ZEMCH 2019 International Conference Proceedings April.2020 | Page 257
1. Introduction
1.1. Research Background
Modular construction has been applied to a variety of applications such as dormitory and hotel
construction because it can reduce input of field workers, shorten construction duration and save
energy [1]. Recently, Korea is also applying to residential facilities as a solution to urban housing
shortages. Modular construction is less affected by the external environment, with 70‐80% of the work
done in the manufacturing plant. It has an advantage in terms of safety compared to the traditional
construction method where work is performed only on site [2‐3]. In particular, it is possible to switch
vertical work form of traditional construction site to the horizontal work form of the factory production
line, thereby reducing accidents caused by falling and falling objects, which are highly concerned about
safety accidents [4]. Therefore, modular construction is generally regarded as safer than traditional
construction methods [5].
Contrary to this general perception, however, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that
accident rates in modular and prefabricated buildings are much higher than in general construction
and manufacturing [6]. Furthermore, McGrawʹs report found that there were no significant changes in
safety in a survey of modular construction workers [7].
These results raise doubts about the general perception of safety in relation to construction
accidents in modular construction. Most of the existing studies that evaluate modular construction as
a safe construction method have considered field‐oriented safety [8]. However, considering that most
of the processes in modular construction take place in the manufacturing plant, it is necessary to
consider the work in the plant along with the site. According to a report by the Korean Ministry of
Employment and Labor, the death rate in the manufacturing industry is the second highest among all
industries and the highest rate of injury accidents [9]. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the safety
management plan of modular construction considering both process of manufacturing and
construction.
Safety accidents in the construction industry are considered indispensable management factors for
successful project execution because they affect the cost, schedule and quality of the project [10‐12]. In
order to prevent accidents in modular construction projects, it is necessary to make a safety plan in
advance.
Therefore, this study classifies the types of accidents based on the modular construction‐related
accidents recorded in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and analyzes the
accident causes. At this time, it is divided into manufacturing process and construction process of
modular construction and analyzed for each work.
1.2. Research Procedure and Scope
This study deals with safety accidents that occur in the manufacturing and construction processes
of the modular construction project. Modular accidents used in the study are limited to those occurring
in OSHA 2000 to 2018. The study proceeds according to the following procedure. First, this study
examines previous studies on modular construction safety management. Second, collect OSHAʹs
modular accident case data and classify the accident type and work activity based on description. Third,
prepare a map according to the root cause analysis procedure and analyze the causes of each accident
case. Fourth, based on the analysis results, the major accident activity, accident types, and causes of
accidents in modular construction are identified. Finally, the importance of the cause analysis is
identified and the reduction measures are suggested.
Cause Analysis of Safety Accident focusing on Modular Construction
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