Prioritizing the Elements of OHSAS-18001 in Construction Segments in India – AHP Approach

Construction industry is the second most contributor of gross domestic product and the high rates of accidents /fatalities have tarnished the image of construction industry in India. The importance of safety at site cannot be underscored and it needs the combined attention of all stakeholders to address the issue of safety in construction industry in India. Although the construction industry plays an important role in contributing to the economic performance of the country, its contribution to the workplace accident is equally substantial. The unsatisfactory safety record of construction industry has always been highlighted since the safety management system is neglected area and has not been pursued and implemented systematically in the construction industry. Although the safety regulations imposed in the construction industry by Department of Labour through Building and other construction workers act, 1996 are quite comprehensive and most of the State Governments have not implemented the provisions mentioned under the act. Due to lack of enforcement from Government, majority of the construction organizations in India are certified under Occupational health safety assessment series (OHSAS 18001) to provide a safe and conducive working environment for their workers and subcontractors. The purpose of the study is to present a hierarchy decision model for assessing the priority of elements of goals of OHSAS 18001 in construction segments that is infrastructure and real estate in India by using the analytic hierarchy process(AHP) methodology.