A KPI-Driven Dashboard Framework for Enhanced Safety Management in Airfield Construction

A Case Study at DFW Airport

Abstract

Airfield construction projects operate within time-sensitive, safety-critical environments that involve concurrent aircraft movements and complex stakeholder coordination. This article proposes a KPI driven safety dashboard (Key Performance Indicator) to improve early-stage situational awareness and daily risk management for airfield construction. The framework integrates leading and lagging indicators, a consistent risk scoring method, and structured notification protocols, producing a consolidated view of hazards and mitigations across construction zones. The safety approach uses a three-party daily confirmation model, comprising the contractor’s representative, the owner’s construction management representative, and the airport safety representative, to verify that all risk assessments are completed and to highlight any gaps requiring immediate action. The system design aligns with prevailing airport safety practices, including Safety Management Systems and Safety Risk Management processes, and operational requirements commonly addressed in Construction Safety and Phasing Plans. A practical data integration workflow is outlined that leverages standardized spreadsheets and a business intelligence layer for visualization, without placing additional data entry burden on field personnel. The case context is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where the approach is structured for piloting and broader scalability. The paper details architecture, stakeholder mapping, high-risk activity identification, mitigation tracking, and implementation considerations, and concludes with guidance for adoption at large hub airports seeking proactive, KPI oriented safety coordination.