Risk‑Based HSE Assurance Framework for Construction Plant and Equipment: A Case Study of NH‑31D Road Project

Highway construction projects involve high-risk work environments due to simultaneous operations, interactions between moving equipment and personnel, fluctuating ground conditions, and time-sensitive pressures. Construction machinery poses significant HSE risks including high energy movements, rotating components, lifting operations, and maintenance activities, with hazards such as being struck by or caught in between, entanglement, electrical hazards, and fire and explosion risks, along with dust, noise, vibration, and ergonomic exposures. This dissertation presents a Risk-Based HSE Assurance Framework for the NH‑31D road project, focusing on hazard identification, risk prioritization, controls, verification, and continuous improvement across equipment lifecycle stages. The framework integrates HIRA, hierarchy of controls, work authorization, and energy isolation supported by Equipment Fitness Assurance (Green Card), PTW, and LOTO. Safeguards, inspections, audits, and corrective measures act as verifiable controls. The framework improves equipment availability, utilization, and effectiveness of HSE controls while enhancing prevention and compliance.