Ahmad Baghdadi- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing in Al-Qunfudhah, Umm al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Ensuring occupational safety and health (OSH) is paramount in infrastructure projects due to their inherently high-risk nature and the increased likelihood of accidents. Despite its importance, numerous obstacles impede the successful adoption of OSH measures in these settings. Addressing these challenges is key to not only implementing OSH protocols effectively but also to improving working conditions and managing other operational facets like quality and environmental concerns, ultimately resulting in better infrastructure developments. Adopting proactive OSH strategies is crucial for preventing significant accidents and fostering a safety culture within infrastructure projects. This review focuses on identifying the primary obstacles and barriers to effective OSH in infrastructure projects, laying the groundwork for improving safety performance in the sector. It highlights organizational and legislative issues as the foremost challenges due to their direct impact on safety culture, resource distribution, compliance, and accountability. Although factors related to environmental and safety practices are deemed less critical, they are nonetheless vital for comprehensive risk management and the promotion of a safe working environment. Tackling these issues is imperative for cultivating a strong safety culture and safeguarding the health of workers on infrastructure projects. It is also essential to acknowledge the distinct OSH challenges presented by different construction scenarios to devise customized safety measures and effectively reduce risks. This review emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the unique aspects of each construction project, addressing specific dangers, and meeting regulatory demands to achieve thorough safety management.
1 Introduction
Infrastructure development is as a pivotal driver of national progress. Fostering economic growth across local, regional, and national landscapes (Willar et al., 2020). As emerging economies increasingly prioritise projects such as road construction, sewage facilities, water desalination and power plants, emphasising occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements has become a pressing need (Abu Aisheh et al., 2021). Unlike other construction projects, infrastructure projects uniquely interact with the public during construction, maintenance, and deconstruction, necessitating specialised attention to OSH considerations (Abu Aisheh et al., 2021). Workers engaged in infrastructure projects encounter various threats within and outside the workplace, including falls, electrical hazards, and struck-by incidents. These challenges are different from those encountered in other construction forms (Gastauer et al., 2022). Factors such as steep terrain, toxic elements, water scarcity, high temperatures, and radiation present unique challenges in infrastructure projects, particularly those involving steep slopes after mining and construction (Gastauer et al., 2022).
Stakeholder analysis plays a critical role in infrastructure projects, enabling effective local strategies and sustainable development. Early public involvement is essential for project success (Wojewnik-Filipkowska et al., 2021). Unlike other construction projects, infrastructure projects, such as bridges, highways, airports, dams, and tunnels, typically involve larger scales and complexities. Consequently, they pose greater hazards and risks, requiring stringent safety measures (Balkhyour et al., 2019). Crucially, infrastructure projects often entail working in close proximity to public spaces and vital services, which means that public safety needs to be prioritised alongside worker safety. Aspects such as traffic management, utility protection and public communication require specialised attention (Balkhyour et al., 2019). Moreover, environmental challenges, including exposure to extreme weather conditions, high radiation levels and toxic elements, pose additional risks to workers’ health and safety (Alaloul et al., 2020).
In regions marked by conflict or economic development challenges, such as Palestine, infrastructure projects face resource limitations, political instability and external controls that affect safety measures. For instance, the scarcity of financial resources and the limited availability of construction materials due to external controls such as the Israeli occupation impact infrastructure projects in Palestine Balkhyour et al., 2019; Eppenberger and Haupt, 2003). Furthermore, infrastructure construction sites are often perceived as unstructured and risky environments, characterised by challenges such as insufficient facilities, congested workspaces, and exposure to adverse weather conditions. These conditions diverge from those encountered in other construction projects, influencing safety practices and procedures (Eppenberger and Haupt, 2003).
Compliance with safety regulations and standards may vary between infrastructure projects and other forms of construction due to the unique risks and challenges associated with each type of project. Infrastructure projects may have specific regulatory requirements related to public safety, environmental protection, and project complexity (Campbell, 2008). Thus, customised approaches are essential to effectively address OSH challenges in infrastructure projects. Moreover, in regions such as Palestine, infrastructure projects encounter specific challenges such as financial resource scarcity and limited construction material availability due to external controls, necessitating long-term planning amidst ongoing obstacles (Meswani, 2008; Abu Aisheh et al., 2021). Road construction projects often lead to traffic diversions and detours, causing congestion and accidents, while underground utility issues such as gas lines and water pipes pose additional risks (Abu Aisheh et al., 2021).
In comparison, other construction forms may face different OSH challenges, such as poor safety awareness among leaders, inadequate worker training and ineffective safety regulation implementation (Kheni and Afatsawu, 2022; Kunodzia et al., 2024). Overall, infrastructure projects, encompassing structures such as bridges, highways, airports, dams, and tunnels, demand rigorous safety measures to ensure worker wellbeing and project success (Sánchez et al., 2017). Effective risk management strategies are vital for identifying uncertainties early and implementing effective mitigation strategies (Ravschan and Zikriyoev, 2019).
OSH has emerged as a significant concern in human resource management due to the prevalence of construction accidents and their implications for workers, companies, and societies (Sánchez, Peláez, and Alís, 2017Addressing OSH concerns is crucial for preserving worker health, saving costs and adding value to infrastructure projects (Gonzalez-Delgado et al., 2015). Achieving zero workplace accidents is a challenging but essential goal, with OSH contributing to production efficiency in the construction industry (Chellappa et al., 2021). Overcoming challenges in OSH management, such as budget limitations and technical expertise shortages, is crucial for effective implementation (Enshassi, 2003).
While previous research has primarily focused on construction projects, this study concentrates on infrastructure projects, aiming to identify serious OSH adoption challenges affecting project performance. Section 1 introduces OSH concerns in the infrastructure sector, emphasising the unique characteristics of infrastructure projects and their significant implications for OSH challenges. Section 2 outlines the research strategies and literature analysis methods employed in this work, providing a structured approach to com-prehending OSH challenges within infrastructure projects through the synthesis of relevant scholarly work. Section 3 presents the review’s findings regarding the identified OSH challenges in infrastructure projects, offering insights into the specific hazards and risks prevalent in construction and development activities in this sector. Section 4 provides case studies and performs a comparative analysis between OSH challenges in infrastructure projects and those in other construction contexts, elucidating the distinct complexities of ensuring safety within infrastructure projects. Section 5 summarises the conclusions drawn from the review and provides actionable recommendations for addressing OSH challenges in infrastructure projects, aiming to enhance safety practices in the sector. Finally, Section 6 discusses the inherent limitations of the review process and suggests potential avenues for future research, acknowledging constraints and proposing areas for further exploration and inquiry within the field of OSH in infrastructure projects.
2 Research methodology
The review methodology consisted of four main stages aimed at comprehensively identifying and categorising OSH challenges in infrastructure projects:
2.1 Literature search strategy
• A systematic literature search was conducted across major scholarly databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Web of Science, which are renowned for their comprehensive coverage (Chadegani et al., 2013).
• Relevant search terms related to OSH challenges in infrastructure projects, such as “OSH,” “infrastructure projects,” “challenges,” “barriers” and “construction sector,” were carefully selected and combined using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to optimise the search results.
