OBJECTIVES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

83 categorizing, measuring, and responding to hazards. We specifically aimed to (1) devise anew hazard recognition and communication strategy that is based upon the principles of mnemonics from cognitive psychology, and promotes hazard recognition skill (2) build a maturity model that facilitates measuring safety meeting quality and encourages hazard communication using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and a panel of 14 industry experts and (3) experimentally test the efficacy of the strategy using multiple baseline testing with active work crews. For the first time, we aimed to test the null hypothesis that the use of the maturity model that is reinforced by
the mnemonic cognitive cues does not improve the proportion of hazards identified and
discussed prior to commencing work. The methods and associated results significantly advance theory in the area of construction safety, psychological mnemonics, and experimental research in construction. The resulting product can be used in practice to improve hazard recognition and safety meeting effectiveness.
RESEARCH METHODS
We conducted research in two distinct phases. The first phase involved strategically developing anew method of hazard identification and communication. Following initial discussions with a construction safety expert panel, we focused on developing a pre-job safety meeting quality measurement (SMQM) maturity model that is built based on cognitive mnemonics, signal detection theory, and effective communication. The second phase focused on experimentally field testing the research-based maturity model with six active work crews from diverse trades on two distinct construction sites.

84 In order to efficiently conduct academically rigorous and industry relevant research, we formed a team of experienced industry professional and academic researchers. Our research team consisted of fourteen highly experienced construction safety professionals with an average of over 25 years of safety management experience. Seven members were Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) and five were Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM). The team also included one or more members with the following licenses or certifications Professional Engineers (PE, Occupational Health and Safety Technologists (OSHT), Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHO), Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH). Further, several members were actively involved in various health and safety committees such as the American Society of Safety Engineers, National Safety Council, Accident prevention Association and other local safety counsels. Apart from experience and affiliations, the team comprised of people with advanced degrees related to construction, safety or related fields. The group included five experts with a master’s degrees and six with bachelors degree in occupational safety and health, construction engineering and management, civil engineering, or related field. In summary, the members qualified to participate as subject matter experts (SMEs) in this research study exceeded the recommendations provided in construction engineering literature (Hallowell and Gambatese
2009).

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