Contractor Safety-Related Behaviour: Safety Management Implications of an Explosives Magazine Audit at a Hydropower Project in NW Pakistan

Abstract

This paper explores the issues raised whilst conducting an explosives magazine audit at a construction site at a Hydropower Project. The paper uses a qualitative approach to develop a better understanding of the situation that resulted in the loss of explosives and detonators through interviewing and consequent theme building. The presented qualitative data outcomes highlight the various experiences, perspectives and challenges that engineering managers perceive they face when considering one distinct, safety incident from numerous personal accounts. Outcomes indicated include more effective explosives safety management; improvements to the health and safety management system; leading to a more proactive safety culture; whilst building and utilizing good safety practices; enhanced safety communication practices and more robust safety supervision practices.