lean safety
The Influence of Implementation Lean Tools on Safety in Construction Projects in Gaza Strip.
Mohammed Abu Zaiter
Civil engineer , IUG, Gaza , PALESTINE
E - mail : abu_alaihab@hotmail.com
Abstract: lean construction approach is a new set of tools to improve project performance (e.g., productivity, quality and safety) by increasing the profit and minimizing waste. This paper aims to investigate the implementation of lean tools in construction project and its impact on safety conditions in Gaza Strip. The following tools were discussed: last planner, increased visualization and 5s process. This is an exploratory research conduct for diagnosing the situation where construction management in Gaza from using lean construction tools and new safety techniques. The data collection methods included direct observations, interviews and questionnaire. It was found that there is a significant weakness in the learning environment in construction projects thus there is limited amount of knowledge about lean construction tools and other new safety techniques. Training will be a key aspect of implementation and success of the lean construction techniques to increase safety conditions at the site. This training may result in an increased burden in early stages of implementation but over the long haul, it will serve to increase the efficiency and safety level of construction companies. Further research is needed to investigate to find how to distinguish improving productivity and minimizing waste which have great influence on safety conditions.
Keywords : Lean construction, safety, last planner, 5s process.
1 Introduction
Improving the productivity in construction is a great challenge facing the construction industry (Abdelhamid 2004). Achieving smooth work flow with minimal waste requires not only appropriate construction planning, but also effective production management (Sack et al., 2010). Increasing safety is critical in the
Mohammed Abu Zaiter
Civil engineer , IUG, Gaza , PALESTINE
E - mail : abu_alaihab@hotmail.com
Abstract: lean construction approach is a new set of tools to improve project performance (e.g., productivity, quality and safety) by increasing the profit and minimizing waste. This paper aims to investigate the implementation of lean tools in construction project and its impact on safety conditions in Gaza Strip. The following tools were discussed: last planner, increased visualization and 5s process. This is an exploratory research conduct for diagnosing the situation where construction management in Gaza from using lean construction tools and new safety techniques. The data collection methods included direct observations, interviews and questionnaire. It was found that there is a significant weakness in the learning environment in construction projects thus there is limited amount of knowledge about lean construction tools and other new safety techniques. Training will be a key aspect of implementation and success of the lean construction techniques to increase safety conditions at the site. This training may result in an increased burden in early stages of implementation but over the long haul, it will serve to increase the efficiency and safety level of construction companies. Further research is needed to investigate to find how to distinguish improving productivity and minimizing waste which have great influence on safety conditions.
Keywords : Lean construction, safety, last planner, 5s process.
1 Introduction
Improving the productivity in construction is a great challenge facing the construction industry (Abdelhamid 2004). Achieving smooth work flow with minimal waste requires not only appropriate construction planning, but also effective production management (Sack et al., 2010). Increasing safety is critical in the
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