Strengths and Weaknesses of Safety Practices to Improve Safety Performance in Construction Projects in Pakistan

The construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries where workers are frequently involved in accidents. These accidents can be reduced by following good safety practices that need to be identified along with their strengths and weaknesses. This study presents the strengths and weaknesses in the current safety practices within the framework of safety benchmarking to improve safety performance in construction. This study is conducted by administering a questionnaire survey comprising of 60 safety practices. Data were collected from 54 construction sites located in 16 different cities in Pakistan. Additionally, interviews were conducted to supplement and validate the findings of the survey. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Safety practices were ranked based on their safety performance index values. Results identify the strengths of current safety practices, which include: (1) inspection of hoists and cranes before their operation; (2) fastening of objects before lifting them; (3) sufficient lighting arrangements being made where required; (4) supply of adequate quantity of water for drinking and washing; and (5) ensuring of ventilation in confined spaces. The weaknesses of safety practices requiring special emphasis are documented. Benchmarking of safety practices was carried out at the ongoing construction projects. Insights and discussions are given in this paper for improving safety performance in the construction industry. The results and the methodology used in this work provide practical knowledge to project managers and construction safety educators and practitioners in order to make construction sites safer.