Evaluating Risk Indices for Execution Plans of Construction Activities: Energy Sources Approach

Abstract

The growing concern for occupational health and safety in construction is reflected in many preventive measures taken against the risks associated with hazardous activities. However, methods for systematic assessment of hazards and risks are not straightforward to apply or lacking consistency. This paper proposes a method for risk index evaluation based on the energy sources associated with particular project situations and construction processes being planned. The method developed in this paper is associated with the ten significant types of energy release categorized by the American Society of Safety Professionals (namely: Mechanical, Biological, Temperature, Chemical, Pressure, Electrical, Radiation, Sound, Gravity and Motion). This study is intended to identify relevant energy release sources responsible for susceptibility to potential hazards on the project. The calculation of the risk index includes the assessment of the probability and severity of each associated factor based on an analysis of the applicable OHS code and planning of the construction process. A demonstration case is described to show the applicability of the model.