The dismantling of large-diameter oil pipelines is a construction activity characterised by high technical complexity and significant occupational safety risks. In general, pipeline lifting operations are performed using lifting equipment such as foco trucks or cranes. However, under certain site conditions, the use of such equipment may be less effective and may even increase the risk of workplace accidents. This study aims to evaluate the use of an excavator as an alternative lifting method in terms of occupational safety, time efficiency, cost performance, and construction productivity. A case study approach was adopted for a 26-inch oil pipeline dismantling project by comparing the operational performance of conventional lifting equipment, represented by a foco truck, with that of an excavator. The results indicate that the use of an excavator can improve work execution efficiency, with an average time reduction of approximately 49%. In addition, the use of an excavator reduces labour costs by approximately 56% and contributes to reducing potential occupational safety risks in the field. These findings indicate that an excavator can be considered an alternative lifting method under specific site conditions, provided that appropriate capacity, stability, and safety assessments are conducted. Keywords Excavator, Lifting Equipment, Occupational Safety, Construction Performance
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