Blockchain-integrated zero-knowledge proof system for privacy-preserving near-miss reporting in construction projects

Effective management of near-miss data is essential for proactive safety practices in construction. Traditional reporting and management methods face challenges such as data loss, susceptibility to manipulation, and poor traceability, which undermine their reliability and collaborative efforts. Blockchain technology can enhance data integrity, security, transparency, and reliability in safety data management. However, conventional Layer-1 blockchain systems require third-party verification processes, compromising participant anonymity—crucial for effective near-miss reporting and incur high transaction fees, presenting several practical concerns. To address these issues, this paper developed and tested a zero-knowledge proof and Layer-2 blockchain integrated system for near-miss reporting. This system was validated through a proof-of-concept and hypothetical case study, achieving perfect unlinkability with a degree of anonymity scored at d = 1 and reducing the cost of report submission to USD 0.0011. These advances significantly contribute toward proactive safety management in construction by facilitating safe reporting environments and cost-effective near-miss management.