Management Perspective of the Balanced Scorecard to Measure Safety Culture in Construction Projects in Singapore

Abstract

The construction industry is perceived to be a dangerous industry. Since 1994, fatalities and accidents in the construction industry in Singapore have continued unabated despite stringent legislation and regulation. The frequency and severity of occupational accidents and injuries of the construction industry in Singapore are high. Construction organisations are becoming more aware that controlling physical aspects and technical hazards are not the only way to reduce accidents. However, these organisations lack the insight for the development of effective performance measures and metrics needed to achieve a comprehensive safety system. Most safety performance measurement systems have been preoccupied with the negative consequence of site accidents rather than pro-active prevention strategies.

This paper reports the findings of a study into the development of a performance measurement tool using Balanced Scorecard to measure safety performance on site. The authors discussed a framework and presented the results of a survey to identify the management goals that would contribute to a positive safety culture. The results of a survey conducted by this study suggest that safety culture on construction sites can be improved by achieving four management related goals. The goals are top management commitment to improving safety, selecting more safety-aware subcontractors, having a workforce that is competent, professional and capable of completing the project within the required safety requirements.

Keywords:

• construction safety
• balanced score card
• management perspective
• culture
• Singapore