MANAGING SAFETY CULTURE IN
COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS -
INSIGHTS FROM A FINNISH RAIL
ALLIANCE PROJECT
Marko Salomäki, Arto Reiman, Osmo Kauppila, Margaret Keorapetse
Abstract: Construction projects are complex environments where diverse stakeholder subcultures shape safety culture. Dynamic information flows and changing work conditions challenge effective project and safety management. Ensuring high levels of effectiveness and quality demands robust coordination, adaptive planning, and stakeholder collaboration. This study examines safety culture development in the Raide-Jokeri (RJ) rail construction project (2019- 2022), delivered via an alliance model. Quantitative data from project systems (annual occupational safety indicators) and two personnel surveys were used as secondary data, complemented by interviews with construction block managers as primary data. The secondary data indicated a mature safety culture, which was reinforced by interview insights from managers with localized oversight. The study contributes to alliance project management discourse by showing how integrated collaboration mechanisms can foster safety culture maturity in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Keywords: alliance, collaboration, construction, occupational safety, safety culture
DOI: 10.24874/IJQR20.03-11
Recieved: 23.10.2025 Accepted: 05.05.2026 UDC:
Reads: 32 
