In the heart of Kosovo’s burgeoning construction sector, a critical study has shed light on the pressing safety challenges faced by site managers, with implications that resonate far beyond the Balkans. Led by Muhamet Ahmeti of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Infrastructure at UBT-Higher Education Institution in Pristina, the research introduces a pioneering risk assessment framework tailored to the unique conditions of transitional economies.
The study, published in the Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies (known in English as the Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies), employed a mixed-method approach, combining audits, field observations, interviews, and quantitative risk matrices to evaluate 20 ISO-certified contractors in Pristina. The findings are stark: a staggering 70% of firms were classified as “High” or “Very High” risk, with the most prevalent hazards including working at height without collective protection, unprotected electrical systems, and manual handling of heavy materials.
Ahmeti’s research highlights a significant compliance-performance gap, with firms experiencing rapid growth—over 15% annual project volume—seeing a marked increase in risk. Conversely, companies with a designated safety champion achieved significantly lower risk scores. “This underscores the critical role of safety leadership in mitigating risks,” Ahmeti notes. “It’s not just about compliance; it’s about embedding a safety culture that permeates every level of the organization.”
The study introduces the “Transitional Economy Safety Model,” offering evidence-based policy recommendations to address these challenges. Among the key suggestions are mandating safety leadership roles and integrating predictive safety indicators into project management. These recommendations could have substantial commercial impacts, particularly in the energy sector, where construction projects often involve high-risk activities and complex regulatory environments.
As Kosovo and other transitional economies continue to develop their infrastructure, the insights from this research could shape future safety standards and practices. By prioritizing safety leadership and proactive risk management, construction firms can not only protect their workers but also enhance their bottom line. As Ahmeti puts it, “Safety isn’t just a cost; it’s an investment in the future of the industry.”
This research serves as a wake-up call and a roadmap for construction site managers and policymakers alike, offering a path forward in the pursuit of safer, more sustainable construction practices.