Ha, D. K. (2026) An evaluation and comparison of critical factors contributing to falls-from-height hazards in Vietnamese building projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 24(3), pp. 831-858. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – In Vietnam, falls-from-height (FFHs) are shaped by multiple factors; however, project participants hold differing perceptions of these risks. This study aims to analyze and establish an overall assessment model for fall-related hazards in building projects. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on a literature review and expert input, 28 relevant risk factors were identified within the Vietnamese context. Data were collected using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed through statistical techniques, including Cronbach's alpha, mean scores and analysis, t-tests, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). Findings – The results indicate that all identified factors exert a strong influence on FFHs. However, perceptions of risk varied among respondents based on their work experience, job position and project affiliation. Overall, most risks were rated as moderate to high in severity (mean = 3.0), with Unstable scaffolding and ladders emerging as the most critical factor (mean = 4.09). The 26 significant factors were categorized into four principal components that together explained 63% of the total variance: Component 1–Project characteristics, construction methods and site conditions; Component 2–Equipment, monitoring and training; Component 3–Time, culture and adaptation; and Component 4–Human consciousness. The FSE results confirmed a high overall impact of FFH risk factors, yielding an average score of 3.6 out of 5. The components were ranked in descending order of influence as follows: Component 1, Component 2, Component 4 and Component 3. Research limitations/implications – This study establishes a foundation for future research aimed at developing a robust model for assessing FFH risks in construction. Practical implications – The proposed model of FFH factors and their components provides evidence-based guidance for prioritizing and developing targeted interventions in key areas such as worker training, on-site supervision, material quality management and policy enforcement. Originality/value – This study highlights the critical importance of aligning stakeholder perceptions regarding fall-related risks.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction management; fall accidents; falls-from-height; fuzzy synthetic evaluation; risk assessment; safety management |
| Index terms: | supervision, variance, literature review, consciousness, monitoring, methodology, prioritizing, exploratory factor analysis, evidence, risk factor, safety management, drawing, falls, Likert scale, Vietnam, quality management, questionnaire, scaffolding, construction method, critical factor, fuzzy synthetic evaluation, adaptation, enforcement, risk assessment |
| Subjects: | Geography, research methods, evaluation and assessment methods, user focus, control systems, quality assurance, data collection methods, decision analysis, technical documentation, data analysis and analytics, occupational health and safety management, risk assessment, measurement and scaling, statistical analysis, operations management, building construction, health safety and environment, health risk and incident analysis, human factors and perception, environmental hazards, decision-making and optimization, financial risk |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Design Practice, Health and Safety, Cost Management, Sustainability, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Quality Management, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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