Analysis of occupational safety and health issues related to vertical transportation during construction of high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Increasing the height of buildings develops complications on vertical delivery. The higher the building is constructed; it requires managing the vertical transportation effectively. Further, it helps to move the workers and the machinery to the designated floor as planned without compromising on time. With respect to labor, vertical movement requires more time in highrise construction than in low-rise construction. Chances for OSH hazards are more in high-rise building construction, which led to economic, social, psychological, and physical effects. Subsequently, this results in low productivity and efficiency. This research aimed to propose solutions to mitigate Occupational Safety and Health issues in the high-rise construction projects with respect to the vertical transportation of Materials and Workmen. The multiple case study method was utilized since this study has to focus on the detailed decisions and behavioral attitudes of individuals and groups. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which was then, evaluated using the content analysis. Finally, the framework was developed with findings of the study to mitigate the hazards. The study's conclusions showed that the organization will profit economically, improve health and safety from proper management of the site's hazards. Several hazard-mitigating measures were proposed such as preparing a method statement & HSE Plan, the necessity of having a separate branch to manage safety-related matters under the supervision of the HSE Manager, providing awareness or training programs, regular meetings, and proper reporting procedures for unsafe acts and conditions. Addressing these hazards effectively would obtain the full advantage of using vertical transportation to the organization that helps to achieve the target without compromising time and cost