ENHANCING HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE) IN BUILDING PROJECTS: A COMPREHENSIVE AND COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Construction project management's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) factors greatly impact project results. Executive leadership and project staff are responsible for HSE management, even if organizational strategies may influence it. HSE research is abundant, but more is needed to understand its complex interactions and hierarchical relevance. This research examines HSE dynamics in residential and office building in Iraq and Iran using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). It contrasts and explains the complex relationship structures in these different places. Our empirical results show significant differences across country models. Most importantly, this study provides a conceptual framework to help project managers prioritize HSE measures based on their operating environment. The analytical procedure was robust because variables were operationalized carefully using SPSS software. The studies confirm the accuracy of data calculation and encoding, proving the study instrument's 5-point Likert scale fidelity. The methodological rigor of this study is supported by rigorous evaluation, including comparison assessments against societal standards and data distribution diagnostics. Validating the factor analysis model and documenting results requires fit indices. Favourable fit indices and Cronbach's alpha values demonstrate the model's accuracy and dependability. Thus, the questionnaire captures the target constructs with 95% confidence. This research emphasizes the need for project managers to carefully negotiate each nation's cultural, legal, and regulatory milieu while implementing HSE management practices. It provides useful insights to improve HSE governance in varied developmental scenarios.