A Study on Safety Negligence and Accident Prevention in Small-Scale Private Building Construction Sites

Construction is one of the most hazardous industries due to the involvement of high-risk activities such as work at height, scaffolding, electrical operations, and material handling. Although safety measures are comparatively well maintained in large commercial construction projects, safety practices are often neglected in small-scale private building construction sites. Lack of awareness, inadequate supervision, financial limitations, and weak enforcement of safety regulations contribute significantly to unsafe working conditions and construction accidents in small projects. The present study focuses on safety negligence and accident prevention practices in small-scale private building construction sites. The research aims to identify major safety deficiencies, analyze common accident causes, assess worker awareness regarding safety practices, and recommend practical measures for improving construction site safety. The study is based on field-level investigation conducted at selected small residential construction sites in and around Bhubaneswar. Primary data were collected through questionnaire surveys, site observations, interviews, and field notes involving workers, contractors, and supervisors. Secondary data were collected from journals, research articles, safety manuals, and government reports related to occupational safety and construction management. The findings of the study indicate that safety negligence is highly prevalent in small construction projects. Inadequate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), unsafe scaffolding, poor electrical safety, lack of safety training, absence of first aid facilities, and weak supervision were identified as major safety concerns. Falls from height, electrical accidents, slips, trips, and material handling injuries were found to be the most common accident types. The study concludes that implementation of low-cost safety measures, worker awareness programs, proper supervision, and mandatory PPE usage can significantly reduce accident risks in small-scale construction projects. The research also highlights the need for stronger safety monitoring and practical safety management approaches in the unorganized construction sector.