Development of an HSE management system maturity assessment tool: A case study in Tehran subway construction projects
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 13 No. 4 (1404),
5 September 2026
,
Page 23-30
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v13i4.47288
Abstract
Background and Aims: Metro construction projects, due to their technical complexity and numerous risks, require the implementation of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management systems at a mature and systematic level. This study aimed to develop a localized tool for assessing the maturity level of HSE management systems in metro construction projects.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023. First, the relevant components and indicators were identified through a review of the scientific literature and consultation with experts, and a preliminary assessment tool was developed. The content validity of the tool was confirmed, and its reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which was 0.85. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to determine the weights assigned to the indicators. The final version of the tool was administered in Tehran Metro construction projects, and the collected data were subsequently analyzed. This study was conducted in full accordance with ethical principles.
Results: The designed tool consisted of 6 components and 12 main indicators. The results showed that the highest weight belonged to “Emergency Preparedness and Response,” while the lowest weight was assigned to “Specialized Training.” The average HSE maturity score in the studied projects was at the “Managed” level (3.16 out of 5).
Conclusion: The developed tool demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, providing a practical framework for assessing and enhancing HSE maturity levels in infrastructure projects. Given the substantial weight assigned to emergency preparedness, prioritizing crisis management planning, strengthening managerial frameworks, and controlling hazards in complex underground environments play a direct and pivotal role in advancing the maturity level of HSE management systems in such projects.
- HSE Management system maturity
- Subway construction projects
- Risk assessment
- Analytical hierarchy process (AHP)
How to Cite
References
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