Sustainable Construction Safety with CIO Frameworks

The construction industry is one of the most hazardous sectors globally, characterized by high rates of workplace accidents and injuries. Risks such as working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to hazardous materials make safety a critical concern. Despite safety regulations and protocols, incidents remain frequent, leading to injuries or fatalities. This study addresses these challenges by leveraging Continuous Improvement Operations (CIO) methodologies, specifically the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework, to enhance workplace safety. A decade-long analysis of CRH Construction’s safety data identified patterns in workplace incidents and systemic risk factors. Interventions were proposed to bolster operational resilience, including real-time hazard detection, enhanced worker training, and site reorganization using 5S and Kanban tools. These strategies streamlined safety processes and reduced risks. Key outcomes include a 57% reduction in accident frequency and $12.63 million in annual cost savings by 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating sustainability with risk mitigation. Just-in-Time resource allocation and automated safeguards (Jidoka) further improved efficiency, reduced waste, and strengthened emergency response. The study emphasizes the importance of proactive safety culture and continuous feedback in sustaining risk-aware operations. It advocates for adopting nature-based design and adaptive technologies to future-proof infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights into applying CIO frameworks to strengthen sustainable risk management and advance socially responsible, climate-resilient engineering practices.