Evaluation of Mobile Risk Perception Training System for Improving the Safety Awareness of Construction Workers

Abstract

Toolbox Meeting (TBM) activities conducted before work at construction sites are representative activities with characteristics such as work sharing and improving safety awareness. However, there is a limitation to the conventional TBM approach as it proceeds only formally and is not systematic because it proceeds without the manager’s prior preparation. Therefore, in this study, TBM was conducted using a mobile app by supplementing the limitation of conventional TBMs, and we examined whether mobile TBM is more effective in improving the safety awareness of construction site workers. A survey of 400 people was conducted at two sites implementing existing TBM or mobile TBM. This study included survey development, survey target selection, and statistical analysis. The analysis revealed three main results. First, mobile TBM was more efficient. Second, workers at mobile TBM application sites (M = 4.24) were more positive and satisfied with daily safety activities than those using existing TBMs (M = 3.95). Finally, the impact of TBM education and worker safety awareness was higher in sites using mobile TBM (M = 4.14) than those using existing TBM (M = 3.94). This study provides valuable evidence for construction site safety management decision-makers considering the adoption of smart safety management tools such as mobile TBMs.