Improve Safety Outcomes Research Articles

Unveiling Safety Practices and Safety Performance Measurement in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study critically addresses the ongoing safety challenges within the construction industry which is known as a sector persistently affected by preventable accidents. The research underscores the importance of rigorous safety performance measurement as a key driver for the continuous improvement of Construction Safety Management (CSM). Utilizing a novel science mapping approach, this comprehensive review examines various research in safety performance measurement, delineating the evolution of Construction Safety Performance (CSP) studies. This paper emphasizes bibliometric analysis conducted for a paradigm shift in safety practices and management strategies. The analysis identifies significant contributors, explores research characteristics, and charts the future trajectory of CSP research. The study aims to bridge a critical knowledge gap in CSP literature, providing a holistic perspective anticipated to enhance safety practices across the construction industry. The findings highlight the crucial role of robust safety performance measurement methods in tracking and improving safety outcomes, evaluating policy impacts, and facilitating continuous improvement.

A systematic review of incentive schemes and their implications for truck driver safety performance

Introduction: This systematic review investigates the effects of monetary and non-monetary incentive schemes on the safety performance of truck drivers, a critical concern within the road freight industry. Method: The review analyzes 18 studies and dissects the impact of compensation levels, compensation methods, and non-monetary benefits on drivers’ safety behaviors. Results: The findings show that, in general, higher levels of compensation, both through selection and incentive effects, enhance safety performance by attracting more skilled drivers and incentivizing adherence to safety protocols. However, the structure of these compensations, particularly piece-rate wages, and payment for non-driving hours, reveals a double-edged sword; while incentivizing productivity, they inadvertently promote unsafe driving behaviors such as excessive speeding and insufficient rest due to economic pressures. Conversely, non-monetary incentives, though under-researched, show potential for improving safety outcomes by enhancing job satisfaction and work environment quality. Practical applications: This review highlights the need for future research on safety incentives to evaluate the full extent of the intersection between incentives, safety culture, and working conditions. It advocates for holistic compensation strategies that foster a safety culture in the trucking industry, marking a new direction for improving driver behavior.

Leveraging digital technologies for health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management in industrial operations

The integration of digital technologies into Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management has revolutionized industrial operations, offering new opportunities for improving safety outcomes and mitigating risks. This review explores the role of cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive analytics in enhancing HSE management. These tools provide real-time data, enable predictive risk analysis, and facilitate proactive safety measures, resulting in reduced accidents, improved compliance, and optimized operational efficiency. However, the adoption of digital HSE solutions presents challenges, including data security concerns, integration issues with legacy systems, and resistance from employees and management. This paper addresses these challenges and offers key recommendations for successful implementation, including prioritizing cybersecurity, ensuring system compatibility, fostering employee engagement, and collaborating with regulatory bodies. Ultimately, digital technologies present significant opportunities to advance industrial safety and sustainability in HSE management. Keywords: Digital Technologies, Predictive Analytics, Internet of Things (Iot), Risk Mitigation, Industrial Safety

External drivers of changes in wildland firefighter safety policies and practices

Background Firefighter safety is a top priority in wildland fire response and management. Existing explanations emphasise how land management agency initiatives to change organisational culture, usually inspired by fatality incidents, contribute to changes both in formal safety policies and informal safety practices. Aims This paper identifies external factors that lead to changes in wildland firefighter safety policies and practices. Methods This paper uses qualitative data from a long-term ethnographic research project. Data include detailed fieldnotes, semi-structured interviews, and agency documents, which were systematically coded and thematically analysed. Key results In addition to the triggering effects of fatality incidents and agency initiatives to change organisational culture, external factors also directly impact the development of firefighter safety policies and practices. These include sociodemographic, material, political, and social-environmental factors. Conclusions Identifying and understanding the influence of multi-scalar external factors on firefighter safety is essential to improving safety outcomes and reducing firefighters’ exposure to hazards. Implications Attention to and recognition of external factors is valuable for fire managers and practitioners, whose work is influenced and constrained by meso- and macro-level factors. The framework presented in this paper would be useful in understanding other important aspects of wildland fire management.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Agent-Based Modeling in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Review

