Identification of Potential Demolition Hazard Attributes: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Approach

Abstract

Hazard assessment is a crucial task in demolition projects because of their complex and dynamic nature. Any demolition project involves dangerous activities causing risks to workers and the neighborhood. However, past research indicates that many demolition hazards remain unrecognized, exposing workers to uncertain risks. Moreover, safety research has not adequately focused on the identification and assessment methods of demolition hazards. Therefore, this study attempts to develop and present a three-level hierarchical framework that can evaluate demolition project hazards by utilizing exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The research methodology follows two sequential phases. The attributes list was prepared in the first phase through the literature study of research articles and code of practices. The knowledge acquisition approach using a questionnaire survey was adopted to know the importance of the attributes. In the second phase, the data were analyzed using EFA. Finally, the face validation technique was adopted to validate the proposed framework. The EFA of 314 valid responses extracted 29 potential attributes of demolition project hazards in eight different components and developed a holistic and comprehensive three-level hierarchical framework. The outcomes explore the various hazards that occur at the demolition site and draw stakeholders’ attention to take remedial actions accordingly. The results of this study also help the governing authorities in establishing the laws and regulations to control the demolition project hazards. The EFA technique utilized in this study proves to be a more prominent tool for identifying potential hazards of a demolition project. Further, this study will contribute to developing the demolition project hazard index (DPHI) that reveals project hazard levels.