Comparative Analysis of Health and Safety Benefits: Prefabricated Construction vs. Traditional Building Methods in Sindh

Abstract

Prefabricated construction, an innovative approach to building, holds immense potential for revolutionizing the construction landscape, yet its implications for worker health and safety in the Sindh region of Pakistan remain inadequately explored. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive investigation into the health and safety benefits associated with prefabricated warehouse construction in comparison to traditional building methods. Through an extensive literature review, a multitude of advantages linked to prefabricated construction emerged, ranging from environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved resilience against natural elements to ergonomic advantages that alleviate physical strain and lower the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among workers. Furthermore, empirical data gathered from 30 construction professionals in Sindh underscored additional benefits, including noise reduction, decreased reliance on formwork, and diminished need for bending during construction activities. Employing the Relative Importance Index (RII) technique, the study ranked these benefits. The mitigation of health and safety threats linked to confined spaces topped the list as the most significant advantage with an RII score of 0.793. Additionally, "Safeguard against natural hazards such as wind and rain" and "Mitigate construction-related falls, trips, and slips" ranked second and third, respectively, with considerable RII scores. However, variations in prioritization across studies highlight the nuanced nature of safety considerations in prefabricated construction, emphasizing the necessity for tailored safety management approaches. Overall, this research sheds light on the substantial health and safety advantages offered by prefabricated construction, thereby informing future practices and policies in the construction industry.