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19 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Factors in Crane-Related Occupational Accidents in the Spanish Construction Industry (2012–2021)

by Virginia Herrera-Pérez, Francisco Salguero-Caparrós, María del Carmen Pardo-Ferreira and Juan Carlos Rubio-Romero

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(22), 7080; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20227080 - 19 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1438

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the riskiest sectors worldwide, with crane operations being one of the most dangerous activities. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the key factors involved in crane-related occupational accidents in the construction industry in [...] Read more.

The construction industry is one of the riskiest sectors worldwide, with crane operations being one of the most dangerous activities. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the key factors involved in crane-related occupational accidents in the construction industry in Spain. To this end, 1314 accidents involving cranes were analyzed from a total of 241,937 accidents that occurred in the construction of buildings. The data were collected from the Spanish government’s occupational accident statistics corresponding to the years 2012–2021. The results evidenced a statistically significant relationship between cranes as the material agent and the size of the company, with 95% of cases corresponding to small- or medium-sized companies (less than 250 employees). Additionally, it shows how the crane operator is identified as a material contributor to crane accidents in the construction industry, and may be considered a key component to these accidents. In conclusion, improving the knowledge gained about the key factors in crane-related accidents at work in the construction industry provides essential information that helps to design and implement appropriate preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of unwanted events with these machines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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14 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Road Tunnel Construction Accidents in China Based on Grounded Theory and DEMATEL

by Yanqun Yang, Yu Wang, Said M. Easa and Xiaobo Yan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16677; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416677 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1968

Abstract

Despite the continuous progress of tunnel construction technology and safety management technology, road tunnel construction safety still faces many challenges in China, such as how to ensure the effective management and safety control of people and materials, how to ensure the implementation of [...] Read more.

Despite the continuous progress of tunnel construction technology and safety management technology, road tunnel construction safety still faces many challenges in China, such as how to ensure the effective management and safety control of people and materials, how to ensure the implementation of technology and program implementation, risk assessment of construction site environmental information, etc. Exploring the causes of tunnel construction accidents and understanding the properties of the factors and their interrelationships can effectively control the sources of risk and contribute to the safety control of tunnel construction. Therefore, we have collected 30 formal accident investigation reports from the government safety supervision and management department from 2005 to 2021, including detailed investigation and accident analysis. Based on grounded theory, a qualitative research method to generalize experience through direct observation, abstraction, and analysis of data, we use Nvivo11 software to analyze reports and obtain 6 selective codes, 16 spindle codes, and 43 open codes. In addition, we construct a theoretical model of tunnel construction accident influencing factors, which passed the saturation test. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model is used to analyze the influencing mechanism and interaction relationships of these factors. The two dimensions of influence degree and centrality are used to determine the critical influencing factors of tunnel construction accidents in mountainous areas. They are security awareness and professionalism. According to the cause degree, the influencing factors are divided into cause and result factors. Finally, the basis and suggestions for reducing construction accidents are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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21 pages, 6428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evacuation in Buildings Based on BIM: Taking a Fire in a University Library as an Example

by Haotian Zheng, Shuchuan Zhang, Junqi Zhu, Ziyan Zhu and Xin Fang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 16254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192316254 - 05 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

As a typical public place, a university library has a large collection of books with heavy fire load, dense population, and large flow of people. The situation of safe evacuation in case of fire is very serious. This study utilizes Revit, Pyrosim, and [...] Read more.

As a typical public place, a university library has a large collection of books with heavy fire load, dense population, and large flow of people. The situation of safe evacuation in case of fire is very serious. This study utilizes Revit, Pyrosim, and Pathfinder software to research evacuation of a university library. First, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) is constructed based on Revit software in 1:1 scale. Second, the evacuation passage with the highest utilization rate was determined through Pathfinder software. According to the “most unfavorable principle,” the location near it was assumed to be where the fire occurred. Pyrosim software was used to determine the smoke spread, visibility, CO concentration, temperature, and other conditions at each stairway exit in case of fire. Finally, the evacuation situation is compared with that after man-made route planning. The results indicate that evacuation exits 1#, 7#, 13#, 19#, and 23# have the highest utilization rate. The safe evacuation time was 739.275 s, which was shortened to 638.025 s after man-made route planning, a 13.67% increase in evacuation efficiency. Evacuation efficiency can be significantly improved by increasing broadcast guidelines, adding signs, widening staircases, and other optimization suggestions, which can provide reference for the study of evacuation effects in public places and the improvement of the layout of public facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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13 pages, 336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Construction Workers’ Unsafe Behaviors in Hoisting Operations of Prefabricated Buildings Using HAZOP

by Lianbo Zhu, Hongxin Ma, Yilei Huang, Xun Liu, Xiaojin Xu and Zhenqun Shi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215275 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1849

Abstract

Along with the increasing number of prefabricated buildings being constructed in China each year, the incident rate of hoisting operations has been continuously rising. In order to improve construction safety in hoisting operations of prefabricated buildings, this paper analyzes the construction workers’ unsafe [...] Read more.

Along with the increasing number of prefabricated buildings being constructed in China each year, the incident rate of hoisting operations has been continuously rising. In order to improve construction safety in hoisting operations of prefabricated buildings, this paper analyzes the construction workers’ unsafe behaviors using the Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) method. A questionnaire survey and a literature review were first performed to gather information on safety risks and influencing factors during each stage of hoisting operations, and the survey results were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software. Next, HAZOP was applied to identify the deviation and change of the unsafe behaviors as well as their causes, consequences, and countermeasures. Finally, a case study was presented to verify the effectiveness of the countermeasures through a comparison and evaluation method from experimental economics. This paper demonstrates the use of HAZOP to analyze construction workers’ unsafe behaviors in hoisting operations of prefabricated buildings, and effective countermeasures in each stage of hoisting operations are proposed to mitigate unsafe behaviors. This paper therefore provides an innovative method and a theoretical foundation for reducing unsafe behaviors in hoisting operations of prefabricated buildings and serves as a reference for decision-making for hoisting safety policies in prefabricated construction projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

31 pages, 4027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Institutional System Proposal for Advanced Occupational Safety and Labor Standards in the Turkish Construction Industry

by Nihan Yıldırım, Derya Gultekin, Doğan Tilkici and Dilek Ay

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215113 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1785

Abstract

The Turkish construction industry is problematic with its inferior occupational safety practices and labor standards. This paper explores the current institutional system’s problems and designs a national institutional system to improve labor conditions in the Turkish construction industry. The study applies cause-and-effect analysis, [...] Read more.

The Turkish construction industry is problematic with its inferior occupational safety practices and labor standards. This paper explores the current institutional system’s problems and designs a national institutional system to improve labor conditions in the Turkish construction industry. The study applies cause-and-effect analysis, stakeholder analysis, and information flow analysis based on the thematic literature and regulation reviews and the data collected from expert interviews. Findings revealed that the industry represents a drastically problematic context with high rates of occupational accidents, job insecurity, and excessive working time, and the inspection and enforcement system is still immature, calling for additional institutional arrangements to establish a collaborative and sustainable environment. There is a need for a holistic, multi-dimensional, and systematic perspective to develop coordination and inspection mechanisms in the sector. The paper proposes an institution and scorecard design by applying a quality function deployment framework matching needs and systemic functions that can overcome the existing deficiency in labor conditions. The paper contributes to filling the gap in the literature on the multi-dimensional, systematic institutional perspective to develop coordination and inspection mechanisms in the construction industry and proposes an institutional system example that could be adapted to other national contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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23 pages, 8803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proposal for the Integration of the Assessment and Management of Electrical Risk from Overhead Power Lines in BIM for Road Projects

by Darío Collado-Mariscal, Juan Pedro Cortés-Pérez, Alfonso Cortés-Pérez and Antonia Cuevas-Murillo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013064 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1401

Abstract

Electrical risk has a particular impact within the construction sector. This leads to the development of regulations to mitigate it, but correct application of regulations is impossible with a traditional 2D analysis. The construction sector is using technologies from the industrial sector (Construction [...] Read more.

Electrical risk has a particular impact within the construction sector. This leads to the development of regulations to mitigate it, but correct application of regulations is impossible with a traditional 2D analysis. The construction sector is using technologies from the industrial sector (Construction 4.0), with BIM as the main enabling technology. Thus, the objective of this article is the evaluation of the risk produced by Overhead Power Lines (OPL) through BIM integration. The OPL, its risk zones, the affected road, and the envelope resulting from the geometry of the necessary machines to build it were digitized, converging in a single model to perform a 4D risk analysis. The risks of the execution of the embankment and road surface of a road section passing through an OPL were analyzed by means of the collision of the envelope with its risk zones, resulting in an integration of their evaluation, to which was added the introduction of preventive measures and their re-evaluation. The parametric 3D modelling allowed a better definition of the risk zones and the BIM management minimized errors, providing traceability of decisions from the design phase, complying with health and safety regulations and applying the principle of Prevention through Design (PtD). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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18 pages, 3060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

OSH Performance within TQM Application in Construction Companies: A Qualitative Study in Saudi Arabia

by Mohammed Alghaseb and Tariq Alshmlani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912299 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2021

Abstract

OSH plays a significant role in construction project success. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the influence of total quality management (TQM) application in improving occupational safety and health (OSH) within the context of Saudi construction companies. Factors were identified [...] Read more.

