RM and Reengineering Strategies for Mitigating the Effects of Night Work on Productivity and Workforce Well-being in Industrialized Construction Projects

Document Type : Research

Authors
1 Department of Management, Faculty of Humanities, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.
2 Master's Student in Industrial Management (Performance Management), Faculty of Humanities, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.
Abstract
Night shifts are an unavoidable necessity in tunnel form construction projects due to technical requirements. This study aims to investigate the impact of these shifts on workers' mental and physical health and to propose engineering interventions to mitigate these effects. This research employed a mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) approach. The statistical population consisted of 100 workers engaged in tunnel form projects, selected through random sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a Job Stress Questionnaire. Data analysis revealed that night work was associated with significant negative consequences, including a marked reduction in sleep quality (p<0.05), increased job stress levels, and diminished workplace safety. Furthermore, the implementation of reengineering solutions—such as replacing metal forms with lightweight, abrasion-resistant polymeric forms, scheduling high-noise activities for permissible hours, and optimizing shift schedules—resulted in a considerable improvement in worker health indicators and a simultaneous increase in project operational efficiency. The findings underscore the necessity of revising executive process management and implementing engineering modifications to reduce the adverse effects of night work. The strategies proposed in this study are applicable within the construction industry and can be integrated into comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programs.

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