Developing a Field-oriented Analytical Safety Assessment Model for Construction Workers

Abstract

Several workplace injuries and fatalities are annually reported in the construction industry, and various efforts have been made to ensure safety. However, the construction industry still has higher casualty rates than other industries, and a preemptive safety management system that considers the safety risk factors at the construction site is deemed a necessity. Therefore, this study proposed a model that can quantitatively evaluate the safety of construction workers. A total of 18 safety risk factors consisting of three groups was derived from disaster-case data through a literature review, and was consulted to experts based on a survey to verify the suitability. Based on the results from the survey, 13 safety risk factors were selected, and the weights for each factor were derived. Moreover, an Analytic Network Process was used to derive the weights. Afterwards, a safety risk scale for each factor was derived based on the utility function from the accident case data provided by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency and opinions provided by expert. Finally, a safety assessment index for construction workers was proposed by combining the derived weights and safety risk scales. Accordingly, this study facilitates identifying construction workers with a high probability of suffering accidents in advance. Therefore, this study can contribute to preventing accidents at the construction site by supporting customized safety management for workers in hazardous environments.