New study from LTU’s Construction Safety Research Center wants frontline supervisors empowered to create a robust safety culture

SOUTHFIELD-Keeping construction workers safe on the job requires planning. But what's the most effective way to build that plan, and who should carry it out?

A new study conducted by the Construction Safety Research Center at Lawrence Technological University asserts that it all starts with construction frontline supervisors, the people who work directly with construction crews on the job site.

Combining the results of two national surveys, meetings with construction safety experts, and a review of prior studies, the new study identifies 19 safety actions that could be undertaken by frontline supervisors to improve safety performance.

The study emphasizes that effective safety plans must be implemented and managed by frontline supervisors, not separate safety experts within a construction firm-since having only safety personnel discuss safety issues can portray those issues as non-essential, and not core to the construction process.

Said Ahmed Al-Bayati, Ph.D., LTU associate professor of civil and architectural engineering and founding director of the CSRC: "Building a robust construction safety culture and climate is essential for ensuring workers' well-being and the project's success. However, this can only be achieved with a clearly defined list of desirable safety actions and an effective action appraisal framework."

Among the 19 actions the study recommended for frontline supervisors: Empowering their crews to stop work when a task changes or becomes unsafe, issuing frequent safety reminders, ensuring workers are wearing the proper personal protective equipment, and recording and reporting workplace accident "near-misses."

"Establishing a comprehensive list of safety actions provides a foundation for accountability and continuous improvement," Al-Bayati said. "It helps teams understand what is expected regarding safety practices, leading to a shared commitment to maintaining high standards. Furthermore, an appraisal framework allows for evaluating these actions, helping to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for ongoing training and engagement. Incorporating regular feedback loops into this framework ensures everyone has a voice in the safety dialogue, promoting a culture where safety is prioritized at every level. By fostering open communication and an environment of trust, we can create not just compliance but genuine care for one another's safety."

The study has been published in the online journal Advances in Civil Engineering. To view the study, visit https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6219987.

Al-Bayati's co-authors on the study are Keith Kowalkowski, associate professor and assistant chair of the LTU Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, and Daniela Schröter, associate professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University

Al-Bayati also credited E. Jane Davidson, author of "Evaluation Methodology Basics: The Nuts and Bolts of Sound Evaluation," for helping revise the study rubric.

The study was funded by the Construction Safety Research Center's members: Associated Builders and Contractors Southeastern Michigan; The Bouma Corporation; Barton Malow; Carhartt Inc.; Jim Foucher, P.E.; Andrew Rener, PhD, PE, DBIA, F. ASCE; DTE Energy; Frank Rewold & Sons Inc.; MISS DIG 811; the City of Kalamazoo; and City of Southfield.

Lawrence Technological Universityis one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation's top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation's top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report list it in the top tier of the best Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, "theory and practice" education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech's 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.

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