Navigating the Workforce Landscape: Construction Site Workers at the Intersection of Infrastructure Development and Built Environment
摘要
Construction site workers are essential to infrastructure delivery, yet their occupational and socio-economic challenges are often underrepresented in technical research. This study systematically analyses the multilayered issues encountered by site workers, who are indispensable in implementing engineering designs but whose concerns rarely inform project planning or workforce policy. Using purposive sampling and the computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) method, data were collected from 157 construction workers across major project sites in Chandigarh. The study applies the Importance-Satisfaction Model (ISM) to assess equipment training, supervisory coordination, task allocation equity, safety compliance, and site ergonomics. These variables were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale and processed using Relative to an Identified Distribution (RIDIT) analysis, enabling evidence-based prioritization of interventions. Findings emphasize the urgent need for structured technological training and robust site-level managerial support. The paper highlights critical concerns of physical exertion, regulatory ambiguity, and inconsistent resource allocation. Recommendations include integrating comprehensive capacity-building initiatives and revisiting project staffing models to improve worker welfare and productivity. By bridging construction management, workforce operations, and urban infrastructure development, this study contributes meaningful insights for sustainable and inclusive practices in the engineering sector.