Influence of Lean Concepts on Safety in the Lebanese Construction Industry

Mohamad A. Awada1, Bachir S. Lakkis2, Ali R. Doughan3 & Farook R. Hamzeh4

1Undergrad Student, Civil and Environmental Engineer, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +96171471035, [email protected]
2Undergrad Student, Civil and Environmental Engineer, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +96171340172, [email protected]
3Undergrad Student, Civil and Environmental Engineer, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +96170006345, [email protected]
44Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +9611350000, [email protected]

Abstract

Lean management is a philosophy that aims at streamlining processes in the workplace to improve value and minimize waste. This paper examines the impact of implementing lean concepts on reducing work accidents in the construction industry in Lebanon. Three concepts will be studied and evaluated: the Last Planner System, Visualization, and the “Five S” Process. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was prepared and addressed to professionals in the field involved in different construction projects to display their opinion towards these concepts. The conducted study indicated that most engineers and managers are interested in implementing new construction management processes, while also maximizing value and minimizing waste on their projects. The majority of respondents agreed that there is a significant influence of lean concepts on safety in construction sites. The study also identifies that the lack of knowledge and understanding of the lean philosophy and concepts, and the lack of transparency among project participants act as a major constraint against implementing the three lean concepts, addressed in this study, in the Lebanese construction industry.

Keywords

Lebanon; Safety; Lean Management; Last Planner System; Visualization; Five S Process

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Reference

Awada, M. A. , Lakkis, B. S. , Doughan, A. R. & Hamzeh, F. R. 2016. Influence of Lean Concepts on Safety in the Lebanese Construction Industry, 24th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

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