Title: Macroergonomics considerations on COVID-19 pandemic management in an alliance construction project, focusing on personal protective equipment protocols

Authors: Marko Salomäki; Arto Reiman

Addresses: NRC Group Finland Ltd., Radiokatu 3, 00240, Helsinki, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland

Abstract: This study focused on COVID-19 management in a large-scale alliance construction project in Finland. In this study, COVID-19-related guidance and requirements provided by different system influencers were analysed from a macroergonomics project management perspective. Because most of the guidance and regulations dealt with respiratory protection, the latter part of the analysis is devoted to this complexity. As a practical example, the findings from a respirator mask-safety goggles combination test conducted at the alliance project site are reported. Accordingly, all mask-goggles combinations failed, resulting in a 'best for the project' decision not to issue an order to wear both forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) simultaneously. The test results were also of interest to the system influencers. As a result, the safety authorities changed their original interpretation of PPE guidelines as long as the COVID-19 situation remains critical.

Keywords: alliancing; COVID-19; human factors; macroergonomics; project alliance; personal protective equipment; PPE; respirator masks; work system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2023.133574

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2023 Vol.10 No.3, pp.295 - 310

Received: 23 Nov 2022
Accepted: 12 Apr 2023
Published online: 21 Sep 2023 *

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