OSH plays a significant role in construction project success. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the influence of total quality management (TQM) application in improving occupational safety and health (OSH) within the context of Saudi construction companies. Factors were identified from structured literature reviews of previous relevant empirical studies. Then, these factors were theoretically framed into the concept of a triple bottom line (TBL), which includes three main dimensions: social, environmental, and economic. Thus, a semistructured interview survey was used to investigate these factors to address the performance of OSH in construction companies that implement TQM. A grounded theory was used to analyze and determine these factors. Accordingly, fourteen effective factors are identified. The survey findings indicate that the most influenced factors are the control of occupational accidents/injuries, the enhancement of workforce safety, the improvement of management pledges toward OSH, and the development of work culture toward OSH. These findings are vital in exploring the influence of TQM application in Saudi construction companies for the management of improving the performance of OSH, thereby helping to reduce the level of work injuries in the construction field and boosting the safety and health of workers for construction projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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23 pages, 2347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms Analysis for Fatal Accident Types Caused by Multiple Processes in the Workplace: Based on Accident Case in South Korea

by Jeong-Hun Won, Hyeon-Ji Jeong, WonSeok Kim, Seungjun Kim, Sung-Yong Kang and Jong Moon Hwang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811430 - 11 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1702

Abstract

This study aimed to develop the accident mechanism of fatal accidents taking place in multiple processes at the workplace. Multiple processes were defined as the existence of multiple work types and work processes in the same workspace. Recently, various processes are frequently conducted [...] Read more.

This study aimed to develop the accident mechanism of fatal accidents taking place in multiple processes at the workplace. Multiple processes were defined as the existence of multiple work types and work processes in the same workspace. Recently, various processes are frequently conducted simultaneously in one workplace with the participation of several companies, and more workers are increasingly experiencing industrial accidents while working in multiple processes. To prevent accidents in the multiple processes caused by the sameness of work period and space, the accident process was investigated by analyzing the investigation reports on serious industrial accidents in South Korea, and then the accident mechanism model was developed. By utilizing the developed model, the major safety measures to be taken by the contractor for each of the 8 types of accidents caused by the multiple processes were drawn. The roles and responsibilities of the contractor to be implemented in order to prevent accident occurrence in multiple processes were proposed through the accident mechanism of each type of fatal accident. It is expected that the accidents taking place in the multiple processes can be prevented with the drawn results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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16 pages, 1818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Ralf Dethlefsen, Luisa Orlik, Martin Müller, Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos, Stefan M. Scholz, Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler and Mairi Ziaka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811294 - 08 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1558

Abstract

Occupational injuries are one of the main causes of Emergency Department visits and represent a substantial source of disability or even death. However, the published studies and reports on construction–occupational accidents in Switzerland are limited. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal [...] Read more.

Occupational injuries are one of the main causes of Emergency Department visits and represent a substantial source of disability or even death. However, the published studies and reports on construction–occupational accidents in Switzerland are limited. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology of fatal and non-fatal injuries among construction workers older than 16 years of age over a 5-year period. Data were gathered from the emergency department (ED) of Bern University Hospital. A retrospective design was chosen to allow analysis of changes in construction accidents between 2016–2020. A total of 397 patients were enrolled. Compared to studies in other countries, we also showed that the upper extremity and falling from height is the most common injured body part and mechanism of injury. Furthermore, we were able to show that the most common age group representing was 26–35 years and the second common body part injured was the head, which is a difference from studies in other countries. Wound lacerations were the most common type of injury, followed by joint distortions. By stratifying according to the season, occupational injuries among construction workers were found to be significant higher during summer and autumn. As work-related injuries among construction workers are becoming more common, prevention strategies and safety instructions must be optimized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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14 pages, 1264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Perception on Job Stress of Construction Workers

by Huakang Liang, Tianhong Liu, Wenqian Yang and Fan Xia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610169 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2011

Abstract

Construction has been regarded as one of the most stressful industries, and the COVID-19 pandemic has deteriorated this situation. This research developed and tested a model of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic perception on job stress of construction workers. Both problem-focused and emotion-focused [...] Read more.

Construction has been regarded as one of the most stressful industries, and the COVID-19 pandemic has deteriorated this situation. This research developed and tested a model of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic perception on job stress of construction workers. Both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping were considered as mediators. Empirical data were collected using a detailed questionnaire from the Chinese construction industry. The results showed that pandemic perception was significantly related to psychological and physical stress. Emotion-focused coping was mainly triggered by pandemic fear and job insecurity, while problem-focused coping was mainly triggered by organizational pandemic response. Furthermore, the effects of pandemic fear and organizational pandemic response on job stress were mediated by problem-focused coping. Finally, the theoretical and practical significance, research limitations, and future research directions of this study are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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24 pages, 10634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness Analysis for Smart Construction Safety Technology (SCST) by Test Bed Operation on Small- and Medium-Sized Construction Sites

by Yong-Seon Kim, Jae Yun Lee, Young-Geun Yoon and Tae-Keun Oh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095203 - 25 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2312

Abstract

In the global construction industry, government policies have recently focused on smart construction technologies, such as those concerning the “smartization” of construction, improvements of productivity, and automation technologies. In addition, smart construction safety technologies (SCSTs) have been developed to ensure workers’ safety, under [...] Read more.

In the global construction industry, government policies have recently focused on smart construction technologies, such as those concerning the “smartization” of construction, improvements of productivity, and automation technologies. In addition, smart construction safety technologies (SCSTs) have been developed to ensure workers’ safety, under the initiative of the private sector. In regards to overseas occupational safety, wearable technologies have been developed for various types of industries, and the integrated platform developments needed to link them have become mainstream. In South Korea, individual companies are focusing on developing basic SCSTs and platforms for integrated control, aiming to prevent accidents in the construction field. The goal of this study was to identify the pros and cons of SCSTs through test bed operation and to derive improvement directions. Therefore, a test bed embedded with SCSTs was built and operated to provide effective safety management for small- and medium-sized sites exposed to fatal accidents. From analyzing the data from the test bed, it was found that it is difficult to change the tendencies of workers’ behaviors based solely on the introduction of SCSTs. This indicates that the effects of SCSTs are insignificant without the cooperation of workers. In addition, technical problems in field application were identified for each sensor and equipment, and the necessity, problems, and effectiveness of SCSTs were analyzed. As a result, both the installation and attachment types were found to be effective; however, workers avoided wearing certain attachment types. Based on the results derived through analysis of the pros and cons of SCSTs, the directions and guidelines were suggested for future use. This result can be used for future technology development directions, and policy establishment. Additionally, for the activation of SCSTs in the field, the cooperation of workers and the interest of managers remain essential factors, and improvements to the equipment are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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17 pages, 2353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation Method for Quality Risks of Safety in Prefabricated Building Construction Using SEM–SDM Approach

by Xiaojuan Li, Chen Wang, Mukhtar A. Kassem, Hamed H. Alhajlah and Samuel Bimenyimana

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095180 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3267

Abstract

The construction of prefabricated buildings is an effective and efficient approach to improving construction processes and productivity. However, there are practical problems in this approach, such as listing, safety risk levels, and quality control. This study aims to develop a systematic approach for [...] Read more.

The construction of prefabricated buildings is an effective and efficient approach to improving construction processes and productivity. However, there are practical problems in this approach, such as listing, safety risk levels, and quality control. This study aims to develop a systematic approach for determining the key factors affecting prefabricated building projects’ quality and safety risk and assessing this risk. Based on the literature review, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 408 China-based construction organizations. Considering the factors of safety risk evaluation systems for construction, the safety risk model of prefabricated buildings is established and combined with structural equation modeling (SEM) and a system dynamic model (SDM). A detailed case study was conducted to verify the empirical findings. The results show that pre-construction, during-construction, and after-construction significantly influence the quality risk (from high to low). The final comprehensive score is 92.71, indicating that the construction safety of the residential building is generally controllable and the quality is guaranteed. Furthermore, the investment risk of such projects can be assessed using SEM and SDM. This study contributes to the literature by considering quality-risk-influencing factors in this field. Furthermore, the findings provide an understanding of implementation and quality risk control for prefabricated building projects and provide valuable information to departments in charge of improving the safety risk performance of such projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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17 pages, 384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Demographic Influences on Perceived Stressors of Construction Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Huakang Liang, Wenqian Yang, Tianhong Liu and Fan Xia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074192 - 01 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

Construction work is one of the most stressful occupations in the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this reality. This research conducted a detailed investigation on the perceived stressors of different demographic groups among construction workers. Empirical data were collected using [...] Read more.

