Construction is among the most hazardous industries, with an annual fatality rate of over 1,000 workers in the United States. Researchers and practitioners have proclaimed that implementing effective safety management plans can prevent most construction accidents. Safety personnel, who oversee the design, implementation, and enhancement of safety management plans, play an essential role in preventing accidents and enhancing construction safety.
Despite their important role, there is little research, if any, to examine if the actual qualifications of construction safety personnel match recommended qualifications by safety associations and professional organizations. Moreover, the impact of the qualifications of safety personnel on achieved safety outcomes has not yet been thoroughly examined. The present study aims to (1) examine if the qualifications of construction safety personnel match recommended qualifications by safety associations and professional organizations, and (2) empirically analyze the impact of three key safety personnel qualifications, namely education, experience, and certifications, on overall construction site safety performance.
