Risk level reduction in construction sites: Towards a computer aided methodology – A case study

Abstract

There has been increased concern in the evaluation of risk in the construction field and it is common to have it performed for every task, function and machine. Nonetheless this commonly used approach does not take into account most of the intrinsic variables inherent to a site construction and hence several factors reported in literature, as well as experience based analysis, suggest that spatial and temporal variables have a strong influence on risk level distribution. To evaluate the impact of these factors a study was conducted concerning the simultaneity of risks in the construction of an Aged People Hostel, in the district of Braga, Portugal. A method was developed in order to reduce peaks of previously estimated risk levels through the reorganization of tasks in time and space attaining a substantial reduction in peak risk tasks. This study, along with the increasing availability of computing tools pertaining to the construction area, demonstrates the necessity for the development of new strategies regarding integrated risk management and planning during the project phase that substantially mitigate risk peaks during construction. Keywords: Computer aided methodology, Occupational health and safety, Risk evaluation, Risk distribution chronogram