ENHANCING CONSTRUCTION SAFETY PRACTICES FOR HDB UPGRADING WORKS

Abstract

Since 1960, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has established itself as a provider of quality public housing for majority of Singaporeans. The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) and Interim Upgrading Plus Programme (IUP Plus), provides old HDB estates a brand new vibrant life. With only about eight years of history, these schemes have proved to be successful. With the construction activities carried out in close proximity to occupied residential areas, HDB takes greater steps to ensure the safety of workers, residents and the general public. Thus, this dissertation attempts to evaluate the both the contractors’ and HDB’s efforts in the area of safety provision during the upgrading works by doing a case study on the Contractor’s Safety Management System and reviewing HDB’s General Specifications for Upgrading Works, pertaining to safety. A survey questionnaire prior to meeting the parties to the project, assist in formulating further enquiries to the Registered Safety Officer (RSO)and Safety Supervisor (SS).Research into the resident’s perception of the safety level during the upgrading works was done by administering a survey questionnaire to residents living in Bukit Batok Street 31 to 34. It was found that residents are generally satisfied with the safety measures provided. Through the resident’s feedbacks, it was found that their main concern was the excessive noise and dust level generated during the works. Over time, noise may cause hearing problems and residents to become more agitated, while excessive dust irritants cause sickness related problems. Only half of the residents feel that the construction industry’s safety image is improving. This is also reflected in the survey whereby they ranked safety as their top most concern during the upgrading works. It is hoped that the suggestions will help to establish a more effective way and improve safety in construction activities, to help entice the younger generation to have a career in the construction industry.