ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to explore some of the major challenges of managing the health and safety of workers, as well as environment protection, on international infrastructure projects, especially on hydropower projects. Hydropower and other infrastructure work are frequently carried out in the developing world in which there may or not be adequate governmental regulatory protection of workers. The hazards associated with infrastructure construction in developing countries are high. There are multiple opportunities for serious injuries, fatalities, and the development of acute and chronic occupational diseases. Workforces are international in character and may include people of very different educational, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, each with different understandings of how to effectively protect the health and safety of workers. Specific examples from the literature and direct experience are offered to demonstrate the challenges as well as methods to protect the health and safety of workers in these settings.
