APPLYING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS TO SAFETY PERFORMANCE EVALUATION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Abstract

This article presents a method for safety performance evaluation in construction projects by using a technique data envelopment analysis (DEA) which is linear programming model. The evaluation was comparisons of efficiency where means inputs and outputs in the safety performance of 12similar construction projects. In this case, the inputs were expenses in health care, expenses in safety training, expenses in up-gradation of process-related tools, instruments, machines, materials leading to safe and healthy environment, and expenses on safety equipment and tools. The outputs were accident that do not cause any disability and do not involve any lost work days, accident that do not cause any disability but involve lost work days, accident that cause temporary disability, accident that cause permanent partial disability, and accident that cause permanent full disability or fatality. Results found the technique was applicable. The efficiencies of the 12 construction projects were ranked between the highest efficiency (1.000) to the lowest (0.533). The results could be lead to a making decision in defining an appropriate safety budget for construction contractors or project owners in the future projects.