ESG-ALIGNED RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY (OHS) IN NCR COMMERCIAL/RETAIL BUILDINGS: POLICY, ENGAGEMENT & RESILIENCE

Abstract

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risk management in commercial and retail buildings is becoming increasingly complex due to multi-stakeholder operations, high occupancy, outsourced services, regulatory requirements, and the need for organizational resilience. This study examines an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-aligned approach to OHS risk management in commercial and retail buildings across the National Capital Region (NCR), India. The study aims to assess ESG–OHS integration, OHS risk management practices, stakeholder engagement, policy and governance alignment, and their relationships with resilience and perceived ESG–OHS outcomes. An empirical, quantitative, cross-sectional, survey-based design was adopted. Primary data were collected through a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire from professionals associated with commercial, retail, mixed-use, facility management, safety, engineering, ESG/compliance, and related functions in NCR buildings. Of 50 responses received, 47 valid responses were retained after screening. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation and regression analyses were employed, supplemented by thematic analysis of open-ended responses. The findings indicate generally favourable levels of ESG–OHS integration, OHS risk management, stakeholder engagement, resilience preparedness, and perceived ESG–OHS outcomes. ESG–OHS integration and stakeholder engagement significantly influenced OHS risk management practices, while OHS risk management practices demonstrated significant contributions to resilience and perceived ESG–OHS outcomes. Policy and governance alignment, however, did not show a statistically significant independent effect on OHS practices, indicating a gap between formal governance mechanisms and their operational implementation. Qualitative findings further highlighted the importance of policy enforcement, audits, training, resource availability, stakeholder coordination, and emergency preparedness. Based on these findings, an integrated ESG-aligned OHS risk management framework is proposed for NCR commercial and retail buildings, emphasizing the alignment of ESG principles, stakeholder participation, governance, operational safety practices, resilience, and continuous improvement.