The construction industry has always been considered as one of the most hazardous industries globally. The condition is worse in developing countries due to poor implementation of safety management. To overcome this problem, there is a need to focus on improving the implementation of safety programs. This paper aims to identify the elements of safety programs in construction projects in developing countries. An extensive review of literature found 25 elements. Sixteen semi-structured interviews with experts in the Iraqi construction industry was conducted to gain in-depth insight and understanding of these elements. The interviewees confirmed the relevance of the elements and emphasized on the importance of several elements, including safety objectives, safety policy, safety committee, training. These elements can used as a procedure to implement safety program in developing countries construction industry. The findings can used in the Iraqi construction industries and in developing countries to support the implementation of safety program. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.