Construction work is one of the most stressful occupations in the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this reality. This research conducted a detailed investigation on the perceived stressors of different demographic groups among construction workers. Empirical data were collected using a structured questionnaire in the Chinese construction industry. The empirical data were processed using both an independent sample t-test and an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings indicated that male workers reported greater workloads than did females. Married workers experienced more pandemic fear and job insecurity, and they were more sensitive to the poor working environment. Highly-educated workers were inclined to be more satisfied with organizational pandemic responses, and had lower job insecurity and role ambiguity, but they experienced heavier workloads. In addition, the differences in work experience and age were statistically significant with regards to job insecurity. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by giving a comprehensive understanding of demographic influences on perceived stressors among construction workers. It also provides valuable insights to identify sensitive demographic groups and promote their health and wellbeing during and after the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

19 pages, 2611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Formation Mechanism of Unsafe Construction Behavior and Testing Efficient Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Programs

by Xun Liu and Xiaobo Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2090; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042090 - 13 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Safety education and training for employees is important to ensure the safety of construction and improve the safety awareness of employees. It is difficult to meet the needs of the new situation of safety production with traditional safety education and training consequences of [...] Read more.

Safety education and training for employees is important to ensure the safety of construction and improve the safety awareness of employees. It is difficult to meet the needs of the new situation of safety production with traditional safety education and training consequences of construction enterprises. To address this deficiency, this research analyzed the formation mechanism of safety behavior of personnel at different levels in construction enterprises from the perspective of behaviorist psychology and studied their different needs for safety training, designing training programs for simple safety behavior and complex safety behavior according to the degree of difficulty of the training content. This research also developed and tested models of training frequency and training times and carried out corresponding experimental research. Through the experiments of “safety behavior by wearing a helmet” and “fire control consciousness training”, it was found that the training of consciousness of relatively complex safety behavior should follow the principles that each training should last longer and the training interval should not be too short, so as to minimize the cost of safety education and training while ensuring the quality of safety education and training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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20 pages, 3210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Types and Characteristics of Fatal Accidents Caused by Multiple Processes in a Workplace: Based on Actual Cases in South Korea

by Sung-Yong Kang, Seongi Min, Won-Seok Kim, Jeong-Hun Won, Young-Jong Kang and Seungjun Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042047 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

As the social cost of disasters increases and safety is being emphasized, policy regulations at the national level have been implemented. However, various fatal accidents are continually occurring as continued economic development and enhanced technologies have increased demand and complicated the industrial structure. [...] Read more.

As the social cost of disasters increases and safety is being emphasized, policy regulations at the national level have been implemented. However, various fatal accidents are continually occurring as continued economic development and enhanced technologies have increased demand and complicated the industrial structure. Workers in different industries, performing similar jobs, often experience different workplace hazards, which can result in similar types of accidents. Therefore, new policy regulations have been established to separate multiple processes and work in workplaces and are being implemented in several countries to minimize damage caused by new types of industrial accidents. Supervision and management appropriate for contractors or safety and health officials with legal obligations are required to play a regulatory role when these types of industrial accidents are likely to occur. This study classified accidental types and their characteristics based on actual cases, in which potential risks exist at multiple processes in a workplace. First, raw data of work-related fatalities that occurred in South Korea were reviewed and classified as fatal accidents caused by multiple processes in workplaces using the proposed method. Next, the classified actual cases were prepared as statistical data and analyzed based on the various categories. Finally, the accident type based on multiple processes, including risks and characteristics, in workplaces was proposed. As a result, this study improved the safety awareness and understanding of regulatory subjects regarding industrial accidents caused by multiple processes in workplaces and is expected to improve the effectiveness of the existing policy to prevent workplace accidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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15 pages, 2215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Validation of Fatigue and Recovery of Muscles for Manual Demolition Tasks

by Cannan Yi, Fan Tang, Kai-Way Li, Hong Hu, Huali Zuo and Caijun Zhao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020930 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1970

Abstract

Manual demolition tasks are heavy, physically demanding tasks that could cause muscle fatigue accumulation and lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Fatigue and recovery models of muscles are essential in understanding the accumulation and the reduction in muscle fatigue for forceful exertion tasks. [...] Read more.

Manual demolition tasks are heavy, physically demanding tasks that could cause muscle fatigue accumulation and lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Fatigue and recovery models of muscles are essential in understanding the accumulation and the reduction in muscle fatigue for forceful exertion tasks. This study aims to explore the onset of muscle fatigue under different work/rest arrangements during manual demolition tasks and the offset of fatigue over time after the tasks were performed. An experiment, including a muscle fatigue test and a muscle fatigue recovery test, was performed. Seventeen male adults without experience in demolition hammer operation were recruited as human participants. Two demolition hammers (large and small) were adopted. The push force was either 20 or 40 N. The posture mimicked that of a demolition task on a wall. In the muscle fatigue test, the muscle strength (MS) before and after the demolition task, maximum endurance time (MET), and the Borg category-ratio-10 (CR-10) ratings of perceived exertion after the demolition task were measured. In the muscle fatigue recovery test, MS and CR-10 at times 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 min were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to explore the influence of push force and the weight of the tool on MS, MET, and CR-10. Both muscle fatigue models and muscle fatigue recovery models were established and validated. The results showed that push force affected MET significantly (p < 0.05). The weight of the tool was significant (p < 0.05) only on the CR-10 rating after the first pull. During the muscle fatigue recovery test, the MS increase and the CR-10 decrease were both significant (p < 0.05) after one or more breaks. Models of MET and MS prediction were established to assess muscle fatigue recovery, respectively. The absolute (AD) and relative (RD) deviations of the MET model were 1.83 (±1.94) min and 34.80 (±31.48)%, respectively. The AD and RD of the MS model were 1.39 (±0.81) N and 1.9 (±1.2)%, respectively. These models are capable of predicting the progress and recovery of muscle fatigue, respectively, and may be adopted in work/rest arrangements for novice workers performing demolition tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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24 pages, 4793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suggestion of Safety Certification Standards and Performance Evaluation Methods for Fabricated Mobile Scaffold in South Korea

by Heesoo Kim, Jeonghyeon Lim, Jeong-Hun Won, Jun-Hyuk Kwon and Seungjun Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010133 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4585

Abstract

At construction sites, various types of temporary equipment and structures are used for safety and work efficiency. However, various temporary equipment-related accidents frequently occur for many reasons, including inappropriate installation, usage, and material and structural imperfections. A mobile scaffold is one of the [...] Read more.

At construction sites, various types of temporary equipment and structures are used for safety and work efficiency. However, various temporary equipment-related accidents frequently occur for many reasons, including inappropriate installation, usage, and material and structural imperfections. A mobile scaffold is one of the most commonly used indoor temporary equipment for work in high places. In general, the main structural members of the mobile scaffold, such as the mainframes, horizontal members, braces, caster wheels, outriggers, and handrails, are installed on the construction site for this purpose. This means that the load-carrying capacity of the equipment can vary depending on the assembly details. In Korea, there are safety certification standards applied for frequently used temporary equipment, such as scaffolds and shoring. However, the standards concern the strength criteria for the member itself, rather than the global load-carrying capacity. Therefore, it is difficult to review whether the fabricated mobile scaffold has sufficient load-carrying capacity, or to confirm the structural safety considering the various uncertainties affecting the structural performance. In this study, rational safety certification standards and evaluation methods are suggested for fabricated mobile scaffolds. The suggested safety certification standards present structure-level criteria for checking the load-carrying capacity, horizontal stiffness of the structure, and overturning risk. It is expected that the structural performance for safety can be directly checked based on the suggested safety certification standards and performance evaluation methods during the safety certification stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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13 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Work Organization Factors Associated with Health and Work Outcomes among Apprentice Construction Workers: Comparison between the Residential and Commercial Sectors

by Ann Marie Dale, Diane S. Rohlman, Lisa Hayibor and Bradley A. Evanoff

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18178899 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1819

Abstract

There are substantial differences in work organization between residential and commercial construction sectors. This paper examined differences in work factors between construction sectors and examined the association between sector and health behaviors, health outcomes, and work outcomes. We surveyed 929 male construction apprentices [...] Read more.

There are substantial differences in work organization between residential and commercial construction sectors. This paper examined differences in work factors between construction sectors and examined the association between sector and health behaviors, health outcomes, and work outcomes. We surveyed 929 male construction apprentices (44% residential and 56% commercial) and found that residential apprentices reported fewer workplace safety policies, higher frequency of heavy lifting, and greater likelihood of reporting musculoskeletal pain compared to apprentices in commercial work. Residential apprentices reported higher job strain, lower supervisor support, more lost workdays due to pain or injury, and lower productivity related to health than commercial apprentices. Multivariate Poisson regression models controlling for multiple work factors showed that residential construction work, high job strain, heavy lifting, low coworker support, and low supervisor support were each independently associated with one or more work or health outcomes. These findings suggest that interventions should seek to improve coworker and supervisory supportive behaviors, decrease job strain, and reduce organizational stressors, such as mandatory overtime work. Our study shows disparities in health and safety between construction sectors and highlights the need for interventions tailored to the residential sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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25 pages, 5273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Suggestion of an Improved Evaluation Method of Construction Companies’ Industrial Accident Prevention Activities in South Korea

by Sung-Yong Kang, Seongi Min, Deokhee Won, Young-Jong Kang and Seungjun Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168442 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2862

Abstract

Workers in the construction industry are constantly exposed to dangers during work that can lead to death or disability. Despite recent advances in construction technology, the presence of these risks for workers has become an unresolved social problem. In particular, most companies often [...] Read more.