This paper explores the transformative impact of agent-based modeling (ABM) on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, highlighting its indispensable role in revolutionizing project management, construction processes, safety protocols, and sustainability initiatives including energy optimization and occupants’ comfort. Through an in-depth review of 178 documents published between 1970 and 2024 on current practices and the integration of ABM with emerging digital technologies, this study underscores the critical importance of ABM in facilitating enhanced decision-making, resource optimization, and complex system simulations. For instance, ABM is shown to reduce project delays by up to 15% through enhanced resource allocation and improve safety outcomes by simulating worker behavior and identifying potential hazards in dynamic construction environments. The results reveal ABM’s potential to significantly improve construction methodologies, integrate technological advancements seamlessly, and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient building practices. Furthermore, this paper identifies key areas for future research, including the exploration of ABM’s capabilities in conjunction with other digital innovations to unlock new avenues for efficiency and sustainability in construction. This study sets out a forward-looking agenda for providing this modeling approach to address contemporary challenges and harness opportunities for innovation and growth in the AEC sector.

Research on the Impact of Managers’ Safety Perception on Construction Workers’ Safety Behaviors

The construction industry is replete with significant safety risks, underscoring the necessity to comprehend the factors that shape workers’ safety behaviors for efficacious accident prevention. This study aims to investigate the impact of managers’ safety perception (MSP) on construction workers’ safety behaviors (WSBs), while also exploring the mediating roles of workers’ safety awareness (WSA) and workers’ safety competency (WSC). Utilizing a structural equation model (SEM), data were collected from 248 construction workers through a validated questionnaire. The findings indicate that MSP has a direct influence on WSBs (mean effect size = 0.065, p < 0.01) and an indirect effect on WSBs through enhanced WSA (effect size = 0.386, p < 0.01) and WSC (effect size = 0.392, p < 0.01). This research makes a contribution to the existing literature in several ways. First, it introduces a new measurement scale for MSP. Second, it highlights the direct and indirect effects on WSBs. Third, it emphasizes the importance of fostering safety awareness and competency among workers. In addition, the study offers practical implications for construction managers seeking to improve safety outcomes on-site.

Investigating the Interrelationships among Factors Associated with Automated Vehicle Crashes Using Additive Bayesian Network

Although automated vehicles (AVs) were considered a promising solution to enhance traffic safety by eliminating human errors, AV crashes still happen in mixed traffic consisting of human-driven vehicles and AVs. Thus, to reduce AV-involved crashes, it is necessary to understand the factors leading to AV crashes. However, traditional regression-based methods may not reveal a structured relationship among leading factors of AV crashes, which hinders the exploration of countermeasures to AV crashes. Based on the 246 AV crash records collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this study investigated the factors associated with AV crashes. An additive Bayesian network (ABN) approach was utilized to construct the topological relationship among potential influential factors of AV crashes, followed by post-ABN regression analyses. Results show that, though AV technologies have developed rapidly in the past few years, rear-end crashes are still dominant among AV-involved crashes, potentially because of the discrepancy in the driving behaviors between AV and human-driven vehicles. The crash type of AV-involved crashes is more related to the pre-crash movements of crash partners than it is to the pre-crash movements of AVs, while crash outcomes (e.g., injury severity) are associated with the environmental factors (e.g., operating entities) and crash-procedure-related factors (e.g., crash type). Findings from this study aid in understanding AV crash patterns, which can inform targeted interventions and technology advancements to improve safety outcomes for all road users.

Building Safer Workplaces: Unveiling the Impact of Safety Leadership Styles in the Construction Industry

This study investigates the most effective leadership style for enhancing safety performance in the construction industry. Through a scientometric analysis of 114 research papers and a meta-analysis of 13 studies involving 7220 participants, it uncovers a growing body of research on safety leadership in construction and identifies safety-specific transformational leadership as the most impactful style for improving safety outcomes. The research highlights the increasing importance of safety leadership in the construction sector and reveals a trend towards safety-specific transformational leadership as the preferred approach. This leadership style emphasizes empowering and motivating employees to prioritize safety through shared values, vision, and goals. The study also emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration among researchers and institutions, and advocates for the inclusion of studies from developing countries to ensure a comprehensive understanding of safety leadership practices globally. Additionally, the findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, and 11, underscoring the significance of fostering safe and secure working environments and promoting sustainable urbanization. This research serves as a valuable resource for construction industry stakeholders seeking to implement effective safety leadership strategies, and it lays the groundwork for further exploration in this critical area.

