Assessing the Economic Impact of Safety Investments on Supply Chain Performance in Large Construction Projects: A Case Study of the Third Ring Road Project in Tripoli, Libya

The construction industry is highly hazardous, where accidents cause human and financial losses and disrupt supply chains. This study investigates the economic impact of safety investments on supply chain performance, using the Third Ring Road Project in Tripoli, Libya, as a case study. A quantitative survey of 49 professionals was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation). Findings show high agreement on safety's importance (mean=4.15). Critically, accident reduction is the strongest driver of supply chain resilience (r=0.792, p<0.001), and safety investment significantly impacts economic performance (r=0.422, p=0.003). However, financial expenditure alone does not guarantee safety gains, as effectiveness depends on organizational culture and training. This study provides empirical evidence from Libya, offering practical guidance for integrating safety into strategic project management to enhance sustainability.