Occurrence of Accident and Safety Culture in  the Construction Industry of Bhutan

Phuntsho Dendup; Pelden Wangchuk

Phuntsho Dendup Department of Labour, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Thimphu, Bhutan.
Pelden Wangchuk Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health. Thimphu, Bhutan.

Keywords: Non-fatal Accident, Construction Industry in Bhutan, Construction Safety and Health, Construction Accident, Safety Leader, Unsafe Behaviour

Abstract

Background: The global construction industry is highly dangerous, accounting for one in five fatalities, particularly prevalent in developing countries. As construction activities surge in Bhutan, safety standards and the occurrence of accidents have become concerning. This article aims to examine fatal and non-fatal accidents and safety culture in Bhutan’s construction industry

Methods: A desk review was conducted to examine reports and documents related to construction accidents in Bhutan. Additionally, a cross-sectional study was carried out at various construction sites, including roads, bridges, buildings, and hydropower projects. The sample size consisted of 208 participants, selected with consideration of a 6.76% margin of error (e) at a 95% confidence level, assuming a standard deviation of 50% (d = 0.5).

Results: The construction industry has the highest frequency of workplace accidents, particularly fatal ones, compared to other sectors. Despite a decrease in the accident rate over time, it remains significantly elevated. This study found that 26.4% of construction workers experience annual accidents. Workers who didn’t use personal protective equipment (39.1%) or used it sporadically (23.7%) had higher accident rates. The safety culture in construction workplaces generally showed an acceptable level, with a mean score of three or higher. However, workers with low safety behavior and moderate scores in safety leadership, communication, training, and awareness exhibited higher rates of non-fatal accidents.

Conclusion: Construction workers in Bhutan face a higher risk of workplace accidents and injuries. Contributing factors include insufficient safety training and awareness, ineffective safety leadership and communication, and the prevalence of unsafe behaviors among workers.

How to cite this article:
Dendup P, Wangchuk P. Occurrence of Accident and Safety Culture in the Construction Industry of Bhutan. Epidem Int. 2023;8(1):14-21.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202305

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