• The search strategy was meticulously documented, specifying search strings, date restrictions (1995–2024) and any additional filters applied to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
2.2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Clear inclusion criteria were established to select relevant and high-quality articles, consistent with typical investigation procedures (Moher et al., 2015). These criteria included:
1. Publication between 1995 and 2024 to capture recent developments in the field.
2. Explicit mention or analysis of OSH barriers and challenges in infrastructure projects.
3. Online availability of full-text articles for accessibility.
4. English language publication for comprehension and accessibility.
• Similarly, exclusion criteria were defined to eliminate irrelevant or low-quality articles that lack a focus on OSH challenges in infrastructure projects or published in languages other than English.
2.3 Screening process
• A two-stage screening process was employed to identify relevant articles. Initially, the titles and abstracts of the retrieved records were screened to assess potential relevance to the research question.
• Subsequently, full-text articles were reviewed to confirm alignment with the inclusion criteria and to extract the relevant data.
• Any discrepancies or uncertainties during screening were resolved through a team discussion, with decisions documented for transparency and consistency.
2.4 Data extraction and analysis
• Systematic data extraction captured pertinent information from the selected articles, including OSH challenges, methodologies, key findings, and references.
• Thematic analysis served as the primary approach to identifying common themes, patterns, and trends across the literature, facilitating synthesis and interpretation.
• The data analysis process was iterative, with findings reviewed and discussed among the research team to ensure accuracy, validity, and reliability. Following these methodological stages, 76 papers initially met the study’s criteria, which were then refined to 54 publications through secondary screening and alignment with the research scope. This methodology provided a robust framework for comprehensively examining OSH challenges in infrastructure projects and informing the development of effective mitigation strategies. The depicted research methodology in Figure 1 illustrates the systematic approach employed in this study.
Figure 1. Research methodology.
3 Findings and discussion
Infrastructure projects play a crucial role in improving societal well-being by facilitating access to essential systems, services, and utilities necessary for economic activities. However, the nature of these projects presents significant challenges and threats that can result in serious injuries to personnel and contractors, thereby necessitating effective management to prevent and mitigate such risks (Prochazkova and Prochazka, 2014). Unlike many other industries where project staff may not need to be present on-site at all times (Alaloul et al., 2020), all workers and technical engineers involved in infrastructure projects are required to work on-site, either to carry out operations or ensure project completion according to specifications (Balkhyour, Ahmad and Rehan, 2019). Therefore, the ability to manage unforeseen circumstances is imperative.
Figure 2. Main categories of the identified OSH challenges in infrastructure projects.
Construction and infrastructure projects encounter similar risks. In contrast, infrastructure projects often face additional challenges and safety issues that are uncontrollable, such as those related to OSH concerns, which is related to third-party public safety (Campbell, 2008). Infrastructure construction sites are perceived as inherently risky environments characterised by unstructured conditions, inadequate facilities, congested workspaces, and exposure to adverse weather conditions Eppenberger and Haupt, 2003). Therefore, ensuring the safety of workers and the general public is paramount in such projects.
Challenges to OSH in infrastructure projects are generally intertwined with construction challenges (Campbell, 2008), which is why prioritising infrastructure OSH is imperative for stakeholders, including owners, consultants, contractors, governments, and project participants (Reid, 2009). Continuously improving OSH conditions is essential for all countries, with an emphasis on enhancing the risk assessment process and the effectiveness of risk elimination or reduction decisions (Cagno et al., 2001).
Various factors contribute to the heightened risks and vulnerabilities of OSH in infrastructure projects compared to other types of construction projects. Such factors include construction methods, use of heavy equipment, workers’ casual attitudes towards safety, inadequate leadership, and limited client and project management involvement in OSH (Laryea, 2010). Furthermore, accidents affect not only the individuals involved, but also the project parameters, leading to delays and loss of productivity (Chileshe and Dzisi, 2012; Saad, 2016) emphasised that poor safety performance results in increased overall OSH expenses. This study focused on identifying the barriers and challenges to OSH in infrastructure projects. Contextual fac-tors, which are often viewed as spin-offs of barriers, encompass variables that are indirectly related to OSH interventions but significantly influence their success (Stolk et al., 2012; Micheli et al., 2018). Eval-uating OSH in infrastructure projects becomes challenging if these barriers are not addressed (Abu Aisheh et al., 2021).
Worksite incidents often occur due to failure to recognise or address inherently dangerous conditions, negligence, or disregard for safety protocols (Zerguine et al., 2016). Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of safety training, absence of well-structured safety management systems and insufficient supervision also contribute to safety hazards in infrastructure projects (Hamid et al., 2008; Teo et al., 2008; Priyadarshani et al., 2013; Nawi et al., 2016).
Workers’ negligence, inability to follow job processes, high-level work, unsafe working conditions, poor site management, lack of skill and attitude towards safety all contribute to safety challenges in infrastructure projects (Ammad et al., 2020). Accidents are also attributed to a lack of safety awareness, educational training, company insurance and practical guidance, as well as unregulated activity and insufficient equipment (Enshassi et al., 2008).
A lack of safety training and policies are significant barriers to safety implementation in infrastructure projects (Saad, 2016). Safety training is vital for accident prevention and reduction (Yiu et al., 2018). Insufficient safety awareness and understanding among workers lead to unsafe behaviours and practices (Chileshe and Dzisi, 2012; Sobral and Soares, 2019). Thus, effective safety communication between managers and workers is crucial for safety management (Hanafi, 2018). Communication difficulties, including linguistic, religious, and cultural barriers, may hinder safety efforts on worksites (Mouleeswaran, 2014). Management’s inconsistent OSH behaviour, inadequate information and communication, and prioritisation of production over safety are the main barriers to safety implementation (Garnica and Barriga, 2018). The four key challenges to OSH implementation are an uncomfortable work environment, lack of safety awareness, absence of safety management programmes and industry norms discouraging safety programmes (Buniya et al., 2021). Meanwhile, factors such as poor project preparation, financial constraints, inadequate data, lack of emergency plans, hazardous conditions and overall project constraints further exacerbate the safety challenges in infrastructure projects, especially in developing countries (Nawaz et al., 2020)
Risky work environments, limited equipment accessibility, social isolation and individual obligations during the workday are significant concerns that affect safety performance (Pamidimukkala and Kermanshachi, 2021). Tight project schedules add pressure and stress, contributing to health and safety hazards and reduced productivity (Kartam, Flood and Koushki, 2000). Perceived OSH challenges include costs, lack of management commitment, inadequate safety culture, resource shortages, lack of enforcement, training deficiencies and lack of understanding of development (Dugolli, 2021). Poor data management makes estimating risk impact and taking corrective measures difficult (Khan, 2013; Revathi K et al., 2017). Alcohol consumption at work increases the risk of injury for drinkers and others, underscoring the importance of safety awareness and education (Meliá and Becerril, 2009; Arezes and Bizarro, 2011; Manjula and De Silva, 2014). Safety knowledge is crucial for promoting safety practices and behaviours (Manjula and De Silva, 2014).
