The short-line method for constructing prestressed concrete box-girder bridge segments involves significant safety risks due to complex procedures like heavy lifting, precision matching, and working at heights. Establishing a robust safety management system is therefore critical to prevent accidents and ensure project success. This article outlines the essential components of an effective safety management approach for this construction method.

1. Establishment and Operation of a Safety Management System 

The primary task for safety management in the short-line method construction of prestressed box-girder bridge segments is to establish a scientific and comprehensive safety management system. This system should cover aspects such as the safety management organization, division of responsibilities, safety regulations, education and training, and supervision and inspection. Establishing a safety management organization is the cornerstone. The project manager should be clearly designated as the primary person responsible for safety, supported by dedicated safety management personnel responsible for the day-to-day work of construction safety management. Each construction team should also have part-time safety officers, forming an interconnected, all-staff-participating safety management network. The division of responsibilities must be clear and explicit, ensuring that every position and every employee understands their safety duties, achieving proper division of labor and individual accountability. Formulating safety regulations is the foundation; these should include safe operating procedures, safety inspection systems, safety reward and penalty systems, etc., providing institutional guarantee for construction safety management. Education and training are crucial means to improve employees' safety awareness, skills, and competence. Regular training on safety knowledge, operational procedures, and emergency response should be organized to ensure employees possess the necessary safety knowledge and skills. Supervision and inspection are key to ensuring the effective operation of the safety management system. Regular safety inspections should be conducted to promptly identify and correct potential hazards, ensuring construction safety. When operating the safety management system, continuous improvement and optimization must be emphasized. By holding regular safety meetings, analyzing safety issues during construction, and summarizing lessons learned, the safety management systems and operational procedures can be continuously refined.

2. Safety Risk Assessment and Prevention during the Construction Process

During the construction of segmental girders using the short-line method for prestressed box-girder bridges, safety risks are ubiquitous, making safety risk assessment and prevention critically important. Safety risk assessment should run through the entire construction process, from the preparation stage through the construction stage, to the completion and acceptance stage, requiring detailed assessment each step of the way. Assessment content includes, but is not limited to, the safety of construction equipment, the rationality of construction techniques, the stability of the construction environment, and the safety competence of construction personnel. Through risk assessment, potential hazard sources and safety risks in construction can be identified, providing a basis for developing prevention and control measures. The formulation of prevention and control measures should target the assessed safety risks, adopting specific measures for mitigation. For example, regarding equipment safety, regular maintenance, upkeep, and safety inspections should be performed to ensure equipment is in good working condition; for the rationality of construction techniques, processes should be optimized to reduce safety hazards; for environmental stability, monitoring and early warning systems for the construction environment should be strengthened to ensure a safe and stable site; for personnel safety competence, safety education and training should be enhanced to improve employees' safety awareness and skills. During the implementation of prevention and control measures, dynamic monitoring and early warning of safety risks must be strengthened. By setting up safety monitoring points, installing safety monitoring equipment, and other means, safety risks during construction can be monitored in real-time. Once abnormal situations are detected, the emergency response mechanism should be activated immediately to ensure construction safety.

3. Emergency Response and Preventive Measures for Safety Incidents 

Although various safety measures are taken for prevention and control during the short-line method construction of prestressed box-girder bridge segments, safety incidents may still occur. Therefore, establishing emergency response plans and preventive measures for safety incidents is crucial. The emergency response plan should clearly define the emergency response procedures for safety incidents, the emergency rescue team, emergency supplies and equipment, etc., ensuring rapid and effective emergency rescue in the event of an incident. It is also essential to regularly organize emergency drills for employees to enhance their emergency response capabilities and their ability for self-rescue and mutual aid. The formulation of preventive measures should target the types and causes of potential safety incidents. For instance, for fall-from-height incidents, safety protection for work at height should be strengthened, including setting up safety nets, safety belts, and other protective facilities; for struck-by-object incidents, on-site safety management should be enhanced to ensure the stacking and transportation of materials comply with safety requirements; for electric shock incidents, maintenance and safety inspections of electrical equipment should be strengthened to ensure proper grounding and functioning of leakage protection devices. During the implementation of preventive measures, safety inspections and supervision must be intensified. Through regular inspections, special inspections, and daily patrols, potential hazards can be identified and corrected promptly, ensuring the effective implementation of preventive measures. Furthermore, the dissemination and promotion of safety education should be enhanced to raise employees' safety awareness and self-protection capabilities, jointly creating a safe and harmonious construction environment.

In conclusion, safety management for the short-line segmental construction method is a dynamic and integral process. By implementing a sound management system, conducting proactive risk assessment, and preparing thoroughly for emergencies, projects can achieve essential safety goals. Continuous improvement and the integration of smart technologies will further enhance safety performance, ensuring the well-being of personnel and the successful delivery of bridge projects.