A hybrid model for assessing safety implementation and project success in the construction industry

Abstract

Construction projects are prone to accidents and injuries, necessitating a focus on implementing safety programs. However, the implementation of such programs is influenced by various factors. Developing countries often have poor safety performance in their building sectors, with limited research in this area. This study aimed to identify essential safety program activities (SPAs) specific to the building sector. Through a literature review and survey, 25 SPAs were identified and validated via a pilot survey involving building sector experts. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 105 participants from the construction industry and academia. They were then categorized into four interconnected measurements using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA): Safety Program Management and Development (SPMD), Safety Culture Development (SCD), Safety Risk and Hazard Management (SRHM), and Safety Leadership, Responsibility, and Commitment (SLRC). The impact of safety implementation (SI) on overall project success (OPS) was analyzed using Partial Least Square- Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Subsequently, Synthetic Fuzzy Evaluation (SFE) was employed to determine the criticality and importance of each SPA grouping for construction projects. The PLS-SEM analysis indicates that SI has a moderate impact on OPS, with an R 2 value of 45.4%. Moreover, the findings of the SFE highlight that the SLRC group is the most significant in enhancing the safety implementation of the construction industry.