OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS-SUPPLY CHAIN IN BARC

Most of the construction projects are handled by the principal contractor under umbrella package contract and executed through sub-contracting system. Challenge in terms of effective coordination and communication and accountability among participants, inhibits innovation as firms holding umbrella contract is often evaluated based on their specialized fields, and involves a large number of workforces from sub-contractors who are exposed to various hazards of construction sites. Approaches such as Total Loss Control (TLC), Total Quality Management (TQM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM), which are typically associated with manufacturing industries, are required to be introduced into the construction industry. The construction of new facilities and maintenance of existing facilities is being carried out in BARC through public tender. These works are mostly carried out by contractors through the labourers, who are from varied background. BARC recognizes the responsibility of ensuring safety of these workers at site. Dynamic nature of works at construction sites invites attention on the adoption of standard procedures and continual supervision during execution. This paper reflects the principle of management of health and safety issues for construction projects in BARC through various engineering practices and safety management techniques. This Paper received the Best Paper Presentation Award at the International Conference on Managing Supply Chain for Global Competitiveness, held at the Indian Institute for Industrial Engineering, Nagpur, Oct. 25-27, 2013