Abstract

Alliancing is a relatively new procurement method in large infrastructure and other construction projects. Occupational safety (OS) in alliances is an area towards which very little research interest has been directed thus far. This is surprising giving the common understanding of accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses and the burden they represent for individuals, companies, and communities. This study focuses on OS inside the major Raide-Jokeri Light-Rail Alliance project in Finland. OS is approached through a survey directed at all the participants of the alliance, including subcontractors. A total of 360 responses were collected, representing roughly half of the personnel at that time. The survey shows how OS is experienced rather uniformly inside the alliance and amid the stakeholders; however, certain differences were also detected among the personnel, providing the possibility of focusing on development actions inside the alliance. The survey results can be interpreted as revealing certain signs of a mature safety culture inside the alliance project; yet, future studies with more sophisticated research approaches are needed.