Evaluating the Impact of Critical Success Factors of Incident Prevention Programs on Construction Project Success

Construction projects operate in inherently high-risk environments where workplace incidents can significantly impact both worker’s safety and Overall Project Success (OPS). Although various safety initiatives have been implemented, inconsistent application and constrained safety budgets often hinder the realization of zero-accident objectives. This study aims to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of incident prevention programs in the construction industry. Drawing from 15 safety management process criteria outlined in the International Sustainability Rating System (ISRS), a structured questionnaire was distributed to 109 safety practitioners and managers involved in Indonesian construction projects. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study examined the influence of safety program implementation on incident prevention success and its subsequent impact on OPS. The analysis identified five key CSFs—risk evaluation, communication and promotion, leadership, contractor and supplier management, and training and competence—that CSFs significantly enhance incident prevention outcomes. These factors were statistically proven to contribute 82.7% to the success of incident prevention programs and 35.1% to OPS. The findings enrich existing safety management literature and offer practical guidance for designing targeted safety programs, particularly in environments with limited resources. Prioritizing these CSFs can lead to improved safety performance and more successful project delivery.