Workers in the construction industry are constantly exposed to dangers during work that can lead to death or disability. Despite recent advances in construction technology, the presence of these risks for workers has become an unresolved social problem. In particular, most companies often recognize that it is necessary to mitigate against risks posed to worker only after an accident has occurred. Recently, there has been an increasing demand for the development of new safety technologies and policy proposals to ensure the safety of workers during construction or work. However, the right solution is not coping after an accident but preventing it, and this must be accompanied by voluntary efforts by the company. To work toward such solutions, Korea is implementing an evaluation of construction companies’ industrial accident prevention activities without legal regulations or coercion to encourage voluntary accident prevention activities by companies. The purpose of this study is to propose an effective improvement direction for the system implemented by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. First, by analyzing the details of the system and the data of the evaluation results, the system’s effectiveness and rationality are reviewed, and steps for improvement are determined. Next, an evaluation model is proposed considering the size of the company to be evaluated and the level of safety and health, and its validity is verified through a survey of construction workers. Finally, a plan to induce the voluntary participation of construction companies in this system and the role of the supervisory authority are presented. This study is expected to serve as an important example of an effective safety policy model by encouraging companies’ voluntary efforts to prevent accidents in the construction industry and raise the level of potential safety and health awareness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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27 pages, 12188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of the Level of Preventive Action Method by Observation of the Characteristic Value for the Assessment of Occupational Risks on Construction Sites

by Antonio José Carpio de los Pinos, María de las Nieves González García, José Antonio Soriano and Benito Yáñez Araque

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168387 - 08 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1982

Abstract

The special circumstances of the high accident rate in the construction industry compared to other sectors are significant and represent a major concern for many countries. Construction work involves a large number of risks that cause or may cause accidents with serious consequences [...] Read more.

The special circumstances of the high accident rate in the construction industry compared to other sectors are significant and represent a major concern for many countries. Construction work involves a large number of risks that cause or may cause accidents with serious consequences for the worker’s health, even death. The Level of Preventive Action is a novel methodology of occupational risk assessment adapted to building works. It is based on the development of the mathematical formulation of William T. Fine’s method. Its implementation covers four of the techniques for combating risk: Safety at Work, Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomics and Psychosociology. It evaluates, quantitatively, the amount of preventive action required based on the characteristic complexity of the work units, their location and their interdependence. The method protocol defines a new observation parameter called Characteristic Value which is inherent to the real situation of the construction process. The aim of this study is to develop the characterisation of the Characteristic Value in the Level of Preventive Action method. It also justifies the procedure to obtain this Characteristic Value and how its implementation and result should be interpreted. Finally, the methodology is applied on a real case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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29 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Key Risk Factors of Mega Infrastructure Projects from an Extended Sustainable Development Perspective

by Yuanli Li, Pengcheng Xiang, Kairui You, Jin Guo, Zhaowen Liu and Hong Ren

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7515; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147515 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3611

Abstract

Mega infrastructure projects (MIPs) have become increasingly important to the realization of sustainable development in China. Sustainable development is a process of dynamic balance, and coordinating the triple bottom line (the environmental, social, and economic dimensions) will enable more sustainable development of MIPs. [...] Read more.

Mega infrastructure projects (MIPs) have become increasingly important to the realization of sustainable development in China. Sustainable development is a process of dynamic balance, and coordinating the triple bottom line (the environmental, social, and economic dimensions) will enable more sustainable development of MIPs. However, previous studies have lacked consideration of coordination when applying sustainable development principles to the systematic identification of risks to MIPs. The goals of this study were to clarify the definition and dimensions of the sustainable development of MIPs and to identify the key risks of MIPs. A literature review was performed to extend the definition of sustainable development of MIPs by combining the triple bottom line with a fourth coordination dimension. A conceptual model of MIP risk identification was then proposed from an extended sustainable development perspective, 22 sustainability elements and 75 risk factors were identified, and the key risk factors were determined based on the interview responses and fuzzy set theory. The results show that economic risks have a high probability, social risks have a high loss, environmental risks have an intermediate probability and loss, and coordination risks have the greatest impact. In addition, the three most important key risk factors were found to be construction and installation cost overruns, land acquisition and resettling cost overruns, and information sharing with the public. Identifying key risk factors can provide information to help stakeholders understand the risk factors associated with MIPs and formulate reasonable risk response strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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20 pages, 3441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Re-Thinking the Mediating Role of Emotional Valence and Arousal between Personal Factors and Occupational Safety Attention Levels

by Jiaming Wang and Pin-Chao Liao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115511 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Emotions strongly affect occupational safety attention and public health; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated the mediation mechanisms of emotional valence and arousal on safety attention using real time data. In all, 70 Chinese workers performed 8400 trials of hazard recognition [...] Read more.

Emotions strongly affect occupational safety attention and public health; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated the mediation mechanisms of emotional valence and arousal on safety attention using real time data. In all, 70 Chinese workers performed 8400 trials of hazard recognition tasks according to a pre-designed experiment. Their emotional and safety attention levels were recorded based on their facial expressions and eye movements, and the mediating mechanics of emotional valence and arousal were examined through a hierarchical regression. The study results show that: (1) emotional valence and arousal significantly and positively affect safety attention; (2) risk tolerance and personality significantly affect emotional valence and arousal but do not significantly affect safety attention; and (3) emotional valence and arousal significantly mediate safety attention levels and personal factors. From a theoretical viewpoint, this study corroborates the mediating role of emotion on occupational safety attention and personal factors by highlighting valence and arousal. Practically, managers can develop more specific training methods tailored to the results that pertain to workers’ higher emotional resilience for better occupational safety performance and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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24 pages, 1547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Catastrophic Occupational Incidents among Electrical Contractors, 2007–2013

by Pouya Gholizadeh, Ikechukwu S. Onuchukwu and Behzad Esmaeili

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105126 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2832

Abstract

This study used methodologies of descriptive and quantitative statistics to identify the contributing factors most affecting occupational accident outcomes among electrical contracting enterprises, given an accident occurred. Accident reports were collected from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s fatality and catastrophe database. To [...] Read more.

This study used methodologies of descriptive and quantitative statistics to identify the contributing factors most affecting occupational accident outcomes among electrical contracting enterprises, given an accident occurred. Accident reports were collected from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s fatality and catastrophe database. To ensure the reliability of the data, the team manually codified more than 600 incidents through a comprehensive content analysis using injury-classification standards. Inclusive of both fatal and non-fatal injuries, the results showed that most accidents happened in nonresidential buildings, new construction, and small projects (i.e., $50,000 or less). The main source of injuries manifested in parts and materials (46%), followed by tools, instruments, and equipment (19%), and structure and surfaces (16%). The most frequent types of injuries were fractures (31%), electrocutions (27%), and electrical burns (14%); the main injured body parts were upper extremities (25%), head (23%), and body system (18%). Among non-fatal cases, falls (37%), exposure to electricity (36%), and contact with objects (19%) caused most injuries; among fatal cases, exposure to electricity was the leading cause of death (50%), followed by falls (28%) and contact with objects (19%). The analysis also investigated the impact of several accident factors on the degree of injuries and found significant effects from such factors such as project type, source of injury, cause of injury, injured part of body, nature of injury, and eventtype. In other words, the statistical probability of a fatal accident—given an accident occurrence—changes significantly based on the degree of these factors. The results of this study, as depicted in the proposed decision tree model, revealed that the most important factor for predicting the nature of injury (electrical or non-electrical) is: whether the source of injury is parts and materials; followed by whether the source of injury is tools, instruments, and equipment. In other words, in predicting (with a 94.31% accuracy) the nature of injury as electrical or non-electrical, whether the source of injury is parts and materials and whether the source of injury is tools, instruments, and equipment are very important. Seven decision rules were derived from the proposed decision tree model. Beyond these outcomes, the described methodology contributes to the accident-analysis body of knowledge by providing a framework for codifying data from accident reports to facilitate future analysis and modeling attempts to subsequently mitigate more injuries in other fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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21 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Relationship between Mindfulness, Personality, and National Culture for Construction Safety

by Tomay Solomon and Behzad Esmaeili

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094998 - 08 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3165

Abstract

The construction industry still leads the world as one of the sectors with the most work-related injuries and worker fatalities. Considering that one of the barriers to improving construction safety is its stressful working environment, which increases risk of inattentiveness among construction workers, [...] Read more.

