Investigation of the Construction Industry Stakeholder's Perceptions of Work-Health and Safety Risk-Based Scenarios Associated with Risks

Abstract

Improving occupational safety and health (OSH) performance in the construction industry is critical, because it reflects the quality of completed projects and, more importantly, the protection of workers' lives. The application of risk management concepts is one initiative for improving OSH performance in the construction industry. Effective risk management necessitates the cooperation and consensus of all stakeholders, but this is difficult to achieve. The goal of this study is to determine the extent, to which construction stakeholders share a common understanding of perceived risks. This was achieved by utilizing four case study scenario surveys which represent the risk exposures or consequences in the crushing of panels and vibration operations. Data was gathered from a sample of twelve construction professionals in Malaysia. Analysis of the data describes the various risk perceptions among construction industry stakeholders. The immediate-type of risk was rated higher than the expected scores, whereas delayed-effect risks like 'vibration' and ‘chemical' were rated lower. The findings obtained suggest that strategic steps to engage stakeholders in the risk management process are needed, and risk perceptions should be taken into account.