The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Indonesia’s construction sector, with nearly 78.9 percent of projects experiencing delays. Restrictions, health risks, and operational challenges forced both government and industry players to adopt stricter safety and health measures. In this context, SMKK emerged as a critical framework to protect workers, reduce accident risks, and ensure project continuity, particularly in essential infrastructure such as healthcare facilities.
The Abang II Community Health Center expansion project in Karangasem Regency represents a vital case. As a healthcare facility, its development directly supports public health services during the pandemic. Ensuring worker safety while accelerating construction progress became a dual priority, making the implementation of SMKK especially relevant.
The research applied a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected from 30 respondents, including construction workers, site supervisors, safety officers, and administrative staff involved in the project. The study used questionnaires to assess multiple aspects of safety management, including cost allocation, equipment readiness, workforce competence, material handling, work methods, time management, and technical conditions.
Rather than focusing on complex technical analysis, the researchers examined patterns and relationships across these factors to understand how they collectively influenced safety outcomes on-site.
The results show that SMKK implementation in the project was “quite effective,” with an overall score of 84 percent. This places the project within the “appropriate and effective” category based on established safety performance standards.
Key findings from the study include:
- High availability of safety equipment, ensuring workers had proper protection on-site
- Comprehensive worker training, particularly related to occupational safety during the pandemic
- Strong compliance with safety procedures, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Active collaboration among workers, supporting the consistent application of health protocols
- Effective supervision of work methods, reducing operational risks
- Presence of a COVID-19 Task Force, which played a crucial role in enforcing health protocols
Data presented in the questionnaire results (pages 5–6 of the study) indicate that nearly all respondents confirmed the availability of safety equipment and participation in safety training. Most workers also reported understanding their roles and responsibilities regarding occupational safety during the pandemic.
Despite these positive outcomes, the study also identifies several areas requiring improvement. These include safety budget allocation, consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the handling of hazardous materials. Additionally, external factors such as weather conditions and time management were found to influence safety performance on-site.
According to I Komang Agus Ariana of Universitas Pendidikan Nasional, the effectiveness of SMKK depends not only on systems and regulations but also on consistent implementation and monitoring. The research emphasizes that “continuous evaluation and strengthening of critical safety aspects are essential to improve long-term construction safety performance.”
The implications of this study extend beyond a single project. For policymakers, the findings provide evidence that structured safety systems like SMKK can mitigate risks during crisis situations, including pandemics. Strengthening regulations and ensuring compliance could improve safety standards across the construction industry.
For construction companies, the research highlights the importance of investing in safety training, equipment, and risk management systems. Effective safety management not only protects workers but also enhances project efficiency and reduces delays caused by accidents or health-related disruptions.
The presence of a dedicated COVID-19 Task Force on-site also emerges as a best practice. This approach ensured that health protocols were actively enforced, demonstrating how organizational support structures can enhance safety outcomes in high-risk environments.
In the broader context, the study reinforces the role of safety management systems in maintaining economic activity during emergencies. As construction remains a key driver of infrastructure development, ensuring safe working conditions becomes essential for sustainable growth.
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