Evaluation of Construction Process Safety Solutions Using the TOPSIS Method

Abstract

The paper discusses the problem of selecting construction process safety solutions which secure employee health and safety on construction sites. To achieve this, the causes of severe accidents on construction sites have been analyzed, factors which cause accidents at work in construction companies have been studied; a comprehensive literature review has been made, assesing all statistical data and employee health and safety improvement perspectives as well as their application in construction practice. The selection problem is stated as a mathematical multi-purpose solution making task. It expresses the management solution making problem mathematically.Investigation of severe accidents on construction sites shows that over two thirds of accidents are caused by poor work organization, lack of supervision and control as well as underestimation of professional risks. This high level of injuries is brought about not only by noncompliance with employees’ health and safety requirements, but also by factors and violations having to do with traffic, noncompliance with fire and electricity safety requirements, lack of work discipline, which is mainly displayed by usage of alcohol at work, as well as other causes. Other important factors that directly impact the number of accidents in the construction sector are the lack of training and knowledge as well as the lack of awareness of safe execution of assigned work.Studies of the dependencies between workplace accidents and their causes show that the prevailing accidents are the following: high falls, collisions with vehicles, stumbling and falling as well as falling objects. They usually result in severe and lethal outcomes.The paper emphasizes that work safety in various building construction activities can be achieved not only by collective and individual means, evaluation of professional risk, employee briefing on safety measures, but also by efficient work organization and appropriate working environment. To implement the above mentioned, the most effective solution must be found. One of the methods used to determine the priorities of safe operation in a construction company is the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method.The effectiveness level of safety solutions for a construction process depends on numerous quantitative and qualitative indices affecting the process; their impact is evaluated in terms of their value and significance. Since the significance of quantitative and qualitative indices depends on their values, the latter should be taken into consideration. Furthermore, it is necessary to coordinate the significances of quantitative and qualitative indices in terms of their value and significance. To achieve the above-mentioned goals, the authors developed an integrated index significance determination method, in view of their quantitative and qualitative characteristics.The paper discusses the selection of objects and indicators that are under consideration. An anonymous survey was carried out with the help of questionnaires designed for the purpose. Six average-size construction companies engaged in constructing individual dwelling-houses participated in the survey. A single-storey house with an attic and no basement was selected as a study object.