Digital Transformation and Proactive Risk Management: Advancing Construction Safety and Contractor Compliance in India

Abstract

The Indian construction industry, a key driver of economic growth, suffers from high accident rates, fragmented supply chains and poor compliance. This study looks at the significant compliance issues that the Indian construction industry faces, based on recent national and international benchmarks, such as high rates of fatal injuries and significant financial losses from illness at work. Large operational blind spots are created when managing multi-tiered supply chains with independent trade contractors under strict project deadlines. This study examines how safety compliance can become a competitive advantage by switching from reactive firefighting to proactive risk management. We evaluate the efficacy of standardized frameworks such as the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) and digital auditable records through a mixed-methods approach, integrating statistical analysis with an in-depth case study of a major metropolitan infrastructure project in India. The results indicate that enhancing contractor compliance markedly reduces incident rates and on-site hazards (p<0.05), while simultaneously augmenting supply chain efficiency and corporate reputation. This paper provides pragmatic ideas and professional frameworks for achieving operational excellence, safety, and compliance in rapidly emerging economies.

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