Cost of compliance with safety and health requirements in construction site

Abstract

Malaysia’s construction industry has been well growing, yet become one of the major contributors in its economic growth. Even so, it has been considered as a dangerous job since the number of accidents and fatalities are in alarming state despite of many safety regulations and legislation exercised. Lacking of compliance with the regulations and legislation can cause the standard of safety in construction industry be questioned hence may cause loses, delays, or termination of a construction project. It is critical for a contractor to comply with the regulations and legislations in order to reduce accident cases, and regain good standard for construction industry. There will be cost impose regarding to compliance with the safety requirements. This study has collected twenty (20) main elements which comprise of three to eleven sub-elements of safety and health requirements in construction site. The requirements were gained from thorough study of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994, Factory and Machinery Act (FMA) 1967, and Building Operations and Work of Engineering Construction (BOWEC) Regulations 1986 as well as the revision and interview of safety and health officers. The study has successfully determined the level and cost of compliance with safety and health in construction site, hence four comparisons of level and cost of compliance have been made.