Evaluating and Mitigating Risk in Residential Construction Projects: A HIRA Approach

Abstract

Residential construction projects involve diverse activities that expose workers to multiple hazards, making systematic risk management essential for ensuring safety and project efficiency. This study focuses on Evaluating and Mitigating Risk in Residential Construction Projects: A HIRA Approach, emphasizing the application of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) as a structured method to recognize, assess, and control hazards across various stages of construction. The project identifies key risks associated with excavation, masonry, carpentry, electrical works, roofing, and material handling, all of which significantly contribute to workplace injuries and delays. Through site observations, worker interviews, and analysis of previous incident data, this study categorizes hazards based on likelihood and severity to determine overall risk levels using a standard HIRA matrix. The findings highlight that falls from height, electrical hazards, poor housekeeping, and unsafe use of tools are among the most frequent high-risk factors in residential projects. The study emphasizes that applying effective mitigation strategies such as engineering controls, administrative measures, regular safety training, and proper use of personal protective equipment can drastically reduce accident rates. Integrating HIRA into daily site operations encourages proactive safety culture and supports continuous improvement in risk management. The HIRA approach proves to be a practical and efficient framework for minimizing risks, improving safety performance, and enhancing operational reliability in residential construction projects.