ASSESSMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PRACTICE IN PALESTINE BASED ON THE DESIGN FOR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY (DFCS) CONCEPT

Abstract

Construction industry is characterized by poor safety performance subjecting workers at sites to great risks. Safety risks can be minimized, not only by improving safety measures at site but also by considering safety issues throughout the project lifecycle; from the schematic design up to the operation and maintenance phases. Design for Construction Safety (DfCS) should be considered a main criterion in the design of engineering projects. In the DfCS most hazards would be designed out or minimized before reaching the construction phase. In Palestine, the construction industry has many safety accidents and risks caused by inadequate considerations to safety requirements in the early stages of the project lifecycle. The main aim of the undertaken research is to enhance the safety performance of the construction industry in Palestine. The characteristics of the construction industry in Palestine were assessed based on the DfCS concept. The positive characteristics are to be strengthened while the negative ones should be avoided, or at least proactive measures should be taken to minimize their effects. The DfCS concept was applied to five case study buildings already constructed in Gaza Strip, Palestine. The results from the case studies determined the safety risks in need for improvements; the main of which included:(1) Designing the exterior and interior building edges in such a way to ensure worker protection during the construction and maintenance phases,(2) Designing the formworks required for architecture, civil, mechanical and electrical works and (3) Selection of noncombustible durable building materials which can be also handled …