Safety Performance in the Egyptian Construction Industry

This study presents the results of a questionnaire survey that was conducted among a selected sample of large-size contractors operating in Egypt, as well as a comparison of the safety approaches in both the United States and Egypt. The results revealed that safety programs applied by large-size contractors in Egypt were less formal than those applied by their American counterparts. Only a few companies out of the surveyed sample had accident records broken down by projects and provided workers with formal safety orientation. Finally, the study recommended that reforms in the way of the employer’s contribution to social insurance were necessary; thereby linking accident insurance costs to the contractor’s safety performance. This is meant to serve as a strong incentive for safety management. DOI: 10.1061/ ASCE 0733-9364 2008 134:6 451 CE Database subject headings: Egypt; Construction industry; Safety; Contractors.