A lack of safety regulations, procedures, standards, and effective communication of safety standards hinder safety programmes (Aksorn and Hadikusumo, 2008). Company culture plays a significant role in employee safety; a lack of commitment to safety and failure to follow safety regulations contribute to deficiencies in safety (Zhang and Gao, 2012). Workers’ failure to use PPE correctly is attributed to ignorance, negligence, apathy, and excessive trust, thereby underscoring the importance of safety awareness and training (Tan and Razak, 2014). Insufficient safety regulations, procedures, and standards, coupled with ineffective communication, further hinder safety efforts (Aksorn and Hadikusumo, 2008; Mahmoudi et al., 2014).
Table 1 presents a comprehensive compilation of the OSH challenges encountered in infrastructure projects, classified into distinct categories: Organisational factors; resource and infrastructure factors; legislative and regulatory factors; human factors; environmental and external factors; safety practices and procedures. Within each category, specific barriers identified from the literature review are delineated, along with corresponding references. This systematic categorisation facilitated a structured comprehension of the multifaceted challenges that are inherently present in ensuring OSH compliance within infrastructure projects.
Table 1. List of the OSH challenges in infrastructure projects.
In infrastructure projects, OSH challenges are intricate and encompass various factors that significantly influence safety outcomes and project success. Understanding these challenges from organisational dynamics to regulatory frameworks and external factors is crucial. This discussion aimed to dissect different categories and factors of OSH challenges, emphasising those with the most impact and their implications for project stakeholders. Doing so enabled us to deepen our understanding of OSH management in infrastructure projects and identify areas for targeted interventions to improve safety outcomes and project performance.
• Most significant category and factors:
- Organisational factors: Our findings highlight the critical role of organisational factors, such as management commitment, resource allocation, safety culture and effective safety management practices, in ensuring worker wellbeing and project success (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). Strong commitment from top management is essential for fostering a safety-first culture and ensuring adequate resource provision for safe work practices (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). Conversely, a weak safety culture and lack of worker engagement present significant barriers to effective safety management (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). Implementing robust safety management systems, including planning, training, and monitoring, is vital for mitigating health and safety risks (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). Failures in safety management practices contribute to unsafe work conditions and undermine safety efforts (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024), and inadequate planning and communication among stakeholders can further exacerbate safety challenges Nawaz et al., 2020).
- Legislative and regulatory factors: Adhering to OSH regulations is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment and upholding ethical standards in infrastructure projects (Nordengen and Roux, 2013). Non-compliance can lead to severe repercussions, underscoring the need for a robust regulatory framework and a culture of safety compliance in the industry Nordengen and Roux, 2013). Effective legislation, enforcement and awareness of safety requirements are essential for promoting safe work practices and ensuring stakeholders’ accountability (Nordengen and Roux, 2013). Compliance with OSH regulations is indispensable for meeting legal obligations, minimising le-gal liabilities and fostering a safety culture within infrastructure projects (Nordengen and Roux, 2013).
• Least significant category and factors:
- Environmental and external factors: Environmental and external factors are important, yet their direct impact on safety outcomes in infrastructure projects is perceived as less significant than that of organisational and legislative factors (McDonnell and Chung, 2002; Nekhoroshkov and Nekhoroshkov, 2018; Abolelmagd et al., 2023). However, proactive risk management remains crucial for addressing challenges and ensure project success (McDonnell and Chung, 2002; Nekhoroshkov and Nekhoroshkov, 2018; Abolelmagd et al., 2023). While environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions and regulatory changes can introduce complexities and risks, they are often beyond the direct control of project stakeholders (McDonnell and Chung, 2002; Nekhoroshkov and Nekhoroshkov, 2018; Abolelmagd et al., 2023). Effective risk management strategies and contingency planning can help mitigate their impact on safety and overall project performance (McDonnell and Chung, 2002; Nekhoroshkov and Nekhoroshkov, 2018; Abolelmagd et al., 2023).
- Safety practice and procedure factors: Safety practices and procedures are vital for creating a safe work environment. However, their influence on safety outcomes is considered relatively less significant than that of organisational and legislative factors (Nawaz et al., 2020; Bolsherotov, 2021; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). The effectiveness of safety practices depends on the support and compliance established at higher organisational and regulatory levels (Nawaz et al., 2020; Bolsherotov, 2021; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). Without robust organisational support and adherence to regulatory requirements, safety protocols may not be adequately implemented or enforced, limiting their direct impact on safety outcomes (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024). Safety practices and procedures represent the implementation tier of safety management systems, and their efficacy is contingent upon support from organisational and regulatory levels (Nawaz et al., 2020; Al-Mhdawi et al., 2024).
4 Case studies and comparative analysis
Infrastructure projects and other construction ventures face distinct OSH challenges due to differences in scale, complexity, duration and impact on public safety and the environment. Recognising these variations is crucial for implementing effective safety management practices that address the specific hazards and regulatory requirements associated with each project type (Baniassadi et al., 2018; Greiman and Sclar, 2019; Indrayana and Suraji, 2022). Four case studies are represented, to illustrate the significant differences in OSH challenges between infrastructure projects and other forms of construction.
4.1 Infrastructure projects
4.1.1 Big Dig tunnel project (Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
• OSH challenges: The extensive scale and complexity of the Big Dig project in Boston introduced significant safety challenges, with workers encountering risks associated with confined spaces, underground utility handling and coordination with multiple stakeholders. Notably, the threat of tunnel collapses posed a considerable risk, exemplified by incidents such as the 2006 ceiling panel collapse, resulting in a motorist fatality (Albee, 1991).
• Key differences: Infrastructure projects such as the Big Dig involve specialised construction techniques and intricate underground work, such as tunnelling and bridge construction, necessitating tailored safety measures and equipment (Albee, 1991; Welsh, 1999).
4.1.2 Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel)
• OSH challenges: The construction of the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France presented unique safety challenges due to its underwater nature. Workers navigated the underwater conditions, managed compressed air environments and prevented flooding during the construction process (Welsh, 1999).
• Key differences: Underwater or subsurface construction projects such as the Channel Tunnel pose distinct hazards related to water pressure and diving operations, requiring specialised expertise and equipment (Anner et al., 2013; Gueorguiev, 2019; Li et al., 2021).
4.2 Construction projects
4.2.1 Rana Plaza building collapse (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
• OSH challenges: The Rana Plaza disaster highlighted common safety issues in various construction contexts, such as inadequate building codes, poor structural integrity and unsafe working conditions. Workers, particularly in garment factories, faced risks such as overcrowding, absence of fire exits and structural deficiencies (Hossain, 2019; Trebilcock, 2020; Grier et al., 2023; Rehman et al., 2023).
• Key differences: Infrastructure projects focus on challenges related to scale and complexity, whereas other construction forms prioritise different safety aspects, such as fire safety and building integrity, necessitating tailored safety measures (Rudnik, 2018; Chen et al., 2022).
4.2.2 Grenfell Tower fire (London, UK)
• OSH challenges: The Grenfell Tower fire exposed systemic failures in fire safety, building regulations and construction practices. Issues such as inadequate fire safety pro-visions and confusing building regulations contributed to the tragic outcome (Mitchener, 2018; Chen et al., 2019; Ewen, 2023).
• Key differences: Residential construction projects such as Grenfell Tower prioritise fire safety and evacuation procedures, while infrastructure projects may emphasise hazards such as structural stability and environmental impact (Baniassadi et al., 2018; Indrayana and Suraji, 2022).
