Framework for Understanding the Relationship between Lean and Safety in Construction
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abstract
Safety and lean aim at similar goals in making the construction process faster, better and safer (Main et al. 2008). This research intends to answer the basic question: Is there a relationship between lean and safety principles to help in reduction of waste and incidents? The primary objective of this research is to understand the relationship of lean and safety through risk and uncertainty reduction. A qualitative analysis of lean methods and safety practices in the construction industry will be derived. Relationships between lean methods and safety practices will also be studied and the impacts of safety on lean methods will be analyzed. A framework that expresses the relationship of lean and safety theories will yield an understanding of the relations. The proposed framework will provide a larger picture of the association of lean and safety will explore the common grounds used in the minimization of waste and risk. The limitation of this research lies in qualitative findings from the data collected. A quantitative analysis involving the documentation of project processes and safety data would further strengthen the relationships identified. On the contrary, a quantitative approach would not provide a perspective on a larger scale. The principles of lean and safety are aligned and the construction industry could benefit by their integration A relationship has been established between lean methods and safety programs. Lean methods add value and eliminate waste, and safety helps in risk mitigation. Thus, it is widely evident that lean and safety have a synergy that can be harnessed to create a safe, productive workplace.
