Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2010

Degree Name

Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

First Advisor

Arijit K. Sengupta

Second Advisor

Athanassios K. Bladikas

Third Advisor

Norman J. Van Houten

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of safety training modalities which are specifically designed for the non unionized workers in the construction industry. The main hypothesis is to determine whether multimodal and extended training improves the effectiveness of the learning aspects and safety consciousness among the trainees. The study conducted a literature survey on the factors that affects safety outcomes in construction industry, especially for the non unionized workers. The study developed a survey instrument to evaluate effectiveness of safety training. This study intended to prove that a video training is not enough and that hands on demonstration will improve the thinking and behavior of construction works.

Session one included a video training session lasting 28 minutes, session two included a video and a demonstrator and session three consisted of a demonstration and a power point presentation. The behavioral question proved to have a statistical difference (p<0.05) from session 1 to session 2 and showed not much of a change with session 3. This proved that using safety videos is not the only mechanism need to train a worker. Live lecture and demonstration makes a difference but also to keep in mind that too much information or tedious training like PowerPoint can lose the interest of the worker and as a result there will be no significant change.

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