Assessment of Problem Associated with Safety and Casualties during Construction Project: Cases from Kathmandu Valley of Nepal

Abstract

Construction safety and casualties continue to be a major concern in the construction industry, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas such as the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. These issues pose serious threats to human life, property, and sustainable urban development. This study uses a mixed-method research approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques to examine construction safety problems and their impacts in detail. Primary data were collected through field observations (FO), in-depth interviews (IDI), focus group discussions (FGD), and structured questionnaire surveys involving clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, supervisors, and technicians.The findings show that falls from height in multi-story buildings are the leading cause of construction casualties in the Kathmandu Valley. Other major contributing factors include inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), improper shoring during foundation excavation, electrocution hazards, inadequate safety nets and fall protection systems, insufficient edge protection, absence of a dedicated safety officer, weak government inspection and enforcement, limited safety training and awareness, reliance on unskilled labor, and poor safety management practices. To reduce construction-related casualties, the study recommends strict enforcement of construction safety rules and regulations, along with more frequent inspections by government authorities. The appointment of dedicated safety officers, mandatory use of appropriate PPE, and regular safety training and awareness programs for workers are strongly recommended. Construction safety should be treated as a shared responsibility among owners and contractors. In addition, allocating a separate safety budget during the pre-budgeting stage, improving tools and equipment, ensuring adequate lighting and sanitary facilities, limiting excessive working hours, retaining skilled labor within the country, and integrating safety considerations at the design stage by both consultants and owners are crucial steps toward improving construction safety and protecting the lives of stakeholders in construction projects throughout the Kathmandu Valley.