The construction industry still leads the world as one of the sectors with the most work-related injuries and worker fatalities. Considering that one of the barriers to improving construction safety is its stressful working environment, which increases risk of inattentiveness among construction workers, safety managers seek practices to measure and enhance worker focus and reduce stress, such as mindfulness. Considering the important role of mindfulness in curbing frequency and severity of incidents, researchers are interested in understanding the relationship between mindfulness and other common, more static human characteristics. As a result, this study examines the relationship between mindfulness and such variables as personality and national culture in the context of construction safety. Collecting data from 155 participants, this study used elastic net regression to examine the influence of independent (i.e., personality and national culture) variables on the dependent (i.e., mindfulness) variable. To validate the results of the regression, 10-fold cross-validation was conducted. The results reveal that certain personality traits (e.g., conscientiousness, neuroticism, and agreeableness) and national cultural dimensions (e.g., uncertainty avoidance, individualism, and collectivism) can be used as predictors of mindfulness for individuals. Since mindfulness has shown to increase safety and work performance, safety managers can utilize these variables to identify at-risk workers so that additional safety training can be provided to enhance work performance and improve safety outcomes. The results of this study will inform future work into translating personal and mindfulness characteristics into factors that predict specific elements of unsafe human behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

18 pages, 3314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers of Occupational Safety Implementation in Infrastructure Projects: Gaza Strip Case

by Yazan Issa Abu Aisheh, Bassam A. Tayeh, Wesam Salah Alaloul and Amro Fareed Jouda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073553 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3188

Abstract

Infrastructure projects are the foundation for essential public services and have an influential position in societal development. Although the role of infrastructure projects is substantial, they can involve complexities and safety issues that lead to an unsafe environment, and which impacts the project [...] Read more.

Infrastructure projects are the foundation for essential public services and have an influential position in societal development. Although the role of infrastructure projects is substantial, they can involve complexities and safety issues that lead to an unsafe environment, and which impacts the project key stakeholders. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the barriers to implementing occupational safety in infrastructure projects in the Gaza Strip, which cause serious threats and reduce project performance. To evaluate the barriers, 39 items were highlighted and modified as per the construction context and environment, and which later were distributed in the form of a questionnaire, to get feedback from consultants and contractors. The analysis shows that in the safety policy barriers group, consultants and contractors both ranked the item “a contractor committed to an occupational safety program is not rewarded” first. In the management barriers group, consultants and contractors both ranked the item “safety engineer does not have significant powers, such as stopping work when needed” in the first place. In the behavior and culture barriers group, consultants and contractors both ranked the item “workers who are not committed to occupational safety are not excluded” in the first place. Overall, both consultants and contractors shared the same viewpoint in classifying the barriers in the working environment. The outcome of this study is beneficial for Palestinian construction industry policymakers, so they can monitor the highlighted barriers in on-going infrastructure projects and can modify the safety guidelines accordingly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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19 pages, 15135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Non-Traditional Safety Risk Paths of Employees from Chinese International Construction Companies in Africa

by Chi Jin, Bo Li, Zhaoying Ye and Pengcheng Xiang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041990 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

In recent years, more and more construction enterprises are expanding into overseas markets, especially in underdeveloped regions such as Africa. Compared to domestic construction projects, international construction projects have been faced with more uncertainties and increased levels of safety risks to the employees [...] Read more.

In recent years, more and more construction enterprises are expanding into overseas markets, especially in underdeveloped regions such as Africa. Compared to domestic construction projects, international construction projects have been faced with more uncertainties and increased levels of safety risks to the employees in the context of political turmoil, racism, and religious conflict in the host country. This study aims to answer what risk factors contribute to the threat to the safety of overseas employees and how safety risk factors interact, using employees from Chinese international construction companies (CICCs) in Africa as an example. A total of 39 safety risk factors were selected by literature review and case study based on Heinrich’s Domino Theory of Accident Causation. To identify the critical safety risk sources and significant risk paths, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 208 professionals who have participated in construction projects in Africa. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a total of twelve critical risk paths and five controllable risk sources were identified. The improper behaviors of the CICCs and their employees were shown to have the largest impact on the safety of Chinese employees, through the mediating effect of the criminal offense. This study provides some insights into safety risk management in international construction projects. Meanwhile, the quantitative approach proposed can also be used by other international companies or governments in identifying the safety risk paths of their overseas workers involved in international construction projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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13 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety Program Elements in the Construction Industry: The Case of Iraq

by Mohanad Kamil Buniya, Idris Othman, Serdar Durdyev, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Syuhaida Ismail and Ahmed Farouk Kineber

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020411 - 07 Jan 2021

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5069

Abstract

The construction industries’ unsafe conditions require increased efforts to improve safety performance to prevent and reduce accident rates. Safety performance in the Iraqi construction industry is notoriously poor. Despite this condition, safety research has so far been neglected. Implementing a safety program is [...] Read more.

The construction industries’ unsafe conditions require increased efforts to improve safety performance to prevent and reduce accident rates. Safety performance in the Iraqi construction industry is notoriously poor. Despite this condition, safety research has so far been neglected. Implementing a safety program is a proven initial step to improve safety. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the key elements of a safety program in the Iraqi construction industry. To verify and validate a list of safety program elements identified in the literature review, a mixed method approach was used by using interviews and questionnaire surveys. A final list of 25 elements were then analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. The analysis found that these elements can be grouped into four interrelated dimensions: management commitment and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control systems, and safety and health training. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on safety in the Iraqi construction sector, a research area which has not been adequately investigated previously. They also help decision-makers focus on key elements that are needed to start improving safety performance in this context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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21 pages, 1282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Dependent Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations on Construction Worker Performance

by Nobuki Hashiguchi, Shintaro Sengoku, Yasushi Kubota, Shigeo Kitahara, Yeongjoo Lim and Kota Kodama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010111 - 26 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6455

Abstract

The increasing sophistication and complexity of construction technology have also increased workers’ physical risk and psychological stress. This study examined the relationships between health risks, work motivation, and productivity as perceived by construction workers. A hypothetical model of worker perceptions, and the psychological [...] Read more.

The increasing sophistication and complexity of construction technology have also increased workers’ physical risk and psychological stress. This study examined the relationships between health risks, work motivation, and productivity as perceived by construction workers. A hypothetical model of worker perceptions, and the psychological factors influencing these perceptions, was developed. A total of 324 construction workers at a Japanese construction company participated in the study and were divided into two groups: younger (45 years of age and below) and older adults (46 years of age and above). Data were collected using a questionnaire. The differences between the age groups were analyzed with regard to their perceptions of health risks, motivation, work skills, and productivity. Both younger and older workers were affected by intrinsic motivations and extrinsic motivations, but the effect of these motivations on work performance differed depending on age. Higher health risks are anticipated to affect the work motivation and productivity perceptions of older workers. The proposed model and findings of this study contribute to understanding worker motivations and have important implications for labor management of construction projects. By addressing construction workers’ intrinsic (e.g., interest) and extrinsic (e.g., reward) motivations, it is possible to sustainably improve project productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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19 pages, 1218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study Investigating How the Characteristics of High Reliability Organisations Can Be Measured in the Construction Industry in Australia

by Andrew Enya, Shane Dempsey and Manikam Pillay

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218273 - 09 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2726

Abstract

Construction activities involve a lot of risk as workers are exposed to a wide range of job hazards, such as working at height, moving vehicles, toxic substances, and confined spaces. The hazards related to a construction project are mostly unpredictable because construction projects [...] Read more.

Construction activities involve a lot of risk as workers are exposed to a wide range of job hazards, such as working at height, moving vehicles, toxic substances, and confined spaces. The hazards related to a construction project are mostly unpredictable because construction projects move quickly due to project deadlines, and changing work environments. As a result of this, the industry accounts for one of the highest numbers of work-related claims, and the fourth highest incidence rate of serious claims in Australia. This research investigates how key safety management factors can measure the characteristics of high reliability organisations (HROs) in the construction industry in New South Wales Australia. To address the problem, a model is presented that can predict characteristics of HRO in construction (CHC). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the model and measurement instruments are tested and validated from data collected from construction workers. The results identified the factors that effectively measure CHC, and the findings can also be used as a safety management strategy and will contribute to the body of knowledge in research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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15 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linking Challenge–Hindrance Stressors to Safety Outcomes and Performance: A Dual Mediation Model for Construction Workers

by Junwei Zheng, Xueqin Gou, Hongyang Li, Hong Xue and Hongtao Xie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7867; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217867 - 27 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2566

Abstract

Occupational stressors have long been recognized as an important risk factor for injury accidents. The mechanisms underlying the relationships among challenge stressors, hindrance stressors, safety outcomes (occupational injuries), emotional experiences (attentiveness), and job performance (task performance) were investigated from the perspectives of the [...] Read more.

Occupational stressors have long been recognized as an important risk factor for injury accidents. The mechanisms underlying the relationships among challenge stressors, hindrance stressors, safety outcomes (occupational injuries), emotional experiences (attentiveness), and job performance (task performance) were investigated from the perspectives of the challenge–hindrance stress model and the conservation of resources theory. This study collected multi-source data over two timepoints for 105 safety supervisors and 379 construction workers in China. Results revealed that both challenge and hindrance stressors were positively related to occupational injuries, but only challenge stressors were positively associated with attentiveness. In addition, occupational injuries mediated the relationship between both challenge and hindrance stressors and task performance, while attentiveness mediated only the relationship between challenge stressors and task performance. These findings contribute to our knowledge of stress management in the construction project context and provide recommendations for stress management for front-line workers at construction sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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14 pages, 818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hazard Recognition Patterns Demonstrated by Construction Workers

by S M Jamil Uddin, Alex Albert, Abdullah Alsharef, Bhavana Pandit, Yashwardhan Patil and Chukwuma Nnaji

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7788; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17217788 - 24 Oct 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3691

Abstract

Construction workers fail to recognize a large number of safety hazards. These unrecognized safety hazards can lead to unintended hazard exposure and tragic safety incidents. Unfortunately, traditional hazard recognition interventions (e.g., job hazard analyses and safety training) have been unable to tackle the [...] Read more.

