https://doi.org/10.24928/2024/0178

Promoting Health and Safety on UK Construction Sites Using Lean Construction Strategies

Himesh Chaudhari¹, Saad Sarhan², Mohammed Abdelmegid³, Ali Saad⁴ & Mani Poshdar⁵

¹Site Engineer, Laing O’Rourke, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, [email protected]
²Programme Director and Assistant Professor in Advanced Engineering Management, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham Dubai, UAE, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-0105-2350
³Lecturer in Engineering Management, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, UK, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0001-6205-570X
⁴Lecturer in Construction Engineering and Project Management, School of Architecture Building & Civil Engineering, University of Loughborough, UK, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-3413-4483
⁵Programme Director and Senior lecturer, Auckland University of Technology, Built Environment Engineering, New Zealand, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0001-9132-2985

Abstract

Poor health and safety (H&S) conditions in the construction industry are linked to ill-defined social and economic factors. To mitigate poor construction H&S performance, it has been widely recommended that Lean Construction (LC) strategies be adopted. Existing literature shows a strong correlation between implementing LC and improving construction H&S performance. However, limited research utilises qualitative research based on primary data to understand the perspectives of experts with real-world experience on the LC/H&S relationship. To address this gap, we conducted a novel study interviewing eight highly experienced LC experts to gain insights into how LC can enhance H&S in construction projects. Going beyond theory, we conceptualised a model linking key LC methods to root causes of H&S accidents to enable tangible improvements. This model intends to guide construction professionals in adopting and implementing LC strategies to foster safer construction workplaces. Our findings affirm and extend prior research by emphasising the efficacy of LC methods in improving H&S performance in construction projects.

Keywords

Lean Construction, Health and Safety, Accidents, Waste, Flow

Files

Reference

Chaudhari, H. , Sarhan, S. , Abdelmegid, M. , Saad, A. & Poshdar, M. 2024. Promoting Health and Safety on UK Construction Sites Using Lean Construction Strategies, Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 32) , 548-559. doi.org/10.24928/2024/0178

Download: BibTeX | RIS Format