The Productivity–Safety Nexus: The Impact of Human Factors on Operational Efficiency in Construction Projects

This paper explores the relationship between human factors in construction safety and their effects on operational efficiency. It investigates how safety incidents resulting from human errors influence productivity, project timelines, and overall costs, while examining how strategic safety management can improve organizational performance. The study employs a mixed-methods design that combines quantitative statistical modeling with qualitative case analysis to ensure both empirical rigor and contextual depth (R2 = 0.87, p < 0.001). Data were drawn from four construction firms, encompassing a sample of 120 employees across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Variables such as training hours, fatigue levels, safety compliance, and technology adoption were analyzed against key operational performance indicators, including rework hours, schedule adherence, and productivity scores. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 29 and AMOS 28, incorporating descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and mediation testing to examine the pathways linking human factors, safety performance, and operational productivity. Reliability and validity were confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha and variance inflation factor (VIF) diagnostics. Results demonstrate that safety compliance acts as a mediating variable connecting training, fatigue, and technology adoption to measurable business outcomes. By providing a quantitative framework that links human factor management to operational efficiency, this research contributes to both construction management theory and practice, emphasizing safety as a strategic driver of performance and competitiveness.