Examining health and safety management among foreign contractors in Sri Lanka: gaps, barriers, and improvement strategies

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most hazardous sectors, with frequent workplace accidents and safety violations, particularly in developing economies. Foreign contractors play a crucial role in addressing skill shortages, introducing advanced technologies, and managing large-scale infrastructure projects beyond the capacity of local firms. This study investigates the health and safety (H&S) practices followed by foreign contractors in Sri Lanka, identifying regulatory gaps, implementation challenges, and areas for improvement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating a questionnaire survey of 40 construction professionals and semi-structured interviews with six foreign contractors. The questionnaire assessed current H&S practices, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance, while the interviews provided in-depth insights into enforcement challenges and managerial perspectives on safety policies. The findings reveal several critical gaps in H&S implementation. While foreign contractors generally maintain structured H&S policies, 28% of surveyed firms lacked formal risk assessment procedures, and 33.3% did not conduct regular safety audits, indicating inconsistencies in compliance. Top management engagement was limited, with some executives participating in safety meetings only monthly. Furthermore, 48% of organizations did not provide structured H&S training, leading to low worker awareness and adherence to safety protocols. Financial constraints emerged as a major barrier, and it effect affecting the procurement of safety equipment, training programs, and site inspections. Additionally, contractual provisions for H&S were found to be inadequate, as many firms lacked strict enforcement mechanisms. This study highlights the need for enhanced policy enforcement, increased safety training, improved communication system, and better financial allocation for H&S programs to improve workplace safety and regulatory compliance in Sri Lanka’s construction industry.