Construction workers fail to recognize a large number of safety hazards. These unrecognized safety hazards can lead to unintended hazard exposure and tragic safety incidents. Unfortunately, traditional hazard recognition interventions (e.g., job hazard analyses and safety training) have been unable to tackle the industry-wide problem of poor hazard recognition levels. In fact, emerging evidence has demonstrated that traditional hazard recognition interventions have been designed without a proper understanding of the challenges workers experience during hazard recognition efforts. Interventions and industry-wide efforts designed based on a more thorough understanding of these challenges can yield substantial benefits—including superior hazard recognition levels and lower injury rates. Towards achieving this goal, the current investigation focused on identifying hazard categories that workers are more proficient in recognizing and others that they are less proficient in recognizing (i.e., hazard recognition patterns). For the purpose of the current study, hazards were classified on the basis of the energy source per Haddon’s energy release theory (e.g., gravity, motion, electrical, chemical, etc.). As part of the study, 287 workers representing 57 construction workplaces in the United States were engaged in a hazard recognition activity. Apart from confirming previous research findings that workers fail to recognize a disproportionate number of safety hazards, the results demonstrate that the workers are more proficient in recognizing certain hazard types. More specifically, the workers on average recognized roughly 47% of the safety hazards in the gravity, electrical, motion, and temperature hazard categories while only recognizing less than 10% of the hazards in the pressure, chemical, and radiation hazard categories. These findings can inform the development of more robust interventions and industry-wide initiatives to tackle the issue of poor hazard recognition levels in the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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20 pages, 1490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Assessment of the State of Threat of Working on Construction Scaffolding

by Marek Sawicki and Mariusz Szóstak

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(16), 5773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165773 - 10 Aug 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2778

Abstract

Working at height, and especially on construction scaffolding, is one of the most accident-prone situations on a construction site. The article attempts to assess the state of threat of working on scaffolding on the basis of the proposed coefficients concerning the possibility of [...] Read more.

Working at height, and especially on construction scaffolding, is one of the most accident-prone situations on a construction site. The article attempts to assess the state of threat of working on scaffolding on the basis of the proposed coefficients concerning the possibility of an occupational accident occurring. The article presents the analysis of 10 parameters, which were classified into three groups of factors that cause accidents: technical, organizational, and human factors. In order to assess the state of threat of working on scaffolding, partial hazard factors and a simplified and accurate factor of the state of threat of working were proposed. The coefficients were determined on the basis of the data collected from post-accidental control reports on occupational accidents occurring on scaffolding in the construction industry that took place in Poland in five voivodeships in the years 2008–2017, and also on the basis of the obtained results of research on 120 scaffoldings conducted in the years 2016–2018. Based on the determined factors, it was possible to determine the probability of an undesirable event, in other words, an occupational accident. In addition, the developed test method proposed numerical scales for assessing the state of threat of working on scaffolding. The form proposed in the article for assessing the state of threat of working on scaffolding, which was developed using a spreadsheet, can provide support for people managing work at workstations involving scaffolding, for example, construction directors, construction engineers, work managers, or construction managers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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27 pages, 2878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment of High-Speed Rail Projects: A Risk Coupling Model Based on System Dynamics

by Yutong Xue, Pengcheng Xiang, Fuyuan Jia and Zhaowen Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5307; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155307 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6755

Abstract

Due to their characteristics and multiple objectives, high-speed rail (HSR) projects carry more complex risks than conventional projects and high correlation and conductivity are among the associated risk factors. Previous risk assessment frameworks for rail infrastructure have ignored the effects of risk interactions [...] Read more.

Due to their characteristics and multiple objectives, high-speed rail (HSR) projects carry more complex risks than conventional projects and high correlation and conductivity are among the associated risk factors. Previous risk assessment frameworks for rail infrastructure have ignored the effects of risk interactions that inflate risk levels, namely, risk coupling effects. Based on a system dynamics method, this paper develops a risk coupling model for HSR project risk assessments. A risk factor list is established from a literature review, and relationships analysed using a case study and expert interviews. System dynamics equations are constructed and their parameters obtained by expert evaluations of risk factors. The proposed model is applied to a real-world HSR project to demonstrate it in detail. The model can evaluate the risk levels of HSR projects during a simulation period. In particular, it can identify the key coupling effects that are the main increased risk. It provides a significant resource, using which HSR project managers can identify and mitigate risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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18 pages, 1591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Psychological Factors on Perceptions of Productivity in Construction Sites in Japan by Worker Age

by Nobuki Hashiguchi, Jianfei Cao, Yeongjoo Lim, Yasushi Kubota, Shigeo Kitahara, Shuichi Ishida and Kota Kodama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3517; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103517 - 18 May 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5426

Abstract

The construction industry is a work environment that poses many dangers to workers, with many hidden factors that affect work awareness. It is important for construction companies to ensure a balance between productivity and safety in the work environment. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

The construction industry is a work environment that poses many dangers to workers, with many hidden factors that affect work awareness. It is important for construction companies to ensure a balance between productivity and safety in the work environment. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between the feeling of safety in the work environment, proactive work behavior, job satisfaction, work skills, team performance, and health risk indicators, such as heart rate, among construction workers of different ages. Based on previous research, we examined the hypothetical perception model. We then administered a questionnaire survey to construction workers (N = 357) employed at a Japanese construction company. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we investigated the impact of health risk indicators on worker perceptions among young and older workers. The results showed that workers’ heart rate and body mass index (BMI) had a negative effect on the feeling of safety and proactive work behavior among older workers, but showed no significant relationship among young workers. However, regardless of workers’ age, it was clear that the feeling of safety affects job satisfaction, and that work skills and proactive work behaviors affect perceptions regarding team performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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10 pages, 2880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ladder Safety: A Taxonomy of Limb-Movement Patterns for Three Points of Control

by Roger C. Jensen and Charles J. Holland

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2897; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082897 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Traditional guidance on ladder safety emphasizes training workers on the use of three points of contact. More recent guidance is to train workers to use three points of control. What is lacking is empirical information about what limb-movement patterns effectively support the use [...] Read more.

Traditional guidance on ladder safety emphasizes training workers on the use of three points of contact. More recent guidance is to train workers to use three points of control. What is lacking is empirical information about what limb-movement patterns effectively support the use of three points of control. This project was conducted to establish a taxonomy of possible limb-movement patterns and a means for comparing relative safety. Prior to the experiment, a taxonomy of six possible limb-movement patterns was established. A sample of 20 undergraduate students performed four tasks each without any instructions on limb-movement pattern. The tasks were ascending and descending a straight ladder and a portable ladder, once each, while being videotaped. Out of 80 observed tasks, 59 of the subjects were using rungs rather than rails. Analysis of rung users identified the use of all six patterns. An innovative measure of safe performance was developed and used to compare the patterns. Statistical analysis did not find significant differences in the patterns based on the safety performance measure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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15 pages, 3197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Level-Phase Deep Learning Using Divide-and-Conquer for Scaffolding Safety

by Sayan Sakhakarmi and Jee Woong Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072391 - 01 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3939

Abstract

A traditional structural analysis of scaffolding structures requires loading conditions that are only possible during design, but not in operation. Thus, this study proposes a method that can be used during operation to make an automated safety prediction for scaffolds. It implements a [...] Read more.

A traditional structural analysis of scaffolding structures requires loading conditions that are only possible during design, but not in operation. Thus, this study proposes a method that can be used during operation to make an automated safety prediction for scaffolds. It implements a divide-and-conquer technique with deep learning. As a test scaffolding, a four-bay, three-story scaffold model was used. Analysis of the model led to 1411 unique safety cases for the model. To apply deep learning, a test simulation generated 1,540,000 datasets for pre-training, and an additional 141,100 datasets for testing purposes. The cases were then sub-divided into 18 categories based on failure modes at both global and local levels, along with a combination of member failures. Accordingly, the divide-and-conquer technique was applied to the 18 categories, each of which were pre-trained by a neural network. For the test datasets, the overall accuracy was 99%. The prediction model showed that 82.78% of the 1411 safety cases showed 100% accuracy for the test datasets, which contributed to the high accuracy. In addition, the higher values of precision, recall, and F1 score for the majority of the safety cases indicate good performance of the model, and a significant improvement compared with past research conducted on simpler cases. Specifically, the method demonstrated improved performance with respect to accuracy and the number of classifications. Thus, the results suggest that the methodology could be reliably applied for the safety assessment of scaffolding systems that are more complex than systems tested in past studies. Furthermore, the implemented methodology can easily be replicated for other classification problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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24 pages, 3014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid PSO–SVM Model Based on Safety Risk Prediction for the Design Process in Metro Station Construction

by Ping Liu, Mengchu Xie, Jing Bian, Huishan Li and Liangliang Song

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051714 - 05 Mar 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3724

Abstract

Incorporating safety risk into the design process is one of the most effective design sciences to enhance the safety of metro station construction. In such a case, the concept of Design for Safety (DFS) has attracted much attention. However, most of the current [...] Read more.

