THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Construction and maintenance of underground electric cabling is very hazardous task. The workers involved in the construction of underground electric cabling (generally 33kV & 11kV voltage level) are at high risk of occupational hazards which ranges from minor to fatal. The extensive use of labor and machinery in underground electric cabling construction has led to a rise in accidents and occupational safety and health (OSH) issues. Being the first of its kind in Nepal, it holds substantial future potential, dedicated research is essential to mitigate occupational related accidents during its construction. This is especially challenging in Kathmandu Valley, characterized by a densely populated environment with chaotic building layouts, intricate road networks, and various underground utilities. The primary aim of this study was to identify the implementation status of safety practice for addressing the Occupational Health and Safety concerns of workers, assess the major causes of the occupational accidents and suggest the possible remedial measures for accidents that occur at the construction site of Underground Electric Cabling Projects in Kathmandu Valley under Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal. For this purpose, a case study of 4 ongoing Underground Electric Cabling construction projects was considered. All workers, contractors, clients & consultants present at the sites who were willing to participate in the questionnaire survey were included. For the study purpose, by utilizing the convenience sampling technique one hundred sixty questionnaires were distributed out of which one hundred and thirty-five valid responses were received. A total of 90 workers, 20 contractor personnel, 10 consultant personnel and 15 client personnel responses were received. Also, for analyzing the collected data SPSS software (t- test, Spearman Correlation) and Microsoft excel- 2019 (Bloom cutoff, RII) was used. The study revealed that the implementation status of safety practices in selected Underground electrical cabling projects was moderate level. Similarly, it also reveals that there is no significant difference between the perception of Employer (Workers) and Employee (Client, Consultant, Contractor) about the implementation status of safety measures for addressing the Occupational Health and Safety of workers at Construction of Underground Electric Cabling Project. The checklist and questionnaire for identifying implementation status were provided to potential respondents of selected four underground electrical cabling projects. vii The research study used RII (Relative Importance Index) to identify the primary causes of occupational accidents. It determined that the most significant cause was "being hit by vehicles while working in heavy traffic areas." The second and third major causes were "trench collapse and collapse of existing soil during horizontal drilling and open trench works" and "slip, trip, and falls in highly slippery areas near excavated pits", "Electrocution, electric shock, and burn" and "unprotected edges of excavation leading to falls into excavated pits" were the fourth and fifth major causes of occupational accidents during the construction of underground electric cabling projects. In this research study, KII was performed for finding the possible remedial measures for accidents that occur at the construction site and was found that keeping side slopes, benching, sheet piling, shoring, parking of excavating equipment away from trenches etc. were endorsed for preventing soil collapse during excavating. Similarly, working in heavy traffic areas with appropriate PPE, following traffic laws, using signage, maintaining clear work zones, exercising caution, and providing of clear communication and training were advised for preventing from hit/struck by the vehicles. Furthermore, to prevent slips, trips, and falls in excavated areas, promoting good housekeeping practices, reducing slippery surfaces, avoiding obstacles, ensuring proper lighting, wearing of proper footwear were suggested by the experts. Moreover, to prevent from Electrocution, electric shock use of personal protective equipment, regular inspection of tools and cords, proper training in electrical safety, proper grounding of machinery, checking cords, maintaining safe distances, and labeling hazardous areas were suggested by the experts. Additionally, each ongoing underground electrical cabling project should organize safety training sessions and establish maintenance protocols for new employees, aligning with the recommendations outlined by ADB guidelines.

Keywords

Occupational Health and Safety, Underground Electrical Cabling Projects, Nepal Electricity Authority.