The Relationship between Safety and Quality Management in Construction

Construction companies are constantly dealing with project safety and quality issues. Research indicates that characteristics of successful safety management are similar to those of successful quality management. A survey of construction contractors in Wisconsin was conducted to investigate what they think and do in regards to safety and quality management. Results indicate that management commitment, employee involvement, training, and communication were perceived as the most effective characteristics of safety and quality management. Perceived benefits of safety management were reduced claims and workers compensation premiums. Perceived benefits of quality management were more repeat customers and reduced rework. Barriers to safety were costs associated with training and enforcement, and barriers to quality were lack of skilled workers and the low-bid contract award process. Contractors who reported the use of ”hard measures” for safety performance, such as inspections/audits, process for collecting safety measures, and a ”near-miss” reporting, had significantly better self-reported safety outcome measures.

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