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Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Ovad Kima, Alon Urlainis, Kun-Chi Wang and Igal M. Shohet

This research aims to enhance understanding of the safety climate within small and medium-sized construction enterprises (SMEs). By conducting an in-depth analysis of safety…

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Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to enhance understanding of the safety climate within small and medium-sized construction enterprises (SMEs). By conducting an in-depth analysis of safety practices and management approaches in this sector, it identifies critical gaps and provides actionable recommendations to improve the safety climate in construction SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated method approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative elements. A fishbone diagram model was developed to categorize key safety factors into four categories: Workers, Equipment, Management and Environment. Based on these categories, core safety parameters for SMEs were derived. A 42-question survey was developed and distributed to foremen across various construction sites in Eilat, Israel, aiming to capture diverse safety practices and illuminate the specific safety practices within these SMEs.

Findings

Key findings underscore variability in safety management practices across different sites, emphasizing management’s role and the prioritization of equipment and environment in safety protocols. The study revealed a strong correlation between higher safety scores and reduced accident rates, highlighting the efficacy of robust safety management. The research also correlates financial investment in safety with improved outcomes yet stresses the importance of strategic resource deployment, particularly in settings with limited resources. Additionally, inconsistencies in near-miss reporting were identified, suggesting the need for standardization to leverage these incidents for safety enhancement.

Research limitations/implications

The research has certain limitations, including its narrow geographical focus on the city of Eilat, situated in a southern and arid region that presents specific climate challenges. Another limitation is the relatively small sample size, consisting of 20 sites. However, it is important to note that the significance of the findings has been rigorously assessed using test statistics, which have yielded satisfactory levels of significance.

Practical implications

The research establishes a practical framework for the development, management and maintenance of a safety climate in construction SMEs. Clear leading indicators are defined, enabling construction SMEs to cultivate a sustainable safety climate, enhance safety measures and prevent work accidents.

Social implications

The research presents a comprehensive theoretical and practical framework for establishing, managing and controlling the safety climate in construction SMEs. It introduces leading indicators as effective tools for enhancing the safety climate in SMEs, offering a robust framework for cultivating a sustainable safety environment at both the site and company levels.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into the safety climate of construction SMEs, offering a foundation for targeted improvements and informing future research directions in construction safety management. This analysis highlights SMEs' unique challenges and practices, providing valuable perspectives for enhancing safety in this critical construction industry sector.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2008

Kun Qi, Xu Chen and Guo‐Quan Lu

Traditional chip‐level interconnection materials show many weaknesses given the development trend of microelectronic packaging technology. In order to meet the needs of…

Abstract

Purpose

Traditional chip‐level interconnection materials show many weaknesses given the development trend of microelectronic packaging technology. In order to meet the needs of high‐temperature packaging for wide‐bandgap semiconductors, low‐temperature sintered nano‐silver as a novel semiconductor device‐metallized substrate interconnection material is being developed. One phenomenon that larger interconnection area would cause poor interconnection quality had been found in the industry butut the mechanisms were never previously studied. This paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The changes in the shear strengths and microstructures of nano‐silver joints induced by the changes of interconnection areas were investigated by shear tests and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The increased interconnection area blocks the organic components to be burnout and causes a higher pore ratio. Thus, it reduces the bonding quality. To ensure a good and steady sintering quality, the interconnection area should be limited to 3 × 3 mm2.

Research limitations/implications

A sintering technology or paste with oxygen agent will be studied in the future.

Originality/value

A relationship of shear strength and interconnection area of sintering joints with nano‐silver paste was observed.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

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