Comprehensive Risk Assessment for Construction Site Managers in Kosovo: A Mixed-Method Approach

This study developed and validated a hybrid ISO 31000:2018 Kosovo-compliant risk assessment framework tailored for construction site managers operating within transitional economies. The research employed audits of 20 ISO-certified contractors in Pristina, Kosovo, along with field observations, interviews, and quantitative risk matrices. The findings indicate a critical concentration of risk, with 70% of firms classified as "High" or “Very High” risk. The most prevalent hazards identified were working at height without collective protection, unprotected electrical systems, and manual handling of heavy materials. Regression analysis revealed that firms with a designated safety champion achieved significantly lower risk scores, whereas those with annual project volume growth exceeding 15% experienced a marked increase in risk. These findings highlight a significant compliance-performance gap. The study introduces the “Transitional Economy Safety Model”. It provides evidence-based policy recommendations, such as mandating safety leadership roles and integrating predictive safety indicators, to address this gap in Kosovo and similar contexts.