Identifying the Safety Risk Factors of Falsework during Building Construction Project through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling

A temporary structure known as falsework is crucial for supporting the weight of building materials, labor, and equipment during building construction projects. However, falsework also poses significant safety risks to both workers and the public. The collapse of falsework can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and substantial financial losses. Therefore, it is imperative to identify safety risk factors associated with falsework to minimize accidents and ensure a secure working environment. This study, focused on territory of Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang, with utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to ascertain safety risk factors related to falsework in Malaysian building construction projects. The aim of this research is to help stakeholders in term of reducing accidents and promoting a safe working environment for workers. The research combines a quantitative approach through a questionnaire survey and a case study project to achieve its goals. The data collection process involves distributing questionnaires to selected individuals with experience related to falsework. The targeted study area comprises skilled workers competent in handling falsework, including Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Falsework Specialists, Safety Officers, and Falsework Installers. Surveys were disseminated to a sample size of 119 individuals, targeting companies located in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang. Furthermore, the study incorporates a literature review to identify key variables related to stakeholders' behavior towards technology changes and safety performance, encompassing human, technical, management, and environmental factors. A conceptual framework is developed as the final product of this research, and hypotheses are formulated to establish relationships between these variables. Data collected through the survey is analyzed using SEM techniques to validate the hypotheses. Based on the developed framework, the main findings of research show the most contributing factors to the falsework failure are technical factors combined with either management factors or environment factors. By referring to the developed framework, guidelines can be utilized by companies in the construction industry and government regulators to ensure that safety standards are met, thereby safeguarding workers from undue injury. This research is instrumental in enhancing the safety and well-being of construction workers in Malaysia by understanding the relationship between safety risk factors associated with falsework and their causes.