In the shadow of towering skyscrapers, a silent battle for safety rages on. High-rise construction, a cornerstone of urban development, has long been plagued by safety concerns. Yet, a beacon of hope emerges from the University of Kebangsaan Malaysia, where Dr. Wei Rui Lei and his team have conducted a comprehensive systematic review, published in the Journal of Civil Engineering and Management (Civilinės inžinerijos ir valdymo žurnalas), to shed light on the benefits, barriers, and strategic improvements in safety practices for high-rise building construction.
Dr. Lei, an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, and his team have meticulously reviewed 109 articles to identify the key benefits and barriers to implementing safety practices in high-rise construction. Their findings reveal that the top benefits are reduced accident rates and improved organizational reputation, while the most significant barrier is the lack of health and safety training.
The research highlights that establishing strict market entry mechanisms is fundamental to enhancing safety performance. Dr. Lei emphasizes, “We found that strengthening worker safety training and conducting regular safety inspections and real-time site monitoring are the most effective methods to mitigate risks.”
The study proposes a framework to improve safety performance, exploring strategies and risk mitigation measures from the perspectives of six stakeholders: regulatory agencies, government, owners, contractors, consultants, and workers. This holistic approach ensures that all parties involved in high-rise construction are actively engaged in promoting safety.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial, particularly for the energy sector, which often involves high-rise construction projects. By implementing the proposed safety strategies, companies can reduce accident rates, improve their organizational reputation, and ultimately, enhance their bottom line.
Dr. Lei’s research is a call to action for the construction industry to prioritize safety. As he notes, “Safety is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business imperative. Companies that invest in safety will see a return on that investment in the form of reduced costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced reputation.”
This systematic review is a significant step forward in understanding and improving safety practices in high-rise construction. It provides a roadmap for stakeholders to navigate the complex landscape of safety management, ultimately shaping the future of high-rise building construction. As the industry continues to evolve, the insights from this research will be invaluable in promoting a safer and more sustainable built environment.