Incorporating safety risk into the design process is one of the most effective design sciences to enhance the safety of metro station construction. In such a case, the concept of Design for Safety (DFS) has attracted much attention. However, most of the current research overlooks the risk-prediction process in the application of DFS. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid risk-prediction framework to enhance the effectiveness of DFS in practice. Firstly, 12 influencing factors related to the safety risk of metro construction are identified by adopting the literature review method and code of construction safety management analysis. Then, a structured interview is used to collect safety risk cases of metro construction projects. Next, a developed support vector machine (SVM) model based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is presented to predict the safety risk in metro construction, in which the multi-class SVM prediction model with an improved binary tree is designed. The results show that the average accuracy of the test sets is 85.26%, and the PSO–SVM model has a high predictive accuracy for non-linear relationship and small samples. The results show that the average accuracy of the test sets is 85.26%, and the PSO–SVM model has a high predictive accuracy for non-linear relationship and small samples. Finally, the proposed framework is applied to a case study of metro station construction. The prediction results show the PSO–SVM model is applicable and reasonable for safety risk prediction. This research also identifies the most important influencing factors to reduce the safety risk of metro station construction, which provides a guideline for the safety risk prediction of metro construction for design process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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22 pages, 4159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Extension of the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis with Hesitant Fuzzy Sets to Assess the Occupational Hazards in the Construction Industry

by Jalil Heidary Dahooie, Amir Salar Vanaki, Hamid Reza Firoozfar, Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas and Audrius Čereška

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041442 - 24 Feb 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4014

Abstract

The construction industry is considered as one of the most dangerous industries in terms of occupational safety and has a high rate of occupational incidents and risks compared to other industries. Given the importance of identifying and assessing the occupational hazards in this [...] Read more.

The construction industry is considered as one of the most dangerous industries in terms of occupational safety and has a high rate of occupational incidents and risks compared to other industries. Given the importance of identifying and assessing the occupational hazards in this industry, researchers have conducted numerous studies using statistical methods, multi-criteria decision-making methods, expert-based judgments, and so on. Although, these researchers have used linguistic variables, fuzzy sets and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets to overcome challenges such as uncertainty and ambiguity in the risk assessment conducted by experts; the previous models lack in efficiency if the experts are hesitant in their assessment. This leads to the inability to assign a specific membership degree to any risk. Therefore, in this research, it is tried to provide an improved approach to the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method using an Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method based on the hesitant fuzzy set, which can effectively cope with the hesitance of the experts in the evaluation. Also, Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method is applied for risk factor weighing in the proposed approach. This model is applied to a construction industry case study to solve a realistic occupational risk assessment. Moreover, a comparison is made between the results of this model and those obtained by the conventional FMEA and some other aggregation operators. The results indicate that the newly developed approach is useful and flexible to address complex FMEA problems and can generate logical and reliable priority rankings for failure modes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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15 pages, 3137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization on Personal Fall Arrest Systems. Experimental Dynamic Studies on Lanyard Prototypes

by Juan Carlos Pomares, Elena Ángela Carrión, Antonio González and Pedro Ignacio Saez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17031107 - 10 Feb 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4102

Abstract

Tens of thousands of fall-from-height accidents take place at construction sites every year. These types of accidents range from minor to fatal, causing a significant financial burden to enterprises, personal and family traumatic experiences, high medical costs, as well as hard compensation claim [...] Read more.

Tens of thousands of fall-from-height accidents take place at construction sites every year. These types of accidents range from minor to fatal, causing a significant financial burden to enterprises, personal and family traumatic experiences, high medical costs, as well as hard compensation claim settlements. It makes sense then, that some sort of effective personal protective equipment (PPE) be devised to stop these types of accidents from happening. This article aims to explain how PPE can be used to minimize personal injury and the costs implied. The main contribution of this study is that the prototypes made with dynamic ropes and terminals knotted—without an energy absorber—could safely retain falls. Results show that standards EN 354 and EN 364 need to incorporate dynamic test requirements, for the reason that a high loading rate significantly reduces the resistance in static tests that manufacturing companies claim they have. Surprisingly, more than 90 percent of work at heights use PPE without any absorber. Finally, this study calls for the need to accurately determine the dynamic response of PPE in order to further advance in improvements of these fall arrest systems with no energy absorber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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18 pages, 2267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of the H&S (Health and Safety Factors) Involved in Infrastructure Projects in Developing Countries-A Sequential Mixed Method Approach of OLMT-Project

by Ahsan Nawaz, Xing Su, Qaiser Mohi Ud Din, Muhammad Irslan Khalid, Muhammad Bilal and Syyed Adnan Raheel Shah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(2), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020635 - 19 Jan 2020

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 5312

Abstract

Urbanization is playing a key role in big cities of developing countries, which, in effect, is increasing the population. This study takes care of the mega infrastructure project (Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT)) to explore and identify the H&S (Health and Safety) factors [...] Read more.

Urbanization is playing a key role in big cities of developing countries, which, in effect, is increasing the population. This study takes care of the mega infrastructure project (Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT)) to explore and identify the H&S (Health and Safety) factors that affect the local residents and the main key stakeholders working on the project. A Sequential Mixed-Method approach of the OLMT-project includes qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. The data have been collected from the targeted population working on the OLMT-project through a questionnaire. The main key finding of the study indicates that poor planning and a lack of communication between the public and government led to frustration. The most significant factors that identified in the study were unsafe to work practice, project scope constraints, lack in technical and material support, unsafe/bad condition, health/environment degradation, declination and loss of resources and time, no proper emergency system, and negligence in adopting safety rules and laws. The study also revealed that the consensus should also be noticed between the key stakeholders (e.g., contractors, clients, safety officials, academia) in the second round of the Delphi survey of the project. The study findings will help the key stakeholders to prioritize their energies towards attaining zero levels of inadequate health and safety practices in infrastructure projects. The study outcomes can also be generalized for the other developing countries having a similar work scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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19 pages, 2261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Monte Carlo Simulation and Bayesian Networks Methods for Assessing Completion Time of Projects under Risk

by Ali Namazian, Siamak Haji Yakhchali, Vahidreza Yousefi and Jolanta Tamošaitienė

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(24), 5024; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16245024 - 10 Dec 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4241

Abstract

In this study, Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian network methods are combined to present a structure for assessing the aggregated impact of risks on the completion time of a construction project. Construction projects often encounter different risks which affect and prevent their desired [...] Read more.

In this study, Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian network methods are combined to present a structure for assessing the aggregated impact of risks on the completion time of a construction project. Construction projects often encounter different risks which affect and prevent their desired completion at the predicted time and budget. The probability of construction project success is increased in the case of controlling influential risks. On the other hand, interactions among risks lead to the increase of aggregated impact of risks. This fact requires paying attention to assessment and management of project aggregated risk before and during the implementation phase. The developed structure of this article considers the interactions among risks to provide an indicator for estimating the effects of risks, so that the shortage of extant models including the lack of attention to estimate the aggregated impact caused by risks and the intensifying impacts can be evaluated. Moreover, the introduced structure is implemented in an industrial case study in order to validate the model, cover the functional aspect of the problem, and explain the procedure of structure implementation in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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22 pages, 6371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Profiling from the European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW) Accidents′ Databases: A Case Study in Construction Sites

by Mara Lombardi, Mario Fargnoli and Giuseppe Parise

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(23), 4748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16234748 - 27 Nov 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5541

Abstract

The number of accidents and victims in the construction sector has not decreased significantly despite the increasingly stricter laws and regulations. The analysis of accidents, as well as their root causes and determinants can certainly contribute to the development of more effective preventive [...] Read more.

The number of accidents and victims in the construction sector has not decreased significantly despite the increasingly stricter laws and regulations. The analysis of accidents, as well as their root causes and determinants can certainly contribute to the development of more effective preventive interventions. The present study proposes a methodology for the analysis and synthesis of data provided by accidents statistics with the goal of defining specific risk profiles based on the accidents determinants, their variables, and how they interact with one another in influencing the occurrence of an accident. For this purpose, a procedure capable of extracting this type of information from the European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW) database was developed. In particular, data processing and aggregation are performed by means of the synergic use of the Matrix of Descriptors (MoD) and cluster analysis. To validate such a procedure, the analysis of fatalities due to electrical shocks was carried out. The results achieved allowed us to elicit valuable information for both safety managers and decision makers. The proposed methodology can facilitate a systemic analysis of accidents databases reducing the difficulties in managing reports and accident statistics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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20 pages, 2847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Stability Risk Assessment of Land Expropriation: Lessons from the Chinese Case

by Chenxi Li and Zenglei Xi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(20), 3952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203952 - 17 Oct 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4327

Abstract

Scholars have paid much attention to the problems existing in the land expropriation risk assessment system and the sound countermeasures from a qualitative perspective. Empirical research on land expropriation social stability risk assessment from the micro-level perspective is limited. This study analyzed the [...] Read more.

