Safety of Construction in Projects in Jordan

Safety is very crucial for construction in Jordan. Safety should be a priority for all project parties. However, using low quality materials or following cheap process in construction will result in violation of the safety rules and regulations and finally in unpleased accident. The aim of this study is to test the current performance and conditions of safety in construction projects in Jordan, resource of dangers and hazards in construction, and cost of accident and delay in project due to worker leave, injury, and fatality. A safety questionnaire was prepared through consulting contractors and consultants in construction in Jordan. Then data were collected through distributing One hundred and sixty copies of the questionnaire filled by contractors, consultants, engineers, and superintendents in construction projects. The response rate is 29% therefore, 46 questionnaires were received and analyzed. Responses include information about companies and projects, safety equipment available and used, the roles of project parties in safety process, features and conditions of safety, and types and causes of accidents usually happen in construction sites. The study indicates that the construction accidents are due the violation of safety rules and regulations, the absence of training programs, lack of safety meetings, lectures provided to workers, the improper construction conditions, low quality of equipment used and the absence of testing by a specialized safety team in project site. Results of research show that in 69% of cases contractors pays for safety cost, in 68% of cases safety tools are available but not used in 44.4% of cases. Excavation is the most danger work in projects, collapse happened in 68% of cases reported. A simple accident can result in JD520 as cost, and a worker leave of 1 week at least. Construction companies in class 2 has good safety performance (80% safety tools are available and used, 60% training program is provided), followed by 1st class, 4th class, and 3rd class companies. The paper results are helpful for construction sector and construction parties are urged to give safety a high priority to avoid additional cost and delay and critical injuries, disabilities or fatalities for their workers.