Addressing the Health and Safety Challenges of Construction Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic. A Study of Industry Challenges and Proposed Solutions

Wee, Kai Bin (2024) Addressing the Health and Safety Challenges of Construction Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic. A Study of Industry Challenges and Proposed Solutions. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

Text RQS#WEE KAI BIN#21WVR13852 - KAI BIN WEE.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (7MB)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic stands as the most significant global health crisis in recent years, profoundly impacting workforces and workplaces across the globe. This crisis has ushered in a substantial transformation in the work environment, leading to heightened concerns among employees about their mental and physical health. The construction industry has been notably impacted by this pandemic, prompting a compelling need to enhance the safety and overall welfare of its workforce. The primary aims of this study include pinpointing the health and safety challenges experienced by construction workers during the pandemic and suggesting management approaches to mitigate these issues. A total of seventeen COVID-19 related difficulties were pinpointed and organized into five distinct groupings. The results revealed that the lack of a safe environment in the workplace, heavy workloads, home situations, and concerns about job stability often contribute to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Besides, eleven strategies were identified to overcome these challenges, and the results demonstrated that redefining worksite safety by placing signs, ensuring a safe distance between workers, providing sanitizers and washing stations in the fields, and utilizing effective technologies would enhance project productivity while keeping workers safe. The findings of this research will help the construction industry and authorities understand the challenges of the pandemic and adopt effective strategies that will improve the health and safety of the construction workers.