Development of a Framework for Implementing Safety on Construction Sites

Abstract

Safety management on construction sites has always been a major issue in the construction industry of Pakistan. The safety conditions on construction sites vary depending upon the nature of work and management commitment towards implementing safety on construction projects. There is no requirement for implementing safety management system from the government in the country. Construction companies are lacking a framework to follow for implementing safety on construction projects. The safety framework can helps construction professionals to implement and improve construction safety practices on their project sites. This study presents the development of a framework for implementing safety on construction sites. Extensive literature review was carried out to design a suitable safety framework. Questionnaires items were adopted from previous studies and modified through pilot survey for collecting data from construction project. In addition to questionnaire survey, ten safety management interviews were conducted. These interviews were conducted from the representatives of contractors to obtain insights about the safety management practices in the construction industry of Pakistan. Safety management survey was conducted on seventy construction sites in different cities of Pakistan with the help of an instrument covering seven aspects of construction safety management, which are health and safety policy, safety organization, safety training, safety inspections, safety promotion, personal protection program, and documentation and accident prevention. The collected data was analyzed by using software SPSS 17. The results reveal that top management of construction companies needs to show commitment for developing and implementing safety management systems to improve safety conditions on construction sites. Results emphasize the requirement of competent staff which need to be appointed to implement safety on construction sites. Interviewees agreed that at the government level, it is imperative to establish a government agency to supervise and control the implementation of safety on construction sites in the construction industry. Finally, a safety framework is presented which the companies can adopt and embrace. The findings of this research will help Pakistani construction companies to improve safety on construction sites.