Assessing the impact of green building features on the occupational safety and health of construction workers

Abstract

Introduction: The construction industry is known to be among the most dangerous, given the rate of incidents and hazards to workers. However, with the shift from conventional to sustainable construction, green building features introduce new concerns for on-site hazards that put workers at higher risk. Method: This study conducted a review of existing literature to identify green building features associated with hazards or otherwise having health and safety implications for the construction industry. In addition to the literature review, this study also employed a review of construction fatality reports from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This analysis focused on identifying instances where features associated with green building in the literature were implied to have caused incidents as reported in the fatality reports, using content analysis as the primary methodological approach. This meticulous method allowed for systematic examination of data, revealing patterns and connections between specific green building features and occupational safety. Results: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of safety considerations within green building projects. The study identifies hazards that may pose risk in these projects by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence. It highlights safety protocols for construction stakeholders to prioritize while implementing on-site green building features. Practical Applications: This understanding can inform construction practices and safety guidelines to foster safer working environments in the context of sustainable construction within the construction industry.