A Study on Occupational Health and Safety Practices in the Construction of Multistoried Buildings in Nepal: A Case Study in Kathmandu City

Prakash Chandra Acharya and Kabi Raj Paudyal
Additional contact information
Prakash Chandra Acharya: Ultra Vision Engineering P. Ltd., Kalanki, Kathmandu, Nepal
Kabi Raj Paudyal: Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal

Journal of Development Innovations, 2025, vol. 9, issue 2, 40-56

Abstract: This study demonstrates that most construction sites in the Kathmandu City have not fully implemented safety plans. Hazardous areas often lack warning signs, and the use of personal protective equipment by workers is inconsistent. Roles and responsibilities related to occupational health and safety are unclear at almost all sites, with only a few having designated safety officers. A major concern is the communication gap between employers, supervisors, and workers, which hampers effective safety practices. Fall arrest systems are poorly managed, with many sites lacking toe-boards in hazardous zones. Electrical and fire safety trainings for employees are also inadequate. Control measures for noise, dust, and chemical hazards are insufficient, and ergonomic risks are widely overlooked. No site has established proper emergency preparedness or response programs, and health management plans are generally absent. Most sites lack medical facilities, and there is limited attention to protecting nearby communities from construction-related noise and dust. Overall, regulatory compliance is inconsistent. The study underscores the urgent need for stronger safety planning, effective regulation enforcement, and improved safety training and communication. Developing comprehensive, evidence-based, and context-specific guidelines is essential to improving occupational health and safety at construction sites.

Keywords: Occupational health; Safety practices; Construction sites; Multistoried building; Kathmandu City (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I15 J81 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.karmaquest.org/journal/index.php/journal/article/view/128/75

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:kqi:journl:2025-12-2-3

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Development Innovations is currently edited by Bamadev Paudel

More articles in Journal of Development Innovations from KarmaQuest International
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Bamadev Paudel ().