Abstract
Purpose: It is well known that managing H&S helps ensure that construction organizations
are achieving their H&S objectives and targets. As such, the H&S management practices
constitute a vehicle to improve H&S performance outcome. However, the challenge is to
determine what needs to be measured and practiced by SMEs at project level. The
objectives of this paper are therefore to determine the H&S elements indicative of SMEs,
employee involvement and empowerment H&S practices and the influence of employee
involvement and empowerment on H&S performance at project level.
Research methodology: A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire
consisting of 31 items categorized in five independent variables (IV). This was developed
from extensive literature and four rounds of Delphi survey. A total of 216 valid
questionnaires were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version
20. Inferential statistics were used to determine the perception of SMEs employee
involvement and empowerment practices. Finally, standard multiple linear regression
analysis was undertaken to establish the influence employee involvement and
empowerment had on H&S performance.
Findings: Five IVs were retained as valid and reliable factors of H&S practice within SMEs
at project level. However the study established that employee involvement and
empowerment is not greatly practiced and does not influence H&S performance.
Limitations: Self-administered questionnaire for SMEs and the majority of the respondents
conducting business in Gauteng province in South Africa are limitations in this study.
Value: The findings indicate the need to fully involve and empower employees in H&S
activities of SMEs at project level.
Practical implication: This study provides the basis of informing the H&S policy that
employee involvement and empowerment is not greatly practiced within construction SMEs
in South Africa at project level. Hence, the need to encourage this practice within South
African SMEs is highly recommended.