Confined site construction: An empirical analysis of factors impacting health and safety management

John P. Spillane, Lukumon O. Oyedele, Jason Von Meding

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)
    1346 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify, clarify and tabulate the various managerial issues encountered, to aid in the management of the complex health and safety concerns which occur within a confined construction site environment.

    Design/methodology/approach – This is achieved through conducting extensive qualitative and qualitative research in the form of case studies, interviews and questionnaire survey.

    Findings – The leading managerial issues in the management of health and safety on a confined construction site are found to be: “Difficulty to move materials around site safely”; “Lack of adequate room for the effective handling of materials”; “Difficulty in ensuring site is tidy and all plant and materials are stored safely”; “Close proximity of individuals to operation of large plant and machinery”; and joint fifth “Difficulty in ensuring proper arrangement and collection of waste materials on-site” along with “Difficulty in controlling hazardous materials and equipment on site”.

    Practical implications – The resulting implication for practice of these results can be summarised by identifying that with sustained development of urban centres on a global scale, coupled with the increasing complexity of architectural designs, the majority of on-site project management professionals are faced with the onerous task of completing often intricate designs within a limited spatial environment, under strict health and safety parameters.

    Originality/value – The subsequent value of the findings are such that just as on-site management professionals successfully identify the various managerial issues highlighted, the successful management of health and safety on a confined construction site is attainable.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)397-420
    Number of pages24
    JournalJournal of Engineering, Design and Technology
    Volume10
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Keywords

    • Ireland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Construction industry, Construction works, Health and safety, Project management, Brownfield sites, Project planning, Urban development, Brownfield development, Case studies

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Engineering

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