4.3 Comparative analysis
• Scale and complexity: Infrastructure projects typically involve larger scales and complexities due to their extensive nature, encompassing structures such as bridges, highways, airports and tunnels. Thus, managing safety across vast areas and intricate structures presents unique challenges (Masrom et al., 2015; Ayat et al., 2023). In contrast, other construction projects vary in size and complexity, with more standardised processes and less extensive spatial requirements (Dardiri et al., 2017).
• Workforce skills and training: Infrastructure projects demand a highly specialised workforce with expertise in various engineering disciplines, requiring training in specific safety protocols. Other construction projects may have a more generalised workforce with training focused on standard construction safety practices (Misra and Mohanty, 2021; Ahmed, 2023).
• Duration and timeline: Infrastructure projects typically have longer durations, which is why the possibility of accidents may increase over time. Other construction projects may vary in duration, affecting the intensity and duration of the OSH challenges faced by workers (Jones, Caudle and Pappworth, 1996).
• Regulatory compliance: Infrastructure projects are subject to complex regulations due to their significant impact on public safety and the environment. Compliance with OSH regulations, environmental regulations and industry standards adds complexity to safety management (Dimitrova et al., 2014; Mwelu et al., 2018).
• Public safety concerns: Infrastructure projects prioritise public safety because they have a direct impact on public wellbeing, involving hazards such as working near live traffic. Other construction projects may entail fewer public safety risks (Chi et al., 2016).
• Environmental impact: Infrastructure projects have significant environmental implications, requiring compliance with environmental regulations. While all construction projects must consider environmental impact, the scale and scope of these projects may vary (Alamgir et al., 2018; Saldaña-Márquez et al., 2019). Understanding these differences is essential for implementing tailored safety measures that address the unique challenges in each type of construction project.
5 Conclusion and recommendations
Infrastructure projects are indispensable for societal advancement, but strict adherence to OSH regulations to safeguard both individuals and property is necessary for such projects to be executed successfully. These projects, which are characterised by complexity and hazards, can give rise to hazardous environments and adverse environmental impacts if safety measures are not prioritised (Gámez-García et al., 2019). Inadequate OSH practices contribute significantly to the rate of injuries, fatalities, and property damage in construction projects, particularly in infrastructure projects. Infrastructure projects have long been associated with risks and incidents, resulting in project delays, escalated costs, diminished productivity, and negative reputational consequences (Sathvik et al., 2023). Hence, ensuring OSH compliance is essential to avoid accidents. Identifying impediments to OSH in the infrastructure sector is critical so that governments, organisations and policymakers can devise and implement effective interventions gradually to ameliorate these barriers and enhance OSH performance. This research identified major hurdles that need to be addressed to improve OSH performance in the infrastructure sector. The findings of this review can serve as a basis for further exploration of the identified challenges. This study is significant because it elucidates the OSH challenges and barriers in infrastructure projects, provides insights to improve OSH and educates professionals in the field. Addressing infrastructure challenges is imperative because they affect not only project deliverables, but also the safety of the involved personnel. In addition, the findings contribute to infrastructure safety by offering theoretical insights and a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder challenges during infrastructure development.
Organisational and legislative factors are the most significant categories and factors influencing OSH in infrastructure projects. Their impact on safety culture, resource allocation, compliance and accountability highlight their significance in ensuring the wellbeing of workers and the success of projects. Addressing organisational and legislative factors through proactive measures and robust safety management practices is essential for promoting a safe work environment, minimising risks, and achieving positive outcomes in infrastructure projects. These include:
• Design and implement safety protocols specifically tailored to address the distinct risks and complexities inherent in infrastructure projects, with factors such as project scale, environmental considerations and resource limitations taken into consideration.
• It is crucial to prioritize the early detection, evaluation, and reduction of risks at every phase of infrastructure projects. This proactive approach ensures that potential dangers to both workers and the environment are minimized effectively. By addressing risks before they escalate, we can safeguard the health and safety of personnel and protect the natural surroundings throughout the project’s duration.
• Advocate for the establishment and enforcement of robust regulatory frameworks that effectively uphold safety standards and ensure compliance with OSH regulations in infrastructure development endeavours.
• It is essential to foster cooperation between different stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects, such as government bodies, contractors, engineers, and safety experts. This collaboration should aim to facilitate the exchange of best practices, insights gained from past experiences, and innovative approaches. By sharing this valuable information, all parties can work together more effectively to tackle occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges that arise during infrastructure projects.
• Dedicate sufficient resources to ongoing research with the specific goal of improving occupational safety and health (OSH) practices, technologies, and methodologies. This research should be specially designed to meet the distinct needs of infrastructure projects. By investing in such targeted research, we can develop and refine strategies and tools that are directly applicable to the challenges faced in these complex environments. This commitment to innovation will help ensure that OSH measures keep pace with the evolving demands of infrastructure development and continue to protect workers effectively.
• Offer specialised training programmes and educational initiatives to equip workers with the skills, knowledge and awareness required to identify and mitigate OSH risks effectively.
• Cultivate a culture of safety across all organisational levels, emphasising the importance of OSH practices, fostering open communication and empowering workers to actively engage in safety initiatives.
• Establish robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented safety measures, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the continuous enhancement of OSH performance in infrastructure projects.
• Involve local communities in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects to address safety concerns, environmental impacts, and community wellbeing, thereby fostering transparency and trust.
• Embrace innovative technologies such as drones, sensors, and virtual reality simulations to enhance the safety monitoring, risk assessment and decision-making processes in infrastructure projects.
6 Limitations
This study has several limitations that are inherently present during the literature review process, including potential selection, publication, language, research design and temporal biases. These limitations can be addressed if future research into the OSH of infra-structure projects focuses on conducting comparative analyses with other construction forms, exploring regional disparities, conducting longitudinal studies to assess intervention effectiveness, integrating technological innovations, engaging stakeholders, examining psychosocial factors, evaluating community health impacts, and analysing OSH policies. Addressing these research areas can result in a more comprehensive understanding of the OSH challenges in infrastructure projects, informing evidence-based strategies for enhancing worker safety, project sustainability and community wellbeing.
Author contributions
AB: Writing–original draft, Writing–review and editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of interest
The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
References
Abolelmagd, Y. M., Mobarak, W. F., and Eskander, R. F. (2023). Evaluating delay causes for constructing road projects in Saudi arabia. Inf. Sci. Lett. 12 (9), 2211–2224. doi:10.18576/isl/120926
Abu Aisheh, Y. I., Tayeh, B. A., Alaloul, W. S., and Jouda, A. F. (2021). Barriers of occupational safety implementation in infrastructure projects: gaza Strip case. Int. J. Environ. Res. public health 18 (7), 3553. doi:10.3390/ijerph18073553
Agbede, J. O., Manu, P., Agbede, O. A., and Mahamadu, A. M. (2016). Health and safety management practices in the Nigerian construction industry: a survey of construction firms in South Western Nigeria. Proceedings of the CIB World Building Congress 2, 293–304.
Ahmed, N. A. S. (2023). “Assessment of contractor’s extension of time claim (EOT),” in The International Conference on Civil Infrastructure Construction.
