A framework to activate the health and safety regulations in the construction industry in Egypt

Abstract

The construction industry is considered one of the most hazardous industries in the world. Reasons are attributed to many factors. First: its unique and hazardous characteristics which is discussed extensively in the literature review in this thesis. Second, it is due to the fact that most of site accidents are fall accidents which most of the time causes death. Accidents in the construction industry have tremendous effect on society and economy. Accidents causes injury and death, loss of quality of life, family depression, workers depression. On the other hand, accidents cause loss of productivity, disruption of current work, damage to facility, loss of client satisfaction, and much more. Literature review covered wide range of topics. Causes of accidents were studied in detail in this thesis. Analyzing large number of publications in major databases, 16 causes of site accidents were identified and presented. A huge matrix was developed linking the 16 identified causes to evidences (publications) found. In addition, difference systems of safety management were explored, and safety performance measurements were studied. There are two types of safety performance measurements: lagging indicators which measures and records the past accidents, and leading indicators which measure safety performance through safety practices to be implemented in the future. On the other hand, motives of complying with safety regulations were also explored. Occupational safety in Egypt is regulated with mainly four laws: unified Egyptian law 12 for year 2003, Ministerial Decree No. 211 for year 2003, Ministerial Decree No. 134 for year 2003, and Ministerial Decree No. 136 for year 2003. Although these regulations exist even from 2003, safety performance in the construction industry is very poor. As a result, this research aims to study the activation of health and safety regulations in the construction industry in Egypt.