Analyzing the challenges and current safety practices in the construction sector: a multifaceted stakeholder perspective

The construction sector in developing countries, such as Pakistan, continues to heavily rely on manual labor despite advancements in technology, resulting in persistent safety concerns that jeopardize workers, end-users, and the environment. This study investigates the key factors contributing to health and safety issues within Pakistan's construction industry. A questionnaire survey, developed from 25 factors identified through an extensive literature review, was administered to various stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and contractors. Data were gathered from 123 respondents, and 115 responses were considered valid for further analyses. Significance index (SI) analysis and comparative assessments were performed on the collected data to evaluate the significance of these barriers and the level of consensus among stakeholders. Findings reveal that the primary contributors to safety hazards are inadequate safety training, a shortage of certified skilled labor, and poor safety consciousness among workers. Insufficient education, a lack of safety-oriented policies, and minimal adoption of advanced safety technologies exacerbate these challenges. While clients and consultants emphasize operational procedures, regulatory enforcement, and team spirit, the contractors focus more on execution challenges and workforce skill levels, indicating a need for improved stakeholder alignment. A critical issue identified is the insufficient financial commitment to safety, with organizations typically allocating only 0.001% to 0.01% of project budgets to safety measures. The limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) further underscores the inadequate prioritization of workers’ safety at the site. The study emphasizes the urgent necessity for comprehensive safety policies, increased investment in safety training and resources, stringent regulatory enforcement, and continuous safety monitoring to cultivate a strong safety culture and enhance overall industry performance.