Abstract
To eliminate fatalities and injuries, this work aims to present empirical research based on the examination of safety management practices currently operational in the construction industries of Pakistan, China and Hong Kong with a view to enhancing safety in developing countries. The current safety situation in the construction industries of Pakistan and China (and specifically Hong Kong) vis-a-vis safety schemes, challenges and opportunities, and enforcement is presented. Emerging themes from qualitative analysis substantiate the significance of ten factors highlighting the importance of implementing safety management systems on construction sites. The identified factors are safety as a value, safety system, safety organization, safety training, research and development, personal protection program, toolbox talks and a site safety cycle, plant department, safety and productivity, and development of construction business. Research demonstrates that constructors in the developing countries need to implement safety, health and environmental (SH&E) management systems within their companies. To deliver projects without injuries, a strategy for implementing a safety system is given to help reduce job site risks.