Identifying construction workers injury predictors : a thematic content analysis
- Authors: Agumba, Justus Ngala , Musonda, Innocent
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Health and hygiene , Construction industry - Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55313 , uj:16278 , Citation: Agumba, N.J. & Musonda, I. 2015. Identifying construction workers injury predictors : a thematic content analysis. In: Behm, M. & McAleenan, C. (eds.). Proceedings of the CIB W099 International Health and Safety Conference. September, 9-11, Belfast.:220-230. ISBN: 978-1-909854-01-7. , ISBN: 978-1-909854-01-7
- Description: Abstract: Construction is a dangerous industry globally, with high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries. Furthermore, there is paucity of analytical research that considers the predictors of injuries among construction workers in South Africa construction industry and in the developing countries. The objective of this paper is to review existing research literature to identify the variables that are considered to be predictors of occupational injuries among construction workers. It also aimed to identify the gaps that exist in the current literature. The review spanned two decades between the periods January 1995 to 2015. The search was based on a systematic keyword combination search in two databases that is- emerald and science direct and in google. Twenty one quantitative and mixed method research studies were adjudged relevant for analysis in this current study. They were analysed using thematic content analysis, by identifying themes. All the studies reviewed had different predictors of construction workers injury. Furthermore, no study identified the safety leadership characteristics of the construction workers especially the tradesmen, hence a further gap identified in the current literature. Despite the gaps identified, five broad themes were adjudged to be good predictors of construction workers injuries, these were: work related variables, demographic variables, unsafe health and safety (H&S) behaviour, poor safety climate, and psychosocial factors. A further study is advocated to develop a predictive model for injury occurrence among construction workers in South Africa using logistic regression analysis. The model to be tested will also include the safety leadership characteristics of the construction workers.
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Establishing nutritional intake and determinants of food choice amongst construction workers in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - South Africa - Gauteng - Nutrition , Construction workers - South Africa - Gauteng - Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55335 , uj:16280 , Citation. Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2015. Establishing nutritional intake and determinants of food choice amongst construction workers in Gauteng, South Africa. In: Behm, M. & McAleenan, C. (eds.), Proceedings of the CIB W099 International Health and Safety Conference, September, 9-11, Belfast:210-219. , ISBN: 978-1-909854-01-7
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is known to be linked with worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Literature suggests that construction workers have poor nutrition and this adversely affects their safety performance on construction sites. However, little attention is being given to the nutrition of construction workers in South Africa and indeed Africa, both in research and in practice. This paper presents findings on the nutritional intake of construction workers and the determinants which contribute to the predominant intake amongst construction workers. Empirical data were collected through a field questionnaire survey conducted on site construction workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Participants were selected using heterogeneity and convenience sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 22 software. Mean values and standard deviation were computed. The rank of the foods and determinants was established. Findings revealed that construction workers’ nutrition consisted mainly of meat and corn meal. Other frequently consumed food items were found to be fruits and vegetables. The study also found that nutritional knowledge, as well as economic and physiological factors were significant determinants of food choices and intake amongst construction workers. The study will increase awareness about the contribution of nutrition in H&S performance improvement. In addition, design of explicit nutrition intervention programmes will be guided, taking cognizance of the determinants of construction workers’ food choices. By highlighting the nutritional intake of construction workers and the determinants of their food choices, relevant and effectual intervention programmes can be designed for nutrition improvement and in turn, construction health and safety performance improvement. In addition, nutrition will be given more attention in health and safety considerations on construction sites.
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