Scholars have paid much attention to the problems existing in the land expropriation risk assessment system and the sound countermeasures from a qualitative perspective. Empirical research on land expropriation social stability risk assessment from the micro-level perspective is limited. This study analyzed the Chinese social stability risk assessment system of land expropriation though a case study of a land expropriation project in China. The current social stability risk assessment system of land expropriation, which includes the assessment purposes, principles, contents, methods, and results, was analyzed. We concluded with lessons and deficiencies from the current social stability risk assessment system. The research findings show that: (1) the current land expropriation risk assessment system mostly takes the land administration department as the main body of responsibility, identifies the risks by means of seminars, visits, letters, and visits, and takes the opinion of the masses or experts as the risk assessment result. (2) The current land expropriation risk assessment system should be standardized in terms of defining the risk assessment of land expropriation, improving the land expropriation risk assessment system and optimizing land expropriation assessment procedures. This paper provides a reference for the sustainable development of land use in rural and urban areas in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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19 pages, 2365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exerting Explanatory Accounts of Safety Behavior of Older Construction Workers within the Theory of Planned Behavior

by Lu Peng and Alan H.S. Chan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(18), 3342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16183342 - 10 Sep 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4259

Abstract

Older construction workers are vulnerable to accident risks at work. Work behavior affects the occurrence of accidents at construction sites. This study aims to investigate the organizational and personal factors that underlie the safety behaviors of older construction workers considering their age-related characteristics. [...] Read more.

Older construction workers are vulnerable to accident risks at work. Work behavior affects the occurrence of accidents at construction sites. This study aims to investigate the organizational and personal factors that underlie the safety behaviors of older construction workers considering their age-related characteristics. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey, which involves 260 older construction workers (aged 50 and over), was conducted, and an integrative old-construction-worker safety behavior model (OSBM) was established on the basis of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Results showed that the OSBM provides a considerably good explanation of the safety behaviors of older construction workers. The explained variances for safety participation and compliance are 74.2% and 63.1%, respectively. Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are two critical psychological drivers that proximally affect the safety behaviors of workers. Moreover, safety knowledge, management commitment, and aging expectation are the distal antecedents that significantly influence psychological drivers. This study proves the mediating role of psychological factors on predicting safety behaviors among older construction workers, thereby promoting an understanding of “how” and “why” their safety behaviors occur. Furthermore, the identified effects of several critical organizational and personal factors, particularly age-related factors, provide new insights into the safety behaviors of older construction workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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14 pages, 1316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Registry of Accredited Companies in the Construction Sector in Spain: An Administrative Instrument for Risk-Prevention Control

by Álvaro Romero-Barriuso, Blasa MaríaVillena-Escribano, María de las Nieves González-García, María Segarra-Cañamares and Ángel Rodríguez-Sáiz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(17), 3133; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173133 - 28 Aug 2019

Viewed by 4841

Abstract

The degree of compliance with the Registro de Empresas Acreditadas (REA) (Registry of Accredited Companies) and its implementation by the Public Administrations in Spain is compared with its implementation among private construction sector firms. The Registry of Accredited Companies is a tool for [...] Read more.

The degree of compliance with the Registro de Empresas Acreditadas (REA) (Registry of Accredited Companies) and its implementation by the Public Administrations in Spain is compared with its implementation among private construction sector firms. The Registry of Accredited Companies is a tool for risk-prevention control that is defined by Law 32/2006 in Regulation of Subcontracting in the Construction Sector in Spain. On the basis of a quantitative analysis of the data obtained from public bodies registered with the REA, the study is limited to Ayuntamientos y Diputaciones Provinciales (Municipal Town and City Councils and Provincial Councils of the Provincial Government). To do so, the registration records with the REA of both public administrations are analyzed within the 50 Provinces and the two Autonomous Cities that together constitute the 17 Autonomous Communities of the national territory of Spain. In parallel, a comparative study is performed of the registration records of private construction sector firms registered with the REA. Public digital data-management tools are used for the investigation, together with publicly available information known as the Relación de Puestos de Trabajo (RPT) (List of Employment Positions) of the corresponding public entities under analysis, with the objective of testing the information and validating its degree of reliability. Likewise, a survey is administered to gather data on the registration of private construction center firms, in addition to the use of the qualitative Focus Groups technique, so as to assure the reliability the survey data. The results revealed unequal treatment by the Labor Authority with regard to the imposition of similar administrative obligations. A clearly negative discrimination was noted with regard to private construction sector firms, in comparison with the permissive attitude and light administrative burden of the Public Administrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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14 pages, 474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Family Role Overload and Work Interferance with Family Affect the Life Satisfaction and Sleep Sufficiency of Construction Professionals?

by Ruodan Lu, Ziyi Wang, Xiaoming Lin and Liang Guo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(17), 3094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16173094 - 26 Aug 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3628

Abstract

Sleep and work-family problems attract a great attention in the construction industry because construction professionals are usually prone to work-family conflicts and sleep problems. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of Family-Role Overload (FRO) and Work Interference with Family [...] Read more.

Sleep and work-family problems attract a great attention in the construction industry because construction professionals are usually prone to work-family conflicts and sleep problems. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of Family-Role Overload (FRO) and Work Interference with Family (WIF) on sleep sufficiency. We also included life satisfaction as a mediator and family supportive supervision behaviors (FSSB) as a moderator. Using a sample of 193 Chinese construction professionals, we collected objectively-measured sleep sufficiency data with validated wrist actigraphies and self-reported sleep sufficiency data, FRO, WIF, life satisfaction and FSSB with questionnaires through multiple waves. Results demonstrated that FRO was negatively associated with both objectively-measured and self-reported sleep sufficiency and life satisfaction played an important mediating role in this relationship. The moderating effect of life satisfaction on the path between WIF and sleep sufficiency is trivial. In addition, no significant moderating effects of FSSB were found. More substantial policies should be taken to improve the life satisfaction and sleep sufficiency of construction professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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22 pages, 21233 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influencing Factors, Mechanism and Prevention of Construction Workers’ Unsafe Behaviors: A Systematic Literature Review

by Qingfeng Meng, Wenyao Liu, Zhen Li and Xin Hu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052644 - 05 Mar 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5659

Abstract

Unsafe behaviors of construction workers are one of the main causes of accidents at construction sites. The research on unsafe behaviors of workers helps to reduce the incidence of accidents and has attracted much attention. However, a systematic literature review in this field [...] Read more.

Unsafe behaviors of construction workers are one of the main causes of accidents at construction sites. The research on unsafe behaviors of workers helps to reduce the incidence of accidents and has attracted much attention. However, a systematic literature review in this field is still lacking, which hinders stakeholders’ comprehensive understanding of the unsafe behaviors of construction workers. Therefore, the aim of this study is to address this research gap based on retrieved literature from the Web of Science. First, the study conducted a descriptive analysis of the year, quantity, publishing organization, and keywords of the literature. In addition, three research topics were identified and discussed, including the influencing factors of construction workers’ unsafe behaviors, the formation mechanism of unsafe behaviors, and the pre-control methods of unsafe behaviors. Moreover, a research framework was proposed and future research directions were also suggested. The research findings promote stakeholders’ understanding of the influencing factors, formation mechanism, and pre-control methods of construction workers’ unsafe behaviors, and lead to future research directions in the studied field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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17 pages, 2998 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current States and Future Trends in Safety Research of Construction Personnel: A Quantitative Analysis Based on Social Network Approach

by Xiangcheng Meng and Alan H. S. Chan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030883 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3533

Abstract

The construction industry is recognized as a high-risk industry given that safety accidents and personnel injuries frequently occur. This study provided a systematic and quantitative review of existing research achievements by conducting social network approach to identify current states and future trends for [...] Read more.

The construction industry is recognized as a high-risk industry given that safety accidents and personnel injuries frequently occur. This study provided a systematic and quantitative review of existing research achievements by conducting social network approach to identify current states and future trends for the occupational safety of construction personnel. A total of 250 peer-reviewed articles were collected to examine the research on safety issues of workers in construction industry. Social network approach was applied to analyze the interrelationship among authors, keywords, and citations of these articles using VOS viewer and CitNetExplorer. A knowledge structure map was drawn using main path analysis (MPA) towards the collected papers, which was implemented by Pajek. In line with the findings of social network analysis, five research groups, and six keyword themes were identified in accordance with the times of cooperation of researchers and correlation among keywords of the papers. Core papers were identified by using main path analysis for each research domain to represent the key process and backbone for the corresponding area. Based on the finding of the research, significant implications and insights in terms of current research status and further research trends were provided for the scholars, thus helping generate a targeted development plan for occupational safety in construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Safety and Risks in Construction)

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