ABSTRACT
Chinese contractors are getting more important in the international construction market. They endeavour to improve their management level and acquire the competitive advantage gradually. Safety management is an important topic in construction. This study aims to understand the safety management practices and identify the problems encountered by Chinese international contractors (CICs) in their overseas projects. Six international projects from three CICs’ major regional markets – Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa – were investigated through structured interviews. The study results in the identification of three problems: environmental- and societal-level problems, i.e. harsh climate, low social-economic development level, and culture differences; organizational-level problems, i.e. immature short-term corporate strategy and lack of contracting experiences, tactical management problems, and inadequate and changeable supply of human resources; and personal-level problems, i.e. communication problems and mental fatigue of Chinese workers. Safety issues of the CICs’ overseas projects should carry weight and thus be improved in the future.