Aksorn, T., and Hadikusumo, B. H. (2008). 'Critical success factors influencing safety program performance in Thai construction projects. Saf. Sci. 46 (4), 709–727. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2007.06.006
Alaloul, W. S., Ismail, A. S. I. B., Ammad, S., and Saad, S. (2020). “Health and safety for infrastructure projects: PPE adaptation and barriers,” in 2020 Second international sustainability and resilience conference: technology and innovation in building designs, Sakheer, Bahrain, 11-12 November 2020x, 1–8.
Alamgir, M., Campbell, M. J., Sloan, S., Phin, W. E., and Laurance, W. F. (2018). Road risks and environmental impact assessments in Malaysian road infrastructure projects. Jurutera 13–16.
Al-Mhdawi, M. K. S., O'connor, A., Qazi, A., Rahimian, F., and Dacre, N. (2024). Review of studies on risk factors in critical infrastructure projects from 2011 to 2023. Smart Sustain. Built Environ. doi:10.1108/sasbe-09-2023-0285
Alnunu, M. Z., and Maliha, M. R. (2015). Evaluation of factors affecting on safety performance at high workplace in Gaza Strip 2014. J. Civ. Environ. Eng. 5 (1), e167. doi:10.4172/2165-784x.1000167
Ammad, S., Alaloul, W. S., Saad, S., Qureshi, A. H., Sheikh, N., Ali, M., et al. (2020). Personal protective equipment in construction, accidents involved in construction infrastructure projects. Solid State Technol. 63 (6), 4147–4159.
Andi, A. (2008). Construction workers perceptions toward safety culture. Civ. Eng. Dimens. 10 (1), 1–6.
Anner, M., Bair, J., and Blasi, J. (2013). Toward joint liability supply chains: addressing the root causes of labor violations in international subcontracting networks. Comp. Labor Law Policy J. 35, 1–44.
Arezes, P. M., and Bizarro, M. (2011). Alcohol consumption and risk perception in the Portuguese construction industry. Open Occup. Health Saf. J. 3, 10–17. doi:10.2174/1876216601103010010
Awwad, R., El Souki, O., and Jabbour, M. (2016). Construction safety practices and challenges in a Middle Eastern developing country. Saf. Sci. 83, 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2015.10.016
Ayat, M., Rehman, H., Qureshi, S. M., and Kang, C. W. (2023). Assessing the causes of project overruns in tunnel construction projects in Pakistan. Int. J. Constr. Manag. 23 (11), 1856–1866. doi:10.1080/15623599.2021.2017541
Baghdadi, A., and Almathamei, E. M. (2023). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on project management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Int. Adv. J. Eng. Res. (IAJER). 6. (09). 01–07.
Baghdadi, A., and Kishk, M. (2015). Saudi Arabian aviation construction projects: identification of risks and their consequences. Procedia Eng. 123, 32–40. doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2015.10.054
Baghdadi, A., and Kishk, M. (2017). Assessment of risks associated with Saudi aviation construction projects and of the risks' importance. Int. J. Innovation, Manag. Technol. 8 (2), 123–130. doi:10.18178/ijimt.2017.8.2.715
Baghdadi, A. M. A. (2017). The allocation of risks in the Saudi Arabian domestic and regional aviation construction projects (Doctoral dissertation). Contemp. issues Constr. Eng. Manag. doi:10.29117/cic.2023.0036
Balkhyour, M. A., Ahmad, I., and Rehan, M. (2019). Assessment of personal protective equipment use and occupational exposures in small industries in Jeddah: health implications for workers. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 26 (4), 653–659. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.06.011
Baniassadi, F., Alvanchi, A., and Mostafavi, A. (2018). A simulation-based framework for concurrent safety and productivity improvement in construction projects. Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag. 25 (11), 1501–1515. doi:10.1108/ecam-12-2017-0266
Bhole, S. (2016). Safety problems and injuries on construction site: a review. Int. J. Eng. Tech. 2 (4), 24–35.
Bolsherotov, A. L. (2021). Model of an integrated environmental safety system for construction. Her. Dagestan State Tech. Univ. Tech. Sci. 48, 130–140. doi:10.21822/2073-6185-2021-48-1-130-140
Buniya, M. K., Othman, I., Sunindijo, R. Y., Kineber, A. F., Mussi, E., and Ahmad, H. (2021). Barriers to safety program implementation in the construction industry. Ain Shams Eng. J. 12 (1), 65–72. doi:10.1016/j.asej.2020.08.002
Cagno, E., Di Giulio, A., and Trucco, P. (2001). An algorithm for the implementation of safety improvement programs. Saf. Sci. 37 (1), 59–75. doi:10.1016/s0925-7535(00)00050-3
Campbell, J. M. (2008). Safety hazard and risk identification and management in infrastructure management. Edinb. Res. Archive.
Chadegani, A. A., Salehi, H., Yunus, M. M., Farhadi, H., Fooladi, M., Farhadi, M., et al. (2013). A comparison between two main academic literature collections: Web of Science and Scopus databases. arXiv Prepr. arXiv:1305.0377 9. doi:10.5539/ass.v9n5p18
Charehzehi, A., and Ahankoob, A. (2012). Enhancement of safety performance at construction site. Int. J. Adv. Eng. Technol. 5 (1), 303.
Cheah, C. Y. (2007). Construction safety and health factors at the industry level: the case of Singapore. J. Constr. Dev. Ctries. 12 (2).
Chellappa, V., Srivastava, V., and Salve, U. R. (2021). A systematic review of construction workers’ health and safety research in India. J. Eng. Des. Technol. 19, 1488–1504. doi:10.1108/jedt-08-2020-0345
Chen, D., Zhou, J., Duan, P., and Zhang, J. (2022). Integrating knowledge management and BIM for safety risk identification of deep foundation pit construction. Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag. 30 (8), 3242–3258. doi:10.1108/ecam-10-2021-0934
Chen, T. B. Y., Yuen, A. C. Y., Chan, Q. N., and Yeoh, G. H. (2019). Safety awareness of firefighters and their perception of fire risks in cladding fires. Conference: AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ - Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Research Forum.
Chi, C. S. F., Ruuska, I., and Xu, J. (2016). Environmental impact assessment of infrastructure projects: a governance perspective. J. Environ. Plan. Manag. 59, 393–413. doi:10.1080/09640568.2015.1013623
Chileshe, N., and Dzisi, E. (2012). Benefits and barriers of construction health and safety management (HSM): perceptions of practitioners within design organisations. J. Eng. Des. Technol. 10, 276–298. doi:10.1108/17260531211241220
Chiocha, C., Smallwood, J., and Emuze, F. (2011). Health and safety in the Malawian construction industry. Acta Structilia 18 (1), 68–80.
Choudhry, R. M., and Fang, D. (2008). Why operatives engage in unsafe work behavior: investigating factors on construction sites. Saf. Sci. 46 (4), 566–584. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2007.06.027
Cooney, J. P. (2016). Health and safety in the construction industry: a review of procurement, monitoring, cost effectiveness and strategy. PQDT-Global.
