Labor Shortage and Safety Issues in Postearthquake Building Construction: Case Study

Abstract

This study conducts a qualitative and quantitative analysis of various issues resulting from the construction market growth after the moment magnitude (Mw) 7.8 earthquake on April 25, 2015 in Nepal. The market growth resulted labor shortage and eventually increased workplace injuries and safety issues in Nepal. The qualitative analysis consists of a review of past studies, a review of occupational safety and health (OSH) information from three construction projects in Nepal, and a semistructured questionnaire. The semistructured questionnaire was sent to the experts for review, and was finalized to conduct the survey. The quantitative analysis consists of questionnaire survey distribution among construction stakeholders and descriptive analysis of the responses. The survey was conducted online and onsite. A total of 280 valid responses from contractors, supervisors, and laborers were received and analyzed. The results and analysis identified several challenges in the reconstruction and recovery efforts including a shortage of laborers, lack of adequate safety measures in construction sites, potentially avoidable injuries resulting from the lack of trainings and safety measures, and lack of proper enforcement of building codes and acts.