Assessment of Factors and Barriers Influencing Safety Training in Hydropower Projects.
Student: Samip K.C.
Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Dinesh Sukamani
Submitted Date:
May, 2026
Abstract
The Construction industry in Nepal has been the most complicated and dangerous working
area, especially for large-scale projects such as Hydropower Projects. Even though there are
safety rules, act and safety training programs, it hasn’t been implemented effectively because
of barriers such as awareness, organizational, cultural, behavioral, and technological
problems.
The study assesses the effectiveness of Safety training programs in Nepal’s Hydropower
projects by identifying essential success factors, their barriers, and recommending strategies
to enhance training. A mixed-method research methodology was used, where a questionnaire
survey and Key Informant Interviews (KII) was done. A total of 387 valid answers were
achieved from clients, consultants, and Contractors who worked on hydropower construction
projects. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
with Smart-PLS were used to look for quantitative data. Content analysis, word cloud
visualization, and data triangulation were used to look for qualitative data. Top three factors
(i.e Success factors) were Workplace safety capacity Development factor, Individual and
Leadership Factor, Project and Organizational Factor by PCA analysis and top three
components (i.e Barriers) were technological barriers (β = 0.644, t = 19.726, p < 0.001),
followed by behavioral barriers (β = 0.513, t = 12.260, p < 0.001), cultural barriers (β =
0.283, t = 5.729, p < 0.001), awareness barriers (β = 0.163, t = 3.354, p = 0.001), and
management barriers (β = 0.119, t = 2.348, p = 0.019).
The recommended measures from the research for improving safety training in hydropower
projects in Nepal include regular safety training, safety awareness, effective communication,
and better coordination between contractors, consultants, and clients. Proper supervision,
regular monitoring, a strong safety culture, and continuous improvement practices are
essential for improving overall safety performance. The main solution identified by the
research is the use of modern training technologies such as online safety training, regular
toolbox training, digital safety reporting systems, and audio-visual materials and mobile
applications to improve the effectiveness of safety training
Keywords
Safety Training, Hydropower Projects, Success factors, Technological barriers, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Principal Component Analysis (PCA).