Dardiri, A., Sutrisno, S., Kuncoro, T., Ichwanto, M. A., and Suparji, S. (2017). Enhancing the competitiveness of skilled construction workers through collaborative education and training. AIP Conf. Proc. 1887 (1). doi:10.1063/1.5003488
Dester, W. S., and Blockley, D. I. (1995). Safety - behaviour and culture in construction. Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag. 2, 17–26. doi:10.1108/eb021000
Dimitrova, Z., Dermendzhieva, S., and Chakarova, K. (2014). Security and safety: thematic research summary.
Diugwu, I., Dorothy, B., and Egila, A. (2012). Effective regulation and level of awareness: an exposé of the Nigeria’s construction industry. Open J. Saf. Sci. Technol. 2, 140–146. doi:10.4236/ojsst.2012.24018
Dugolli, M. (2021). Occupational, health and safety situation at small and medium enterprises in Kosovo, contextual factors, barriers, drivers and intervention process. Int. Rev. Appl. Sci. Eng. 12 (1), 19–28. doi:10.1556/1848.2020.00110
Durdyev, S., Mohamed, S., Lay, M. L., and Ismail, S. (2017). Key factors affecting construction safety performance in developing countries: evidence from Cambodia. Constr. Econ. Build. 17 (4), 48–65. doi:10.5130/ajceb.v17i4.5596
Enshassi, A. (2003). Factors affecting safety on construction projects. Gaza Strip, Palestine: Islamic University of Gaza.
Enshassi, A., Choudhry, R. M., Mayer, P. E., and Shoman, Y. (2008). Safety performance of subcontractors in the Palestinian construction industry. J. Constr. Dev. Ctries. 13 (1), 51–62.
Enshassi, A., Mayer, P. E., Mohamed, S., and El-Masri, F. (2007). Perception of construction managers towards safety in Palestine. Int. J. Constr. Manag. 7 (2), 41–51. doi:10.1080/15623599.2007.10773101
Eppenberger, M., and Haupt, T. (2003). “The older construction worker–A study of injuries and their underlying causes,” in Proceedings of the CIDB 1st Postgraduate Conference, Port Elizabeth.
Ewen, S. (2023). Before Grenfell: fire, safety and deregulation in twentieth-century Britain. University of London Press.
Fang, D., Chen, Y., and Wong, L. (2006). Safety climate in construction industry: a case study in Hong Kong. J. Constr. Eng. Manag. 132 (6), 573–584. doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9364(2006)132:6(573)
Gámez-García, D. C., Saldaña-Márquez, H., Gómez-Soberón, J. M., Corral-Higuera, R., and Arredondo-Rea, S. P. (2019). Life Cycle Assessment of residential streets from the perspective of favoring the human scale and reducing motorized traffic flow. From cradle to handover approach. Sustain. cities Soc. 44, 332–342. doi:10.1016/j.scs.2018.10.018
Garnica, G. B., and Barriga, G. D. C. (2018). Barriers to occupational health and safety management in small Brazilian enterprises. Production 28. doi:10.1590/0103-6513.20170046
Gastauer, M., Massante, J. C., Ramos, S. J., da Silva, R. D. S. S., Boanares, D., Guedes, R. S., et al. (2022). Revegetation on tropical steep slopes after mining and infrastructure projects: challenges and solutions. Sustainability 14 (24), 17003. doi:10.3390/su142417003
Ghahramani, A. (2017). Diagnosis of poor safety culture as a major shortcoming in OHSAS 18001-certified companies. Ind. Health 55 (2), 138–148. doi:10.2486/indhealth.2015-0205
Goh, Y. M., and Chua, D. (2013). Neural network analysis of construction safety management systems: a case study in Singapore. Constr. Manag. Econ. 31 (5), 460–470. doi:10.1080/01446193.2013.797095
Gonzalez-Delgado, M., Gómez-Dantés, H., Fernández-Niño, J. A., Robles, E., Borja, V. H., and Aguilar, M. (2015). Factors associated with fatal occupational accidents among Mexican workers: a national analysis. PloS one 10 (3), e0121490. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121490
Greiman, V., and Sclar, E. D. (2019). Mega infrastructure as a dynamic ecosystem: lessons from America’s interstate system and Boston’s big dig. J. Mega Infrastructure Sustain. Dev. 1, 188–200.
Grier, K. B., Mahmood, T. I., and Powell, B. (2023). Anti-sweatshop activism and the safety-employment tradeoff: evidence from Bangladesh's Rana Plaza disaster. SSRN Electron. J. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4141435
Gueorguiev, N. L. (2019). Area of impact of underwater explosion on divers. Secur. Future 3 (3), 118–122.
Hamid, A. R. A., Abd Majid, M. Z., and Singh, B. (2008). Causes of accidents at construction sites. Malays. J. Civ. Eng. 20 (2).
Hanafi, W. (2018). “Impact of safety management practices enforcement toward employee safety in construction industry,” in Proceedings of the 8th International Economics and Business Management Conference.
Hossain, N. (2019). Rana Plaza, disaster politics, and the empowerment of women garment workers in Bangladesh. Contemp. South Asia 27, 516–530. doi:10.1080/09584935.2019.1683719
Indrayana, D. V., and Suraji, A. (2022). Construction safety leadership in Indonesia’s disaster challenges. Disaster Adv. 15 (4), 21–25. doi:10.25303/1504da021025
Ishak, N., Mansor, M. I. B., Ahmad, A. C., Jaafar, A. S., and Jaffar, N. (2022). Hindrance in safety management practices in the construction of infrastructure projects. Int. J. Acad. Res. Bus. Soc. Sci. 12(8), 798–806. doi:10.6007/IJARBSS/v12-i8/14491
Jones, F. V., Caudle, D. D., and Pappworth, S. S. R. (1996). “International regulatory compliance and EHS planning,” in Paper presented at the SPE Health, Safety and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 9–12, 1996.
Ju, C., and Rowlinson, S. (2014). Institutional determinants of construction safety management strategies of contractors in Hong Kong. Constr. Manag. Econ. 32 (7-8), 725–736. doi:10.1080/01446193.2014.909048
Kadiri, Z. O., Nden, T., Avre, G. K., Oladipo, T. O., Edom, A., Samuel, P. O., et al. (2014). Causes and effects of accidents on construction sites (a case study of some selected construction firms in Abuja FCT Nigeria). IOSR J. Mech. Civ. Eng. 11 (5), 66–72. doi:10.9790/1684-11516672
Kartam, N., Flood, I., and Koushki, P. (2000). Construction safety in Kuwait: issues, procedures, problems, and recommendations. Saf. Sci. 36 (3), 163–184. doi:10.1016/s0925-7535(00)00041-2
Khan, M. I. (2013). “Developing a safety culture in developing countries,” in International Conference, Safety, Construction Engineering and Project Management (ICSCEPM), Islamabad.
