Implementing A Safety Framework On A Construction Site In Pakistan

The construction industry is distinctly known for its indispensable role in the development of a country as well as the ratio of fatal accidents among its workers.The construction industry in developing countries,particularly,faces several resolvable issues that play a crucial role in accidents.This study focuses on the safety non-performance of the Pakistani construction industry.Safety comparison between a well developed and developing construction industry can direct and encourage the stakeholders to pursue distinguished safety performance.The study comprises an extensive review of the safety approach in the construction industry around the world and the investigation of the Pakistani construction industry.Survey data is collected through a questionnaire from 58 construction firms along with two government departments.The analysis,using SPSS,highlighted that local Pakistani firms have been facing several problems that need to be addressed instantly to grasp better safety performance.It was discovered that non-local firms have a considerable level of a safe work environment as compare to local firms.Local firms have demonstrated poor performance in almost all areas such as safety management,workers skill development through training and courses,workers’ behavior and awareness,and safety plans for a safe workplace.Major causes of the accidents include fall from a height,hit by machinery,and electrocution,which has a direct connection with a lack of proper personal protective equipment and adequate training.Lack of communication due to the language barrier in non-local firms among native workers and company supervisors and management makes it hard to understand effectively.The existing regulations are ambiguous,unrelated,and outdated.There is no regulatory body to regulate the stakeholders on safety precautions in the workplace and implement safety standards such as the United States’ OSHA.Non-local firms have specialized HSE departments that inspect sites regularly.While on the other hand,apart from a few of the local firms,there is no such committee to oversee safety issues in most of the firms.A safety management system of a developed country with a developed construction industry should be followed as a role model to develop a safety framework in the context of local norms.A safety framework is sketched to nurture a safer workplace and adhere systematic approach towards safety related issues in the Pakistani construction industry.