Developing safety measures in project management framework in Sri Lankan construction industry: A mixed method, comparative study with Australia

Developing safety measures in project management framework in Sri Lankan construction industry: A mixed method, comparative study with Australia

Construction is a prominent industry in emerging South Asian economies, including Sri Lanka which has a projected value of almost USD 6 billion by 2024. However, despite international investments, the industry lacks a developed framework and faces a high number of employee fatalities due to inadequate project risk management, particularly in terms of construction safety. The research discussed in this thesis aims to develop a project management framework to improve worker safety by addressing hazards and safety measures in Sri Lankan construction projects. This study establishes a construction health and safety framework that incorporates policies, practices and procedures from the Australian construction industry that are feasible to adopt into the Sri Lankan context, with consideration to limitations in skilled human resources, finance and technological infrastructure. A mixed-method approach (both qualitative and quantitative), including a survey and interviews, was conducted to gather data and eventually analysed through analysis software. The analysis of the survey revealed key safety challenges in the Sri Lankan construction industry, including a shortage of safety officers and insufficient budget allocation. Semi-structured open interviews revealed that safety barriers are primarily due to poor informal attitude, inadequate practices, and the failure to wear PPE equipment, all of which result from inadequate safety training. Approaches identified in the research to address these matters include training, rule adherence, and hiring safe contractors. These safety measures can be added to the outdated Factories Ordinance 1942 in Sri Lanka, which does not have a specific clause for the building and construction industry and its safety. This research builds on theoretical frameworks, developed by previous researchers, which contribute to construction project risk management while emphasising the need for health and safety training, an adequate budget, and sufficient on-site safety officers in construction projects to ensure compliance and risk management. The findings of the study will aid the advancement of safe workplace practices in the evolving Sri Lankan construction industry post-Covid, by supporting WHS and risk compliance restructuring efforts. Neighbouring south Asian countries with similar socio-economic conditions can benefit from this study, in terms of creating a robust framework for health and safety management in construction projects.

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