IDENTIFYING TRENDS OF NON-COMPLIANCE IN SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Safety inspection forms part of the safety management system that can be carried out internally, externally or under regulatory requirements. The process of inspection aids early discovery and rectification of hazards as a mean of control. This study aims to identify the trend of non-compliances in safety inspections of construction projects in the local setting through the analysis of over 279 past inspection checklist, 6 interviews sessions and 2 interactions sessions with site safety officers as well as a physical walkthrough to an ongoing construction project. Results have shown that amongst building projects and A&A works, safety compliances could be better manged in A&A projects due to smaller scale and complexity of works. Whereas when comparing between building project and civil projects, civil projects tends to perform better in safety compliances largely due to the type of client who is managing the construction projects (government projects). Reasons for the differences in non-compliances is then identified through interviews with 6 experienced site safety officers and understood that safety compliances can be affected by a mix of reasons including scope of work, number of workers on site, the level of uncertainty and the number of activities happening on site. Further, the safety officers also agreed that worksite hazards are caused by a combination of worker’s behaviour, architect design, Contractor’s and sub-contractor’s fault. Recommendations such as embracing information technology; acknowledging safety as top priority; hiring of experienced safety officers and making improvements to inspection checklist is then suggested to improve effectiveness of safety inspections. Further, the need to understand reasons behind non-compliances; creation of culture of safety and realising the importance of design for safety is also recommended to reduce non-compliances in inspections.