A framework of improvement for public safety practices at construction sites in congested urban areas

Since the 1980s, Malaysia's construction industry has been a critical driver of economic growth, contributing significantly to employment and national development. However, the rapid expansion of construction activities particularly in congested urban areas has led to increased safety risks. Construction projects are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines which resulting in compact work schedules that increase the likelihood of accidents. These risks not only endanger workers but also pose significant threats to the surrounding public and environment. Therefore, this study focuses on improving public safety practices by developing a comprehensive Public Safety Practices Framework (PSP-F) tailored to construction sites in urban environments. To achieve the aim, this study comes with few objectives; 1) to identify public safety practices criteria in construction sites in congested urban areas, 2) to determine current public safety practices in construction sites in congested urban areas, 3) to ascertain the improvement of public safety practices in construction sites at congested urban areas, and 4) to develop Public Safety Practices Framework (PSP-F) at construction sites in congested urban areas. Through a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather insights from professionals in the construction industry. The study focused on improving essential public safety criteria, evaluating the effectiveness of current practices, and pinpointing areas where improvements are immediately needed. The result of this research is the development of the PSP-F which is a structured framework that improves safety measures by promoting improvement strategies. The framework advocates for stronger monitoring, improved accountability, and better compliance across all levels of construction site operations. By implementing this framework, construction industry can improve public safety, protect surrounding public communities, and contribute to safer urban development.