An Assessment into the development and adaptation of health and safety practices in road construction sector in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The road construction sector is a branch of the construction industry in the world that consists of the most hazardous health and safety issues. It has reported the highest number of mortalities and the highest injury rates in recent history. The Sri Lankan road construction sector has grown enormously within the last several years and this has become a major factor in the country’s economy. It has created a lot of opportunities for the country’s economy. But, on the other hand, it is making a staggering problem to the worker’s health sector because workers are very familiar with poor health-safety aspects. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the influence of this matter on the commitment of management and employee response on the implementation of health and safety practices at the Sri Lankan road construction sector. Thus, the research problem is created as: What is the understanding of the management and employees of road construction companies (sites) in Sri Lanka on the implementation and improvement of health and safety practices? The research problem was mainly investigated by applying survey research methodology. Accordingly, data collection was carried out using developed questionnaires for this research. Apart from that, using semi-structured key informant schedules, some interviews were also handled with the participation of selected key informants. A sample of 160 construction employees participated in the questionnaire survey and 08 expertise personnel are interviewed in key informant interviews. The data was analysed by using Percentage and Relative Important Index (RII) data analysis techniques. The results indicated that management commitment towards the health and safety aspects are at a considerable level compared to employee responses, yet both need to be improved. The interrelationship between both parties needs to be developed according to the industry expert’s opinion and quantitative analysis. All three aspects will drive the health-safety activities in the Sri Lankan road construction sector. Therefore, improvements in each factor will contribute to the final task of development and implementation of health and safety aspect of the Sri Lankan road construction sector in Sri Lanka.