Kheni, D. N. A., and Afatsawu, P. K. (2022). A study of challenges faced by regulatory authorities for implementing health and safety compliance in the Ghana construction industry context. Int. J. Manag. Entrepreneursh. Res. 4, 315–333. doi:10.51594/ijmer.v4i7.353
Kheni, N. A., Gibb, A. G., and Dainty, A. R. (2010). Health and safety management within small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries: study of contextual influences. J. Constr. Eng. Manag. 136 (10), 1104–1115. doi:10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0000218
Khosravi, Y., Asilian-Mahabadi, H., Hajizadeh, E., Hassanzadeh-Rangi, N., Bastani, H., and Behzadan, A. H. (2014). Factors influencing unsafe behaviors and accidents on construction sites: a review. Int. J. Occup. Saf. Ergonomics 20 (1), 111–125. doi:10.1080/10803548.2014.11077023
Kogi, K. (2002). Work improvement and occupational safety and health management systems: common features and research needs. Ind. Health 40 (2), 121–133. doi:10.2486/indhealth.40.121
Kunodzia, R., Bikitsha, L., and Haldenwang, R. (2024). Perceived factors affecting the implementation of occupational health and safety management systems in the South African construction industry. Safety 10, 5. doi:10.3390/safety10010005
Langford, D., Rowlinson, S., and Sawacha, E. (2000). Safety behaviour and safety management: its influence on the attitudes of workers in the UK construction industry. Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag. 7, 133–140. doi:10.1046/j.1365-232x.2000.00137.x
Laryea, S. (2010). “Health and safety on construction sites in Ghana,” in The construction, building and real estate research conference of the royal institution of chartered surveyors (Paris, France: Dauphine Université).
Li, S., Ding, W., He, Y., and Zhang, Q. (2021). Karst cave treatment technology for a subsea shield tunnel. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci., 861. 7072111. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/861/7/072111
Li, Z., Tang, L., Niu, Y., Wu, B., and Wang, Y. (2018). Analysis of problems and solutions in safety management of building engineering. Smart Constr. Res. 2. doi:10.18063/scr.v0.481
Lubega, H., Kiggundu, B., and Tindiwensi, D. (2000). “An investigation into the causes of accidents in the construction industry in Uganda,” in 2nd International Conference on Construction in Developing Countries: Challenges Facing the Construction Industry in Developing Countries, 15-17 Nov 2002, 1–12.
Maano, N. E., and Lindiwe, Z. (2017). Occupational health and safety provision awareness among construction workers on the construction industry of Windhoek, Namibia. Int. J. Health 5, 60–63. doi:10.14419/ijh.v5i1.7294
Mahfuth, K., Loulizi, A., Al Hallaq, K., and Tayeh, B. A. (2019). Implementation phase safety system for minimising construction project waste. Buildings 9 (1), 25. doi:10.3390/buildings9010025
Mahfuth, K., Loulizi, A., Tayeh, B. A., and Al Hallaq, K. (2018). Unacceptable form safety in the const Palestinian nation. Int. J. Civ. Eng. 9 (13), 328–341.
Mahmoudi, S., Ghasemi, F., Mohammadfam, I., and Soleimani, E. (2014). Framework for continuous assessment and improvement of occupational health and safety issues in construction companies. Saf. health A. T. work 5 (3), 125–130. doi:10.1016/j.shaw.2014.05.005
Manjula, N., and De Silva, N. (2014). “Factors influencing safety behaviours of construction workers,” in Proceedings of the 3rd world construction symposium 2014: sustainability and development in Built environment (Sri Lanka: Colombo).
Mashwama, N., Aigbavboa, C., and Thwala, W. (2018). “Occupational health and safety challenges among small and medium sized enterprise contractors in South Africa,” in International conference on applied human factors and ergonomics (Springer).
Masrom, M. A. N., Abd Rahim, M. H. I., Mohamed, S., and Yunus, R. (2015). Preliminary qualitative findings: challenges in large infrastructure projects towards development of innovative performance measurement. Appl. Mech. Mater. 773, 1012–1016. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.773-774.1012
McDonnell, R., and Chung, E. (2002). “Modelling external factors in transport,” in Conference of Australian Institutes of Transport Research, 23rd, 2001, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Meliá, J. L., and Becerril, M. (2009). Health behaviour and safety in the construction sector. Psicothema 21 (3), 427–432.
Meswani, H. R. (2008). Safety and occupational health: challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. Indian J. Occup. Environ. Med. 12 (1), 3–9. doi:10.4103/0019-5278.40808
Micheli, G. J., Cagno, E., and Calabrese, A. (2018). The transition from occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions to OSH outcomes: an empirical analysis of mechanisms and contextual factors within small and medium-sized enterprises. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 15 (8), 1621. doi:10.3390/ijerph15081621
Misra, P., and Mohanty, J. (2021). A review on training and leadership development: its effectiveness for enhancing employee performance in Indian construction industry. IOP Conf. Ser. Mater. Sci. Eng. 1045, 012020. doi:10.1088/1757-899x/1045/1/012020
Mitchener, G. (2018). Impact of Grenfell Tower fire disaster on polyisocyanurate industry. Polimery 63, 716–722. doi:10.14314/polimery.2018.10.8
Mohamed, S., Ali, T. H., and Tam, W. (2009). National culture and safe work behaviour of construction workers in Pakistan. Saf. Sci. 47 (1), 29–35. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2008.01.003
Moher, D., Shamseer, L., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., et al. (2015). Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Syst. Rev. 4, 1–9. doi:10.1186/2046-4053-4-1
Mouleeswaran, K. (2014). Evaluation of safety performance level of construction firms in and around erode zone. Int. J. Innovative Res. Sci. Eng. Technol. 3 (1), 1586–1594.
Mullen, J. (2004). Investigating factors that influence individual safety behavior at work. J. Saf. Res. 35 (3), 275–285. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2004.03.011
Murugasamy, M., Sakthivel, M., and Shanmugam, V. I. (2020). “Study on barriers in the implementation of safety management system in construction projects,” in AIP Conference Proceedings (AIP Publishing LLC) Vol. 2240 (1).
Mwelu, N., Davis, P. R., Ke, Y., and Watundu, S. (2018). Compliance within a regulatory framework in implementing public road construction projects. Constr. Econ. Build. 18, 1–23. doi:10.5130/ajceb.v18i4.6362
Nawaz, A., Su, X., Din, Q. M. U., Khalid, M. I., Bilal, M., and Shah, S. A. R. (2020). Identification of the h&s (Health and safety factors) involved in infrastructure projects in developing countries-a sequential mixed method approach of OLMT-project. Int. J. Environ. Res. public health 17 (2), 635. doi:10.3390/ijerph17020635
Nawi, M. N. M., Ibrahim, S. H., Affandi, R., Rosli, N. A., and Basri, F. M. (2016). Factor affecting safety performance construction industry. Int. Rev. Manag. Mark. 6 (8), 280–285.
Nekhoroshkov, V., and Nekhoroshkov, E. V. (2018). Scenario approach in forecasting the efficiency of infrastructure projects for transport supply of international trade. MATEC Web Conf. 239, 08010. doi:10.1051/matecconf/201823908010
Nordengen, P. A., and Roux, M. (2013). ‘Evaluation of a performance-based standards approach to heavy vehicle design to reduce pavement wear’.
Oke, A., Aigbavboa, C., and Seemola, M. (2017). “Importance of safety guidelines on South African construction sites,” in International conference on applied human factors and ergonomics (Springer).
Okoye, P. U., Ezeokonkwo, J. U., and Ezeokoli, F. O. (2016). Building construction workers’ health and safety knowledge and compliance on site. J. Saf. Eng. 5 (1), 17–26.
