Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the level of significance of key risk management implementation challenges and barriers (RMICBs) in the construction industry of developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 construction experts in Iraq, including project managers, contractors, safety engineers, and academics. A total of 34 RMICBs were identified and grouped into four categories: analytical approach-related, behaviour-related, management-related, and team-related challenges and barriers. Results show that the most critical RMICBs are the complexity of quantitative-based risk assessment tools, bribery, ineffective risk communication, and insufficient familiarity with the risk management process. This research significantly enhances existing knowledge, offering construction professionals in developing countries deeper insights into the key challenges and barriers that hinder the successful implementation and delivery of risk management practices in construction projects during health pandemics.