From an exotic import, concrete has become the unsung hero of Nepali residential construction, affording architects a new sense of freedom from the tyranny of traditional materials. The residential sector is not just building homes; it's laying the foundation for livelihoods, employing a significant portion of the workforce. Yet, this progress casts a long shadow: unsafe working environments plague the sector, with work-related injuries becoming an unspoken epidemic. Workers are usually rural migrants, both men and women, with children who perform arduous jobs involving breaking stones, mixing cement and digging trenches, most often without any training or protective gear. It is this human machinery that keeps our cities running, but at what cost?

Nepal's residential construction primarily operates on an owner-build model, where homeowners often prioritise cheapest labour over safest hands. Contractors hired in these settings frequently lack registration or formal safety protocols, creating an environment where accidents are not just likely but inevitable. To most of the workers, safety measures have been a distraction and a barrier to productivity, not a lifeline. The absence of toilet facilities at construction sites, being one of the less talked-about issues, stands out, too.

A scientific study by Sukamani & Wang in 2020 indicated the fatality rate in Nepal's construction industry to be as high as 29.9 per 100,000 workers, compared to 10.5 and 11.5 in China and India, respectively. This grim statistic underlines the urgent need for intervention in the sector to prioritise workers' safety. This requires a paradigm shift – one in which safety is viewed not as a cost but as an investment. Policymakers can incentivise safer practices by offering tax benefits or subsidies to contractors for adhering to safety protocols. And technology has its part: drones can monitor the site for safety compliance, while digital platforms can document incidents and safety audits, enabling real-time oversight.

The invisible scaffolding of Nepal's construction sector is held together by women, particularly rural migrants who take on day-labour jobs under inequitable conditions. From carrying bricks to mixing concrete, their contributions are immense, yet they remain uncredited architects of progress. Most tools and workstations are designed based on the male anthropometry, setting women's physical needs to one side. Men fill the management positions, while women are limited to unskilled tasks that make them underemployed, creating financial dependence. Breaking this cycle demands systemic change. Equal pay for equal work, ergonomic workspaces and flexible hours could transform the lives of female workers. Vocational training programmes designed for women could act as a bridge, lifting them from unskilled roles to positions of authority. Policies mandating women's representation in management would challenge entrenched stereotypes, ensuring the sector becomes a ladder of opportunity rather than a glass ceiling of limitation.

Despite having laws on safety, Nepal has weak enforcement. Without 'boots on the ground,' policies are mere words on paper. The government should create an independent body that will monitor safety compliance, undertake regular inspections and keep a public database on the safety record of contractors. Homeowners could then make informed choices and avoid contractors with poor safety histories. This can be supplemented by industry associations through the development of self-regulatory mechanisms that punish members for non-compliance. Only a concerted effort from policymakers, builders and workers can create a safety-first mindset.

Can we pour concrete without compromising conscience? The residential construction sector can and should be exemplary in matters of equity and opportunity. By implementing robust safety protocols and ensuring workers' access to necessary safety equipment and fair working conditions, we can significantly transform the construction landscape. Collaboration among stakeholders, including local government, industry leaders and labour representatives-is essential for developing and enforcing safety standards while guaranteeing fair treatment and pay for all workers, regardless of gender.

Additionally, investing in training and education will empower workers, particularly women, to attain skilled positions within the industry. This approach not only helps break the cycle of underemployment but also fosters a more equitable workforce. The transition to a safer and more inclusive construction sector also presents economic opportunities. By prioritising safety and equity, the industry can attract foreign investment and gain a competitive edge in the global market. Moreover, fostering a culture of safety and equity can reduce long-term costs associated with workplace accidents, lawsuits and labour turnover.

The residential construction industry needs a human-first blueprint where development, safety and dignity go together. Empowering workers through education, safety and equity will ensure that the industry's growth benefits everyone involved. Nepal has an opportunity to set a benchmark for developing nations by demonstrating that progress does not have to come at the cost of human dignity or safety. In conclusion, the challenges faced by Nepal's residential construction industry-unsafe working conditions, gender discrimination and weak regulations-are not insurmountable. They present an opportunity to rethink and reshape industry to better align with the values of safety, equity and human rights.

Paneru, a building scientist, is a research fellow at the Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University, USA, while Ghimire, an expert in Innovative Project Delivery Methods, is a Ph.D. candidate at Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska Lincoln, USA