FC12: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in elderly patients prescribed psychotropic agents

Objectives: Apart from irrational polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and potentially inappropriate medications for elderly patients, there are numerous challenges referring to psychopharmacological treatment in this patient subgroup prescribed psychotropic agents. Specifically, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics essentially differ in elderly patients, complicating medication selection and dosing.Methods: Pharmacokinetics involves absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of the medication. Elderly patients often present distinct patterns of medication absorption as well as reduced elimination (due to decreased kidney function). DDIs are another major confounder of medication metabolism. This is particularlycommon in elderly patients, as one out of two elderly patients with mental disorders receive polypharmacy which in turn requires careful dose adjustment. Medication adherence is an additional challenge in patients with mental disorders, further complicating pharmacotherapy.Results: We discuss the benefits of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), i.e. the regular measuring of drug concentrations in plasma of patients prescribed psychotropic agents. TDM is a valuable personalized treatment tool; specifically, it allows the determination of the minimum effective dosage also improving safety outcomes. Basic TDM principles, such as steady-state, trough levels and therapeutic reference ranges in the context of elderly patients’ pharmacological treatment will be discussed.Discussion: The use of TDM is of established clinical value in particularly vulnerable patient subgroups such as elderly patients. Summarizing practical recommendations for TDM in clinical routine we aim to enhance its use ultimately enabling an improvement of treatment effectiveness and safety outcomes in elderly patients prescribed psychotropic agents.

Clearing the Path: Overcoming Barriers to Prevention through Design (PtD) Utilization in the US Construction Industry

The construction industry presents significant high risks of injury and fatality to its workforce. Adopting prevention through design (PtD) principles is reported to have high potential for mitigating such risks and improving safety outcomes. PtD seeks to assess and reduce workplace hazards during the design phase, minimizing unsafe construction conditions. Despite its potential benefits, the construction industry encounters challenges in effectively utilizing PtD. Thus, the implementation of PtD in the US construction industry is limited, and designers’ awareness remains low. This evident lack of utilization warrants further examination of the contributing factors. The goal of this study is to identify and rank PtD utilization barriers in the United States (US) construction industry. This study pinpointed 12 pivotal barriers to PtD implementation through a systematic literature review. These barriers were categorized into industry-, project-, designer-, and client-related domains. Furthermore, they were grouped into three clusters based on their influence on PtD implementation from the most to the least influence, based on an expert matter questionnaire. This study also compared the experts’ rankings of the identified barriers with their citation frequencies in the reviewed articles. Among other observations, this study found that the lack of PtD professional training and formal education for project stakeholders negatively impacts the likelihood of PtD utilization and exacerbates several other barriers. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize addressing this barrier by allocating the necessary resources and efforts to efficiently address it. Construction industry stakeholders with a vested interest in advancing PtD applications are encouraged to leverage the insights this study provides to expedite the adoption of PtD.

Indwelling urinary catheter use and adherence to clinical practice guidelines: A point prevalence study in adult hospital inpatients.

Approximately 25% of hospitalised adults require an indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) during their hospital stay. IDCs expose patients to risks of infectious and non-infectious complications. To identify IDC prevalence, assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines and patient-reported involvement in IDC care for adult hospital inpatients. This point prevalence study was conducted in 22 wards in a single quaternary hospital. Data was collected by clinical and research nurses working in pairs on a single day. Study outcomes were reported descriptively as frequencies and percentages. Of 502 patients included, 77 (15.3%) had an IDC (median duration 99.6h). The median age of patients with an IDC was 64 years (interquartile range 22-88 years), 54 (70%) were male and one-quarter (n = 19; 25%) of IDCs were inserted at another hospital. More than half (n = 44; 57%) of the 77 IDCs had no documented removal plan. Three patients were unavailable for review for observed clinical practices, and it was found 43% (n = 32/74) lacked a securement device. Of 77 people with IDCs, there were 44 patient responses, and 27 (61.4%) patients did not know the reason for their catheter. Areas for improvement included securement device use, timely removal plans and patient education for the reason for the device. Regular point prevalence studies to assess use and adherence to clinical practical guidelines can improve safety outcomes for patients requiring IDCs.

Real-Time Personal Protective Equipment Non-Compliance Recognition on AI Edge Cameras

Despite advancements in technology, safety equipment, and training within the construction industry over recent decades, the prevalence of fatal and nonfatal injuries and accidents remains a significant concern among construction workers. Hard hats and safety vests are crucial safety gear known to mitigate severe head trauma and other injuries. However, adherence to safety protocols, including the use of such gear, is often inadequate, posing potential risks to workers. Moreover, current manual safety monitoring systems are laborious and time-consuming. To address these challenges and enhance workplace safety, there is a pressing need to automate safety monitoring processes economically, with reduced processing times. This research proposes a deep learning-based pipeline for real-time identification of non-compliance with wearing hard hats and safety vests, enabling safety officers to preempt hazards and mitigate risks at construction sites. We evaluate various neural networks for edge deployment and find that the Single Shot Multibox Detector (SSD) MobileNet V2 model excels in computational efficiency, making it particularly suitable for this application-oriented task. The experiments and comparative analyses demonstrate the pipeline’s effectiveness in accurately identifying instances of non-compliance across different scenarios, underscoring its potential for improving safety outcomes.

Improving safety: Neuraxial blockade guided by thromboelastography for patients with uncertain coagulation profile.

Neuraxial blockade procedures are essential for anesthesia and pain management but pose risks in patients with uncertain coagulation profiles. Traditional coagulation tests often fail to predict bleeding risks associated with neuraxial blockade. Thromboelastography (TEG) offers real-time insights into coagulation status, potentially improving safety outcomes. In this case series, six patients underwent neuraxial blockade guided by TEG analysis. An individualized anesthetic plan was formulated based on TEG findings to mitigate bleeding risks while ensuring pain management. Tailoring anesthetic techniques to real-time TEG data improved safety outcomes with minimized bleeding complications and satisfactory pain control. In conclusion, neuraxial blockade guided by TEG enhances safety in patients with uncertain coagulation profiles. Further studies are needed to validate benefits in broader clinical settings.

Safety Leadership: A Catalyst for Positive Safety Climate on Construction Sites

Limited research exists on safety leadership and safety climate in developing countries, despite their established importance in the construction industry. This study addresses this gap by investigating how immediate superiors’ safety leadership behaviours influence safety climate perceptions among construction professionals in southern India. Using a quantitative approach, the study collected valid questionnaire surveys among 279 construction professionals by convenience sampling across various construction sites. The survey revealed that safety leadership significantly and positively predicts five key safety climate factors: management’s commitment to safety, safety equipment and procedures, safety training, communication and openness, and group dynamics and safety culture. These findings highlight the critical role immediate superiors play in shaping safety climate perceptions through their commitment, communication, and employee involvement. This research underscores the importance of investing in safety leadership development to improve safety outcomes, reduce accidents and injuries, and enhance regulatory compliance within the Indian construction industry.

Challenges and strategic solutions in commissioning and start-up of subsea production systems

The commissioning and start-up of subsea production systems represent critical phases in offshore oil and gas operations, where meticulous planning and execution are essential for success. This abstract presents an overview of the challenges encountered during these phases and proposes strategic solutions to address them effectively. Environmental factors such as deepwater operations and subsea geology pose significant challenges to commissioning and start-up activities. Technical challenges include ensuring equipment reliability and seamless integration of control systems in harsh underwater conditions. Operational challenges such as remote monitoring and intervention and personnel safety further compound the complexities of these operations. Strategic solutions to mitigate these challenges include advanced planning and simulation using digital twin technology and scenario planning. Enhanced risk management strategies, including contingency planning and early detection systems, are vital to anticipate and manage potential issues effectively. Collaborative partnerships between stakeholders, including suppliers and cross-disciplinary teams, foster innovation and enhance project resilience. Drawing from successful case studies and lessons learned, this abstract emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, risk mitigation, and collaborative approaches in ensuring the successful commissioning and start-up of subsea production systems. By implementing these strategic solutions, operators can enhance operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and improve safety outcomes, ultimately contributing to the long-term viability and sustainability of offshore energy production.

The Framework of Construction Workers Safety: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Safety Practices in Construction Industry

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the multifaceted approach to safety and health management practices within the construction industry, with the ultimate goal of delineating their impact on reducing workplace incidents and enhancing overall safety culture. In order to achieve this goal, a mixed-methods research design is employed, which combines quantitative data from structured surveys across a diverse sample of construction sites with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews and case studies. The findings of the analysis reveal a significant correlation between the frequency and comprehensiveness of safety training programs and a reduction in incident rates. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced safety technologies and equipment, coupled with a strong organizational safety culture, is found to be a pivotal factor in improving safety outcomes. The study also highlights the importance of customizing safety practices to the unique needs of different construction projects to optimize effectiveness.

Unlocking the Potential of BIM and VR Integration to Address Construction Challenges in Malaysia’s Building Industry: A Literature Review

Delays in project completion, cost overruns, safety risks, and poor communication among project stakeholders are just some of the leading causes of the many problems plaguing Malaysian construction projects. The construction sector in this country is suffering from these significant problems, which could be remedied with the help of emerging technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR). Integrating Virtual Reality (IVR) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) may help avoid and resolve such problems during construction. The features allow for remote collaboration, enhanced communication and connection, enhanced immersion and interactivity, and reduced costs. This literature review exemplifies the challenge that arose on a construction site, as well as the potential of VR technology in general and its integration in assisting the construction industry in Malaysia with BIM. Based on the comprehensive analysis conducted, it is evident that the integration of BIM and VR presents a vast potential to alleviate and resolve the pressing construction-related challenges afflicting Malaysia’s construction industry. The effective integration of these innovative technologies can revolutionise the sector by mitigating cost overruns, reducing project delays, enhancing communication, and improving safety outcomes. Therefore, realising the potential and exploring the possibilities of BIM and VR integration is crucial to overcoming the issues and promoting sustainable growth in Malaysia’s construction sector.

Nature of Occupational Incidents among Roofing Contractors: A Data Mining Approach

Given that roofing contractors in the construction industry have the highest fatality rate among specialty contractors, understanding the root cause of incidents among roofers is critical for improving safety outcomes. This study applied frequency analysis and decision tree data-mining techniques to analyze roofers’ fatal and non-fatal accident reports. The frequency analysis yielded insights into the leading cause of accidents, with fall to a lower level (83%) being the highest, followed by incidence sources relating to structures and surfaces (56%). The most common injuries experienced by roofing contractors were fractures (49%) and concussions (15%), especially for events occurring in residential buildings, maintenance and repair works, small projects (i.e., $50,000 or less), and on Mondays. According to the decision tree analysis, the most important factor for determining the nature of the injury is the nonfragile injured body part, followed by injury caused by coating works. The decision tree also produced decision rules that provide an easy interpretation of the underlying association between the factors leading to incidents. The decision tree models developed in this study can be used to predict the nature of potential injuries for strategically selecting the most effective injury-prevention strategies.

Impact of Safety Leadership on Occupational Health and Safety Performance in Selected Oil Companies in Rivers State

This study aimed to determine the influence of safety leadership on occupational health and safety performance within Nigerian oil and gas businesses operating in Rivers State. This study employed Lewin's technique as the theoretical foundation, drawing upon trait theories. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach, specifically targeting a group of oil and gas firms(IOGC and IOC) situated in the Eleme, Port Harcourt, and Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The study encompassed 3,800 individuals employed by two distinct oil businesses, with a sample size of 380 people. The sample methods utilised in this study consisted of purposive or convenient sampling techniques. Data collection was conducted by administering a questionnaire adapted from a reference document provided by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). The data was analysed using SPSS 25, using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and t-test. The findings of the study revealed a multitude of insights pertaining to the qualities of safety leadership. In relation to credibility, a significant proportion of participants from both the International Organisation of Governmental Control (IOGC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) expressed the view that their respective leaders exhibited a deficiency in this attribute. The majority did not view feedback and recognition as highly evident, indicating another lacking characteristic. According to the respondents, the organisations under research did not exhibit a high presence of collaboration, which is seen as a trait of safety leadership. The aforementioned principle can also be extended to the domain of communication. Therefore, the study concluded that safety leadership is critical in influencing safety performance within the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, the results indicate that there exists a perceived need for more specific leadership attributes among the executives within the firms under investigation. Addressing this deficiency has the potential to result in improved safety outcomes within these organisations.

Impact of english language proficiency on maritime safety and environmental protection

This study investigates the influence of English language proficiency on maritime safety practices and environmental protection among senior cadets in vocational maritime education. The research focuses on communication skills development, particularly speaking and listening competencies, essential for effective operational practices in the maritime industry. Using qualitative methods, including semistructured interviews and observational techniques, the study examines how enhanced language proficiency enhances cadets’ abilities to adhere to safety protocols, communicate effectively with international stakeholders, and engage in environmental stewardship. Results indicate that cadets proficient in English demonstrate advanced fluency and technical vocabulary usage, contributing to improved safety outcomes and sustainable practices within maritime operations. The findings underscore the significance of integrating English for Specific Purposes (ESP) into vocational curricula to prepare future maritime professionals adequately. This research not only highlights the critical role of language education in maritime training but also advocates for continuous improvement in educational strategies and industry standards to uphold safety and environmental regulations.