Assessment of Electrical Safety Risks In High- Rise Building Construction

Abstract

Electrical accidents remain one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries in high-rise construction projects, often resulting from unsafe practices, inadequate training, and failure to comply with safety regulations. This project aims to identify the root causes of electrical accidents in high-rise construction sites and propose effective prevention strategies to mitigate these risks. The research begins with a comprehensive review of relevant literature, safety standards (such as IS codes and OSHA regulations), and documented case studies to understand the nature and frequency of electrical hazards in vertical construction environments. Primary data is collected through structured interviews, site inspections, and surveys administered to electrical workers, site engineers, and safety officers across multiple ongoing high-rise construction projects. The study reveal that major causes of electrical accidents include improper use of temporary electrical installations, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), poor maintenance of electrical tools and wiring, exposure to wet working conditions, and absence of lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedures. Human error and lack of awareness also contribute significantly to incident rates. Based on the findings, the study recommends practical safety interventions such as regular safety audits, mandatory training programs on electrical safety, implementation of site-specific electrical safety protocols, use of insulated tools, and proper grounding of temporary power systems. The study emphasizes the importance of safety culture and top-down commitment to hazard prevention in high-rise construction projects. This project contributes to the body of knowledge in construction safety by offering actionable insights and suggesting a framework for minimizing electrical risks in high-rise construction environments. The conclusions aim to support construction managers, safety professionals, and policymakers in developing safer working conditions for all stakeholders involved.