Masrom, M A N; Chan, M; Ohueri, C C; Mohd Ramlee, N H and Omar, R (2025) Construction safety improvement framework for mass rapid transit projects. Construction Innovation, 25(7), pp. 189-212. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Construction sites are among the most hazardous working environments globally, with over 108,000 fatal accidents recorded annually. Contractors’ significant role in implementing safety in construction sites has been emphasized. However, a contractor-driven safety framework that addresses the multifaceted safety challenges of complex projects like mass rapid transit (MRT) is lacking, undermining contractors’ potential to ensure the safety of construction workers. This study aims to develop the construction safety improvement framework (CSIF) to enable contractors to effectively address emerging challenges in construction safety management. Design/methodology/approach: A case study of an ongoing MRT construction project in Malaysia was used. Data collection included in-depth interviews and focus group discussion with contractors, engineers, and safety managers in MRT projects. Data was analyzed via thematic content analysis, to inform the development of CSIF. Findings: The findings illustrate CSIF components, which encompass five pivotal safety improvement measures: gamified training, mental health support, technological advancements, environmental health, and emergency preparedness. Originality/value: This paper’s originality stems from the development of the CSIF, which introduces a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to improving construction safety, going beyond conventional methods. By incorporating recent advancements, this research makes a unique contribution to the theoretical foundation of construction safety and provides valuable insights into safety practices designed for complex construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accidents; case study; construction; performance; qualitative study; safety management |
| Index terms: | environmental health, qualitative study, engineer, case study, Malaysia, mental health, construction worker, complex project, content analysis, construction site, emergency preparedness, focus group, interview, manager, construction safety, safety management, construction project, methodology |
| Subjects: | research methods, production management, Geography, strategic project management, practitioner, health conditions and diseases, occupational health and safety management, environmental health, safety engineering, work location, data analysis and analytics, research design and methodology, data collection methods, profession |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Project Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here