###### Abstract  
To address the common issues of lacking indicator system identification, causal relationship quantification, and path simulation analysis in the current research on safety performance in prefabricated construction, a method for improving safety performance in prefabricated construction based on the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and NK model is proposed. Firstly, through theoretical analysis and literature review, the indicator system for safety performance in prefabricated construction is identified using the grounded theory. Secondly, expert research and quantitative analysis are combined to analyze the causal relationship of the indicators using the DEMATEL method. Then, the DEMATEL method is integrated with the NK model to carry out a key indicator adaptability modeling analysis and three-dimensional simulation. Finally, a case study is conducted to validate the usability and effectiveness of the proposed model and method. The results show that \(X_{6}\) (construction and implementation of safety management system) had the highest impact on the other indicators, and \(X_{14}\) (quality and safety status of prefabricated components) was most influenced by other indicators. \(X_{6}\) (construction and implementation of safety management system), \(X_{1}\) (personnel safety awareness and attitude), \(X_{14}\) (quality and safety status of prefabricated components), and \(X_{12}\) (construction site working environment) were identified as key performance indicators. \"\(X_{6}\) (construction and implementation of safety management system) \(\to X_{1}\) (personnel safety awareness and attitude) \(\to X_{14}\) (quality and safety status of prefabricated components) \(\to X_{12}\) (construction site working environment)\" was considered the optimal path to improve construction safety performance. prefabricated construction; construction safety; safety performance; DEMATEL; NK model 4.0.0000-000 In recent years, numerous scholars have conducted research on various aspects of construction safety in prefabricated buildings. In the field of construction safety accident analysis, [PERSON] et al. [2] first constructed a system dynamics and multi-objective planning model to analyze key elements of accident safety investment and optimal resource allocation plans. [PERSON] et al. [3], to reduce construction safety accidents in prefabricated buildings, conducted a simulation analysis of the evolutionary game process under dynamic supervision strategies using system dynamics. [PERSON] et al. [4] analyzed the injury types and root causes of 125 safety accidents to improve construction safety performance in prefabricated buildings. In the field of construction safety risk analysis, [PERSON] et al. [5] first introduced a fusion model of interaction matrices and fuzzy cognitive maps to identify key safety risks in prefabricated building construction and predict evolutionary trends. [PERSON] et al. [6] constructed a dynamic control system for construction risks based on entropy to explore the dynamic laws of construction safety risks in prefabricated buildings. [PERSON] et al. [7] first constructed a safety risk assessment method for prefabricated building construction based on the cloud model. Overall, these studies provide theoretical support and methodological foundations for research on the safety performance of prefabricated building construction. However, the current research at home and abroad mainly focuses on accident analysis and risk assessment, lacking systematic research on the evaluation and improvement paths of safety performance in prefabricated building construction. Decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is a methodology proposed to understand complex and difficult problems in the real world. It is a systematic analysis method using graph theory and matrix tools.