A conceptual framework for integrating QSHE in construction

Abstract

Construction accidents become catastrophic in infrastructure development. Evidence shows that quality failures such as system, services, procedural, materials, equipment, and human failures within the business process of project delivery systems are contributing causes of construction accidents that negatively impact worker safety, public safety, building/asset, and environmental safety. The standardized quality management systems and safety management systems in construction are fragmented. The Indonesian authorities have integrated the Quality Safety Health and Environment (QSHE) management system since 2018, but the implementation of the integrated QSHE system is still questionable. This paper aims to propose a framework and methodology for integrating QSHE implementation. The framework is based on the literature review of international standards and the UK Construction Design & Management Regulation. This proposal is a part of research currently formulated to develop an operating system to integrate quality and construction safety best practices in the project delivery systems. This paper addresses the quality management framework, safety management framework and, the proposed conceptual framework for integrating quality and safety management systems. The development of an integrated QSHE management system has the potential to save resources and eliminate redundancy significantly. Thus, an organization’s net production, profitability, and efficiency can significantly be increased. The results of this paper are 51 key points that are needed for integrating QSHE in construction projects. In the pre-construction stage, there are 24 key points, which are the largest portion. During the construction stage, there are 19 key points, and during the post-construction stage, there are 8 key points. So, it is very important to carry out the QSHE integration during the pre-construction stage to minimize the defects and accidents in construction projects.