Fall Protection Practices on Building Construction Projects in Pakistan

Abstract

The construction industry has witnessed large number of injuries and fatalities, more than any other industrial sector and the construction industry (CI) of Pakistan is also no exception. It is, likewise, the most hazardous industry in the country. Most attributed reason for these accidents has been fall from height. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has specified rules and regulations against fall from ladders, roofs, floor openings, scaffolds and skylights, to reduce accidents and improve the safety performance. The fact is that in spite of this, the accidents still occur, without any significant decrease, speaks in itself that more needs to be done. This study presents the various aspects that need to be taken into account for a proper fall protection mechanism, ranging from the current compliance level in CI of Pakistan to assignment of safety responsibilities, preferred method of fall protection in various activities, accident analysis and perception of professionals regarding issues surrounding fall protection including measures to address it. The study is undertaken using questionnaire based survey to investigate fall protections in the context of OSHA requirements in the construction industry of Pakistan. For the questionnaire, a detailed study of OSHA regulations and previous research was carried out. Input was sought from contractors, consultants and clients. The main features identified, pertaining to effective enforcement of fall protection, were then incorporated in the questionnaire which will be analyzed to generate credible information. The assessment was made through a set of 20 questions of various nature and length, having it pilot tested first by professionals possessing related knowledge, as the need was felt to get a better understanding of the prevailing scenario. A total of 145 potential respondents were approached, via different means, out of which data was collected from 110 respondents located in different cities of Pakistan, showing a healthy response rate of 75%. The data collected was then analyzed using SPSS-18 and MS Excel. Results show that fall protection in Pakistani CI is far from satisfactory. Major findings include; absence of a national safety regulatory body, almost no emphasis on safety by clients in contractual agreement resulting in no significant budget allocation, unavailability of fall protection equipment, inadequate training to workers in fall protection methods, casual attitude by supervisors against non-complying workers, resistance of workers towards adoption of fall protection measures and no noteworthy fines/penalties levied on contractors not taking action against unsafe work practices at height on their site. A general unawareness has been found among all quarters regarding appropriate use of fall protection in different work activities and conditions. The core issues requiring emphasis are; (a) architects’ training to incorporate safety in their plans, (b) special fall safety training sessions for contractors and sub-contractors, (c) workers¢ education in fall hazards they face on site coupled with appropriate protective measures, (d) legal cover to penalize unsafe working on construction sites, and (e) reduce cost of import and promote indigenously built safety products and equipment. The study recommends promulgating a regulatory body on the lines of OSHA which may cater to national needs of occupational safety and health working in collaboration with Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), providing safety training, evaluating safety performance, ensuring safety compliance and recording occupational injuries and fatalities occurrence.