Enhancing construction safety compliance through a blockchain-enabled worker certification management system

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces globally, where safety violations and non-compliance frequently result in injuries and fatalities. A significant contributor to these risks is the improper management of worker certifications, which are essential for verifying that individuals are qualified to perform high-risk tasks. However, traditional certification management systems, such as paper-based records and manual verification, are prone to inefficiencies, delays, and forgery, increasing the risk of uncertified workers performing dangerous tasks. To address this problem, this study aims to develop and evaluate a blockchain-based certification management system designed to enhance safety compliance in the construction industry. By using blockchain's immutability, transparency, and decentralized nature, the system ensures tamper-proof and efficient management of worker certifications. The proposed system was implemented using smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, integrated with the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for secure off-chain document storage. Core features include worker registration, real-time certification verification, and task authorization. A case study was conducted to assess the system's effectiveness in a simulated construction project environment. Results demonstrated significant improvements in compliance enforcement, reduction in administrative delays, and cost-efficiency, with measurable decreases in verification time and transaction costs. This research concludes that blockchain technology presents a robust solution for certification management in the construction sector. It offers a transformative approach to advancing construction safety practices and lays the foundation for broader applications of blockchain in occupational health and safety.