An In-depth Qualitative Exploration of Industrial Safety Factors Influencing Large-scale Construction Projects in India

Abstract

As the number of incidents at mega construction sites continues to rise, particularly in India, a developing nation, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role the construction industry plays in contributing to the country’s economy. Nonetheless, this expansion has been concomitant with a concerning upsurge in accident and fatality rates within the construction industry. The aim of this study is to uncover the fundamental factors behind this trend which contributes to incidents within the construction industry. To achieve this objective, the study employs a qualitative approach specific to the Indian context, emphasizing a comprehensive analysis of key components. These components encompass “man,” “management,” “method,” “machine,” “material,” and “environment.” The investigation draws upon incident reports spanning the years 2016 to 2018, originating from a prominent mega construction project in India. These reports offer invaluable insights into the activities leading up to incidents, the timing of these occurrences, categorization based on the extent of injury or damage, classification into unsafe acts or unsafe conditions, and, most importantly, the identification of root causes behind these incidents. The study’s findings reveal that the “man” factor emerges as the most significant contributor to construction incidents, with the “method” and “environment” factors also playing substantial roles. In contrast, the “machine” and “material” factors exhibit relatively lower significance according to the data analysis. It is important to note that this study’s focus is entirely on a single mega project in India, and thus, the significance of these factors may vary in different contexts. Consequently, further research, encompassing a broader geographical scope and data collected from across India, is imperative to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the construction industry’s current landscape and the root causes of incidents in the country