Assessment of Safety Management Practices and Hazard Control Measures in Construction Projects Using Questionnaire Survey and Statistical Analysis

The construction industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world and plays a significant role in the economic development of developing countries such as India. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure expansion have resulted in a substantial increase in construction activities, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. However, the construction sector is also recognized as one of the most hazardous industries due to the involvement of complex operations, heavy machinery, work at heights, electrical installations, excavation activities, and the use of various construction materials and equipment. Construction workers are frequently exposed to numerous occupational hazards that may result in injuries, fatalities, property damage, and significant economic losses. Therefore, effective safety management practices and hazard control measures have become essential components of sustainable construction project management. The present study entitled “Assessment of Safety Management Practices and Hazard Control Measures in Construction Projects Using Questionnaire Survey and Statistical Analysis” aims to identify and evaluate the major safety hazards prevailing in construction projects and to assess the effectiveness of existing safety management practices adopted by construction organizations. The study focuses on understanding the causes of accidents, unsafe acts, and unsafe conditions that contribute to occupational injuries and incidents in construction activities. Furthermore, it investigates the adequacy of hazard control measures and proposes suitable strategies for improving construction safety performance. The research methodology adopted in this study is based on a comprehensive questionnaire survey and statistical analysis. A structured questionnaire was developed after an extensive review of literature and consultation with industry professionals. The questionnaire consisted of various parameters related to safety management systems, hazard identification, risk assessment, accident causes, personal protective equipment usage, training and awareness programs, emergency preparedness, and implementation of safety regulations. The questionnaire was distributed to twenty-five active construction companies operating in different regions. Out of these, twelve companies responded with completed questionnaires, and the collected data formed the basis of the present study. To analyze the responses obtained from the survey, the Relative Importance Index (RII) technique was employed to determine the significance and ranking of various factors influencing construction safety. The RII method facilitated the identification of critical hazards and the prioritization of factors requiring immediate attention by management. Statistical analysis was further used to evaluate the relationships among safety practices, hazard occurrences, and accident causation factors. The study reveals that inadequate safety training, lack of management commitment, improper use of personal protective equipment, poor housekeeping practices, insufficient supervision, and non-compliance with safety regulations are among the most significant factors contributing to accidents in construction projects. The findings also indicate that falls from height, electrical hazards, struck-by incidents, material handling accidents, and machinery-related injuries are the most common types of hazards encountered at construction sites. The analysis of accident causation demonstrates that a majority of accidents are preventable and are primarily associated with unsafe acts and unsafe working conditions rather than unavoidable circumstances. Based on the findings of the study, several hazard control and mitigation measures have been proposed. These include the development of an effective safety management system, regular safety training and awareness programs, strict implementation of safety standards and regulations, periodic safety inspections and audits, improved supervision, proper use of personal protective equipment, and the adoption of proactive risk assessment techniques. The study also emphasizes the importance of management commitment and worker participation in establishing a strong safety culture within construction organizations. The outcomes of this research are expected to provide valuable insights for construction companies, project managers, safety professionals, and policymakers in understanding the prevailing safety challenges in the construction industry and in developing appropriate strategies to minimize occupational hazards and accidents. The proposed recommendations can significantly contribute to improving workplace safety performance, reducing accident rates, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable construction practices in India and other developing countries