Pamidimukkala, A., and Kermanshachi, S. (2021). Impact of Covid-19 on field and office workforce in construction industry. Proj. Leadersh. Soc. 2. 100018.
Priyadarshani, K., Karunasena, G., and Jayasuriya, S. (2013). Construction safety assessment framework for developing countries: a case study of Sri Lanka. J. Constr. Dev. Ctries. 18 (1), 33–51.
Prochazkova, D., and Prochazka, J. (2014). Model of critical infrastructure safety management. Радіоелектронні і комп’ютерні системи (6), 27–32.
Ravschan, N., and Zikriyoev, A. (2019). Modern challenges in health and safety at construction industry. Бюллетень науки и практики 5 (3), 262–271.
Rehman, S. U., Zhou, X., Zhao, G., Arif, A., and Naeem, I. (2023). Enhancing construction site safety in Pakistan: a proposed health and safety framework based on the analytical hierarchy process. IETI Trans. Data Analysis Forecast. (iTDAF) 1 (2), 63–83. doi:10.3991/itdaf.v1i2.41347
Reid, R. L. (2009). Special section: guiding critical infrastructure. Civ. Eng. Mag. Arch. 79 (2), 50–55. doi:10.1061/ciegag.0000211
Revathi, K., Ezhilmathi, P., Manoj, K. R., Sivaranjani, M., and Devaki, R. (2017). Safety issues, problems and recommendations to Indian Construction Industry. Int. J. Innov. Res. Sci. Eng. Technol. 6, 2319–8753.
Rudnik, S. (2018). Out of the darkness: a community led art psychotherapy response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Art. Ther. Online 9.
Saad, N. (2016). “The influence of safety culture on safety performance,” in Saudi Arabian construction industry (United Kingdom: University of Salford).
Saeed, Y. S. (2017). Safety management in construction projects. Journal of Duhok University, 546–560.
Saldaña-Márquez, H., Gámez-García, D. C., Gómez-Soberón, J. M., Arredondo-Rea, S. P., Corral-Higuera, R., and Gómez-Soberón, M. C. (2019). Housing indicators for sustainable cities in middle-income countries through the residential urban environment recognized using single-family housing rating systems. Sustainability 11 (16), 4276. doi:10.3390/su11164276
Sánchez, F. A. S., Peláez, G. I. C., and Alís, J. C. (2017). Occupational safety and health in construction: a review of applications and trends. Ind. Health 55 (3), 210–218. doi:10.2486/indhealth.2016-0108
Sathvik, S., Krishnaraj, L., and Awuzie, B. O. (2023). Establishing the root causes of unsafe behaviors among construction workers: an integrative interpretive structural modeling analysis. Sci. Rep. 13 (1), 7006. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-31793-4
Sawacha, E., Naoum, S., and Fong, D. (1999). Factors affecting safety performance on construction sites. Int. J. Proj. Manag. 17 (5), 309–315. doi:10.1016/s0263-7863(98)00042-8
Sobral, J., and Soares, C. G. (2019). Assessment of the adequacy of safety barriers to hazards. Saf. Sci. 114, 40–48. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2018.12.021
Stephen, C., and Hunt, B. (2002). Safety management systems in Hong Kong: is there anything wrong with the implementation? Manag. Auditing J. 17, 588–592. doi:10.1108/02686900210447597
Stolk, C. V., Staetsky, L., Hassan, E., and Kim, C. W. (2012). Management of occupational safety and health: an analysis of the findings of the European survey of enterprises on new and emerging risks (ESENER). European risk observatory report. Management of occupational safety and health: an analysis of the findings of the European survey of enterprises on new and emerging risks (ESENER). European Risk Observatory Report.
Tan, C. K., and Razak, N. A. (2014). Case studies on the safety management at construction site. J. Sustain. Sci. Manag. 9.
Teo, E., Theo, H., and Feng, Y. (2008). “Construction health and safety performance in developing and developed countries: a parallel study in South Africa and Singapore,” in Evolution of and directions in construction safety and health: proceedings of CIB W99 14th rinker international conference, 9-11 march (Gainesville, Florida).
Toole, T. M. (2002). Construction site safety roles. J. Constr. Eng. Manag. 128 (3), 203–210. doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9364(2002)128:3(203)
Trebilcock, A. (2020). The Rana Plaza disaster seven years on: transnational experiments and perhaps a new treaty? Int. Labour Rev. 159, 545–568. doi:10.1111/ilr.12183
Vitharana, H., de Silva, S., and De Silva, S. (2015). Health hazards, risk and safety practices in construction sites – a review study, 48. Sri Lanka: Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, 35.
Walters, D. (2010). The role of worker representation and consultation in managing health and safety in the construction industry. Geneva, Switzerland: ILO.
Willar, D., Waney, E. V. Y., Pangemanan, D. D. G., and Mait, R. E. G. (2020). Sustainable construction practices in the execution of infrastructure projects: the extent of implementation. Smart Sustain. Built Environ. 10 (1), 106–124. doi:10.1108/sasbe-07-2019-0086
Wojewnik-Filipkowska, A., Dziadkiewicz, A., Dryl, W., Dryl, T., and Bęben, R. (2021). Obstacles and challenges in applying stakeholder analysis to infrastructure projects: is there a gap between stakeholder theory and practice? J. Prop. Invest. Finance 39 (3), 199–222. doi:10.1108/jpif-03-2019-0037
Yiu, N. S., Sze, N. N., and Chan, D. W. (2018). Implementation of safety management systems in Hong Kong construction industry–A safety practitioner's perspective. J. Saf. Res. 64, 1–9. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2017.12.011
Zahoor, H., Chan, A. P., Masood, R., Choudhry, R. M., Javed, A. A., and Utama, W. P. (2016). Occupational safety and health performance in the Pakistani construction industry: stakeholders' perspective. Int. J. Constr. Manag. 16 (3), 209–219. doi:10.1080/15623599.2015.1138027
Zekri, M. K. S. (2013). Construction safety and health performance in Dubai. Dubai: Heriot Watt University. Unpublished thesis.
Zerguine, H., Jalaludin, J., and Tamrin, S. B. M. (2016). Behaviour based safety approach and factors affecting unsafe behaviour in construction sector: a review. Asia Pac. Environ. Occup. Health J. 2 (2).
Zhang, L., and Gao, Y. (2012). Safety culture model and influencing factors analysis in construction enterprises of China. Res. J. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol. 4 (18), 3297–3312.
Keywords: occupational health and safety, Osh, infrastructure projects, challenges, construction projects
Citation: Baghdadi A (2024) Navigating occupational safety and health challenges in sustainable infrastructure projects: a comprehensive review. Front. Built Environ. 10:1414366. doi: 10.3389/fbuil.2024.1414366
Received: 08 April 2024; Accepted: 23 April 2024;
Published: 03 May 2024.
Edited by:
Sathvik Sharath Chandra, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, IndiaReviewed by:
Atul Kumar Singh, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, IndiaShiva Kumar G., Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, India
Copyright © 2024 Baghdadi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Ahmad Baghdadi, ambaghdadi@uqu.edu.sa
†ORCID: Ahmad Baghdadi, orcid.org/0009-0009-1734-1390