supporting the conclusion that a construction-focused translation tool can help mitigate language barriers and improve safety communication.
Recommended Citation
Cappella, Adrian, "Digital Solutions for Bridging Language Barriers: Designing and Testing an App for Construction Spanish Safety Communication on Construction Jobsites" (2025). All Theses. 4631.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4631
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, International and Intercultural Communication Commons, Other Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons