scholarly journals Safety Performance in Industrial Construction: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-244
Author(s):  
Ahmed Senouci ◽  
Ali Jedinia ◽  
Neil Eldin
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Construction Firm ◽  
The Cost

This paper presents a case study of a safety training program developed by an international leading construction firm. The study was prompted by the continuing challenge of work- related accidents in the construction industry. Even with the measurable safety improvements in the last several decades, the construction industry still exhibits high rate of occupational fatal injuries compared to other industries. A linear regression model was developed using Microsoft Excel to determine the level of impact of the number of training hours on the resulting safety performance. The analysis confirmed that the number of training hours had a strong impact on reducing safety incidents. The coefficient of determination (R2) demonstrated that the number of training hours accounted for 81% of the variance in the incidents rate. The study results should assist in quantifying the cost-benefits of implementing safety programs, and in justifying the mandating of a certain number of training hours.

Preliminary Benefits of Big Data in the Construction Industry: A Case Study

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Bernard Tuffour Atuahene ◽  
Sittimont Kanjanabootra ◽  
Thayaparan Gajendran
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Big Data Applications ◽  
Data Application ◽  
Construction Firm ◽  
Big Data Application ◽  
Tangible Benefit ◽  
Design Construction

Big data applications consist of i) data collection using big data sources, ii) storing and processing the data, and iii) analysing data to gain insights for creating organisational benefit. The influx of digital technologies and digitization in the construction process includes big data as one newly emerging digital technology adopted in the construction industry. Big data application is in a nascent stage in construction, and there is a need to understand the tangible benefit(s) that big data can offer the construction industry. This study explores the benefits of big data in the construction industry. Using a qualitative case study design, construction professionals in an Australian Construction firm were interviewed. The research highlights that the benefits of big data include reduction of litigation amongst projects stakeholders, enablement of near to real-time communication, and facilitation of effective subcontractor selection. By implication, on a broader scale, these benefits can improve contract management, procurement, and management of construction projects. This study contributes to an ongoing discourse on big data application, and more generally, digitization in the construction industry.

scholarly journals Productivity of harvesting and clearing of brushwood alongside forest roads

Silva Fennica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juha Laitila ◽  
Kari Väätäinen
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Average Volume ◽  
Time Consumption ◽  
Roadside Vegetation ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Stump Diameter

Expertise in the cost-efficient utilization and treatment of brushwood on forest roadside sites is limited. In the present study, the productivity of brushwood clearing and harvesting on forest roadside sites was defined by creating time-consumption models or parameters for the aforementioned working methods. Compiled time consumption models and parameters for the brushwood clearing and harvesting can be used as a basis for evaluating alternative management practices and to determine when brushwood biomass should be harvested and when it should be left to decay. The harvesting of brushwood was based on the harwarder system and the clearing of brushwood was done with a spiral cutter, which is a novel accessory for cutting roadside vegetation. Based on the study results, the average volume of harvested brushwood and forwarding distance are the key elements that have an effect on harvesting productivity with harwarders. Correspondingly, stump diameter has a strong impact on the clearing productivity of brushwood. The plot-wise productivity of the spiral cutter in brushwood clearings varied in the range of 0.19–0.61 ha per PMh. An increase in stump diameter slowed down the clearing productivity of the spiral cutter and there was a clear step downward in clearing productivity as the average diameter increased from 30 mm to 40 mm. The machinery under study operated well and there were no interruptions due to machine breakdowns.

scholarly journals Challenges for a Safe Workplace and Cope Up Strategy: A Case Study for Construction Industry in Sarawak, Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-60
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fazley Hossain Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Accident Rate ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Flow Dependency ◽  
Performance Behavior ◽  
Different Levels

Like many other parts of the globe, in Malaysia, construction industry has a vital support to the national economy, even though statistics indicates that, at the same time, it is an extremely risky profession due to high accident rate.  In addition, current evidences suggest that, in general, safety in Sarawak construction industries lack attention. As, human behavior is regarded as the principal component that contributes to accidents in this industry, this study intends to explore existing barriers in development and maintaining safety performance behavior as well as possible coping strategies. A qualitative analysis of in-depth interview (N=4) among different levels of professions within industries in Kuching, Sarawak reveals that, price sensitive subcontracting, short-term projects, irregular cash flow, dependency on larger companies, less managerial and supervisory engagement, and priority on progress alone create obstacles for safety behavior. On the other hand, possibly, the challenges can be managed through integration of safety into contracts as compliance, associated disbursement, and introducing incentives.  Keywords: Construction industry in Sarawak; safety performance behavior    

scholarly journals A step change in safety performance through critical control management

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Selleck
Keyword(s):  
Safety Climate ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
International Association ◽  
Step Change ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Large Power ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Control Management

The oil and gas construction industry experiences a high rate of unnecessary work-related fatalities. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) reported 54 fatalities in 40 fatal incidents in 2015. When assessing this against the use of IOGP Life-Saving Rules (LSRs), which contractors are required to adopt, the IOGP found that of the 40 fatal incident descriptions in 2015, at least 73% related to the IOGP LSRs. A program to apply a critical control management (CCM), or safety cased, approach to fatal hazards was trialled on construction sites in Australia and South Africa ranging from large power station constructions to offshore hook-up and commissioning to brownfields maintenance. The results demonstrated a step change in the safety performance occurred on projects where the CCM program was implemented. These projects have each demonstrated a significant improvement in recordable injuries, increases in hazard reporting and awareness, and almost complete elimination of high-potential incidents. Further investigation of the reasons for these results is the subject of a PhD project and includes: (1) understanding how the CCM program improves hazard awareness and decision making of frontline supervisors; (2) determining the effects CCM has on the safety climate of the organisation as detailed focus is applied on the effectiveness of controls that drive leadership decisions; and (3) investigating how CCM improves leadership at all levels of the organisation due to better information that allows tangible action to be taken to improve control effectiveness. This paper describes the progress of CCM program development, details present results and lessons learned, and provides a context for how CCM programs can be implemented in other organisations.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of ICO, DAOICO, IEO and STO. Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 6-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Myalo
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Rating Data ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The article examines the problem of the ICO (Initial Coin Offering, from English — “initial offer of coins, initial placement of coins”). The information source is the ICO rating data of the return on investment in blockchain startups. The methodological base of the research is a situational comparative analysis of the ICO, DAOICO, IEO and STO and systematization of information. The author analyzes three new ICO models. The first one includes elements of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO). Its aim is to minimize the difficulties and risks associated with the ICO. The second model (Initial Exchange Offering (IEO), from English — “primary exchange offer”) is designed to minimize risks, liquidity problems and a delay in listing tokens at the end of the token sale. The third model — the Security Token Offering (STO, from English — “offer of security token”) — was designed to support real assets and comply with the SEC requirements. These models are a new direction for small and medium enterprises and investors. The absence of any scientific work emphasizes the relevance and scientific novelty of the study. The article is a follow-up of the empirical work related to the success of the ICO, as well as the basis for its revision using the case study results.

Identification and ordering of safety performance indicators using fuzzy TOPSIS: a case study in Indian construction company

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpit Singh ◽  
Subhas C. Misra ◽  
Vinod Kumar ◽  
Uma Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Fuzzy Topsis ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Safety Equipment ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Order Assignment ◽  
Topsis Technique

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a practical framework to measure the safety performance of workers in the Indian construction industry. The key safety performance indicators are identified and ordered on the premise that the higher order assignment of an indicator implies a strong indication of an effective safety performance.Design/methodology/approachVarious indicators of safety performance in the construction industry were identified from extant literature review combined with author's personal viewpoint. The identified variables were inquired for appropriateness for the Indian construction scenario by consultation with experts. Fuzzy Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique was considered for the ranking of the indicators from most to least important.FindingsThe most important highlight of the study was the importance of the role of management by participating in informing workers about the safety rules and compliance toward safety measures. Proper and timely safety training to the workers and equipping them with sophisticated safety equipment for daily activities is perceived to be highly important in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace environment. Controlling the absenteeism rate reduces the burden of extra work on the employees, thereby, encouraging safe work-related behavior.Originality/valueSenior management should make safety induction programs compulsory at the time of joining of the employees. The guidelines for safety practices, rules and information about the safety equipment should be properly documented and arranged in safety manuals. Periodical drills involving visual demonstration of the safety practices should be followed to ensure safety at workplace.

scholarly journals Application of the TDABC model in the logistics process using different capacity cost rates

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Afonso ◽  
Alex Santana
Keyword(s):  
Cost Model ◽  
Deep Understanding ◽  
Activity Based Costing ◽  
Cost Rate ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Unused Capacity ◽  
Logistics Process ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Capacity Cost

Purpose: The understanding of logistics process in terms of costs and profitability is a complex task and there is a need of more research and applied work on these issues. In this research project, the concepts underlying Time-Driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC) have been used in the context of logistics costs.Design/methodology/approach: A Distribution Centre of wood and carpentry related materials has been studied. A multidisciplinary team has been composed to support the project including the researchers and three employees of the company responsible for accounting, logistics and warehousing. The design and implementation of the costing model asked for a deep understanding of the different tasks and processes that should be considered. Accordingly, a TDABC model for the logistics function was developed.Findings: The cost model presented here is supported on a series of time equations designed for the logistics function which allow the analysis and discussion of costs and profitability of different cost objects namely, products, clients, distribution channels, processes and activities. The cost of unused capacity and the effectiveness of logistics processes are also highlighted in this model.Research limitations/implications: In a case study, results and implications cannot be directly or immediately generalized. Nevertheless, the proposed time equations and cost model can be easily adapted to explain other types of logistics functions and it gives the foundations or other TDABC models with more than one capacity cost rate.Practical implications: The TDABC model developed in this case study can be used in similar cases and as a basis for the analysis of logistics costs in other logistics processes. Furthermore, managers can rely on the proposed approach to analyze products’ profitability and logistics cost structure. Originality/value: In this case, different capacity cost rates were computed in order to reflect appropriately the logistics function which was presented in two different processes: internal logistics and distribution. These processes have specific resources allocated and should be measured differently. This is in line with Kaplan and Anderson (2004, 2007) who have suggested a more complex TDABC model with more than one capacity cost rate for these situations.

scholarly journals Innovation in Road Freight Transport: Quantifying the Environmental Performance of Operational Cost-Reducing Practices

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentin Carlan ◽  
Christa Sys ◽  
Thierry Vanelslander
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Profit Margins ◽  
Operational Costs ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Environmental Emissions ◽  
Mode Of Transport ◽  
The Cost

Road transportation is a key mode of transport when it comes to ensuring the hinterland connection of most European ports. Constrained by low profit margins and having to be active in a highly competitive market, companies active in this sector seek multi-dimensional innovative solutions that lower their operational costs. These innovative initiatives also yield positive environmental effects. The latter however are poorly recognized. This paper investigates the characteristics of different types of chassis used to transport containers from and to the terminals in the port areas and looks into the details of operational planning practices. It analyses the cost-effectiveness of these innovative solutions highlighting both the costs and the environmental emissions they save. Transport data from a road hauler serving the hinterland connection of a port in Western Europe is used to build up a case study. Results show that by using special types of chassis, which enable the combination of transport tasks in round-trips, the operational costs are reduced by 25% to 35%, and equally the CO2 emissions are also decreased by 34% to 38%.

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