Critical Success Factors of Safety Program Implementation in Construction Projects in Iraq

Mohanad Kamil Buniya,Syuhaida Ismail,Riza Yosia Sunindijo,Serdar Durdyev,Ghanim Kashwani,Idris Othman,Heng Li,Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168469

Abstract

The construction sector is recognized as one of the most dangerous industries in the world. The situation is worsening in Iraq, as a result of a lack of attention to safety in the building industry and the poor implementation of safety programs. This research aims to identify the critical safety factors (CSFs) of safety program implementation in the Iraqi construction industry. The CSFs were first identified from a review of literature before being verified by construction practitioners, using semi-structured interviews. A questionnaire, based on the verified CSFs, was distributed to construction practitioners in Iraq. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to analyze the quantitative data, and the results show that the CSFs can be categorized into four constructs: worker involvement, safety prevention and control system, safety arrangement, and management commitment. Following that, partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was executed to establish the connection between safety program implementation and overall project success. The result confirms that safety program implementation has a significant, positive impact on project success. This article contributes to knowledge and practice by identifying the CSFs for implementing safety programs in the Iraqi construction industry. The successful implementation of a safety program not only improves safety performance, but also helps to meet other project goals.

Highlights

IntroductionConstruction is an important sector that provides necessary infrastructure and facilities, which contribute to the wellbeing of society [1]
The Iraqi construction industry has poor safety performance and implementing a safety program that safety cancan be be considered as an program is is aaway wayofofaddress addressthis thischallenge, challenge,soso that safety considered as integral aspect in construction projects
critical safety factors (CSFs) that affect safety program implementation in construction projects in Iraq. The effects of these CSFs on safety program implementation have been established using data collected from 196 industry practitioners in Iraq

Summary

Introduction

Construction is an important sector that provides necessary infrastructure and facilities, which contribute to the wellbeing of society [1]. Strong linkages exist between the construction sector and other sectors, which, by and large, have proven to be the impetus for the growing influence of the construction sector in the economic development around the world [2]. The importance of the sector is proven by its rapid growth in recent years, a growth which experts expect to continue, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic [3]. The construction industry is a large employer of labor, thereby promoting economic and social development.

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Conclusion