Construction safety legislation framework in China

China is becoming the largest construction site in the world. Along with the appearance of a large number of fiercely competitive construction companies and the introduction of new construction techniques and materials, personal injury and fatal accidents in construction sites have continued to occur. However, the law regarding construction safety is also changing and improving. This paper on the construction safety legislative framework was prepared with the support of the Ministry of Construction and the State Administration of Working Safety in China. It is based on a comprehensive literature review and in-depth interviews with legislators, government officials and other participants in the construction process. A clear picture of the current situation relating to construction safety legislation in China is presented. After a brief review of the history of construction safety, the newly formed legal framework is described. Several major challenges have been identified and discussed, for example insufficient regulations and codes, poor coordination within and between the ministries and commissions, pervasive corruption. Suggestions are made for the promotion of construction safety in China, including the improvement of the legislative system based on the three principal laws, and the requirement that owners should bear legal responsibilities.