Abstract
Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to present findings of a preliminary survey on Contractors’ perceptions of clients’ attitude relative to health and safety (H&S) implementation in Botswana’s construction industry and in a way that of the Southern Africa.
A questionnaire survey was conducted on construction projects to establish clients’ attitude towards H&S. Interviews were also conducted with contractor’s representatives on selected construction sites in and around Gaborone, Botswana.
Findings from the survey include: clients do not perceive H&S to be very important on construction projects, most clients do not address H&S adequately in contract documentation and H&S is rarely a major agenda item in progress meetings. Findings were also that clients are not fully committed to H&S implementation. The client sets the tone for H&S culture. Client attitude is therefore very important for H&S performance improvement as all stakeholders are compelled to act in line with the client’s values.
The importance of the client to H&S performance improvement has been recognised by various researchers. The extent to which clients are involved in H&S implementation has however not been researched extensively especially in Southern Africa. This article therefore provides an insight into the clients’ attitude towards H&S and in a way explains the reason for the current state of H&S in Botswana’s construction industry.