Comparison of Worker Safety Risks between Onsite and Offsite Construction Methods: A Site Management Perspective
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 146, Issue 9
Abstract
Many researchers, as well as industry practitioners, believe that offsite construction methods are associated with a lower level of worker safety risks than traditional onsite construction methods. This study aims to test such belief by comparing the list of worker safety risks identified by site supervisors for both onsite and offsite construction scenarios for the same building components. Specifically, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)—prejob hazard assessments required by law in Australia—were collected from two projects where offsite manufacturing has been used, and they were used as a basis for the investigation. Additionally, interviews were conducted with the site supervisors who developed the Statements for a more in-depth investigation of the worker safety risks involved with onsite and offsite construction methods, respectively. The analysis reveals that the total risk score (the higher the score, the more numerous the safety risks) would decrease in the offsite construction scenarios in each case, mainly due to significantly fewer work-at-height tasks included in the offsite construction scenarios. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing an empirical, evidence-based explanation for why offsite construction can help reduce safety risks on construction sites.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by an Incheon National University Research Grant in 2017.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 146 • Issue 9 • September 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 30, 2019
Accepted: Mar 23, 2020
Published online: Jun 26, 2020
Published in print: Sep 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Nov 26, 2020
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