ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Construction is considered as one of the most hazardous occupation worldwide. Accident and injury incidence rate is highest among all other industries. There is lot of awareness about the safety in construction sites in developed countries and most of the developing country including Pakistan is lacking in good practices. This research is done to investigate the reasons, types and causes of these accidents in Pakistan. Model has been suggested to reduce the losses incurred in terms of work time, finances and human life. Pakistan is a developing country where construction activities are in boom. Government is giving special attention on infrastructure development projects because construction sector not only contribute to the uplift of the economy but also boost activities of allied industries related to construction sector and overall socio-economic growth. It engages large portion of skilled and unskilled human resources after agriculture In the literature review, various types and causes of accidents, safety management models and laws of different countries are discussed in detail. Study of safety evaluation methods is carried out. Review of Pakistan labor laws and tendering process is done to find the lapses which contribute to risks and accidents in the construction sites. Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) registers consultants & contractors and also prepares construction bye-laws and standard bidding documents. Its role with reference to safety is also evaluated in depth. Survey is carried out on different construction sites to see the practical implementation of safety on sites. It is assessed that poor safety practices were observed on construction sites. Endeavour is made to find out the reasons of these poor conditions of safety on construction sites. Study of labor and safety laws, Contracts and bidding ii documents, PEC regulations, research papers and visits to sites enabled to make a comparison of existing conditions in Pakistan with international best practices. Occupational Health and Safety Act namely OSHA is taken as role model to be followed for reduction in accidents and injuries at sites. It comprises of the responsibility of maintenance of safety in the work premises and enforcement of laws through different instruments ensuring safe working conditions and lowering of the accident rate. As the outcome of this research, changes in the present system are suggested to improve safety at construction sites of Pakistan along with recommendations for the implementation.