An investigation of factors that assure a zero accident goal in construction sites in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Van Heerden, J. H. F. , Musonda, I. , Okoro, C. S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Construction industry , Gauteng , Health and safety
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282206 , uj:30405 , Citation: Van Heerden, J.H.F., Musonda, I. & Okoro, C.S. 2018. An investigation of factors that assure a zero accident goal in construction sites in Gauteng, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Construction accidents and fatalities bear heavily on companies. Thus, achieving zero accidents on construction projects is a desired goal universally. The present study aims to identify critical conditions or factors to ensure zero accidents on projects. A field questionnaire survey was used to collect data in different locations in Gauteng. Participants were selected using snowballing and judgemental sampling techniques. Empirical data were analysed using EXCEL to output descriptive statistics including mean item scores and standard deviation. The factors were further ranked to identify the most important as perceived by the sampled respondents. The study found that clear H&S goals, regular recording of accidents and incidents, regular tool box talks as well as following strict H&S rules, procedures and processes were the most indicators of a good safety record among the sampled organisations. On the other hand, involving staff in H&S planning and worker incentives did not appear to have much bearing on achieving zero accidents in the organizations sampled. The study was conducted in only one Province in South Africa and may not be generalisable to construction organizations in entire country or other geographical areas. The current research identifies factors necessary to prevent or avoid accidents on construction sites. Continuous health and safety improvement is likely if factors to prevent accidents are taken into account to prevent their occurrence.
- Full Text:
Drivers behind health and safety implementation in construction organisations within the Gauteng province in South Africa
- Authors: Van Heerden, Jacobus H. F. , Musonda, Innocent , Okoro, Chioma S.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Construction industry , Health and safety implementation , Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/238019 , uj:24397 , Citation: Van Heerden, J.H.F., Musonda, I. & Okoro, C.S. 2017. Drivers behind health and safety implementation in construction organisations within the Gauteng province in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Research about the implementation of health and safety (H&S) in the construction industry is required, as it may create more awareness on strategies to significantly reduce the rate of incidents and fatalities in construction organisations. It may encourage such organisations to improve their H&S performances on construction projects. The aim of this research is to establish the drivers of H&S implementation in construction organisations within the Gauteng Province in South Africa. The research adopted a quantitative research methodology. A survey questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Judgemental and snowball sampling techniques were employed to select the respondents consisting of site engineers, site agents, contracts managers, construction managers and project managers. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, mean item score and standard deviation. Findings indicated that the most important drivers are the need to manage hazards; organisations regard H&S as important; compliance with the legislation; consideration of H&S as a way to do business and to reduce costs associated with accidents and injuries. These results may assist construction organisations in setting H&S as a priority, since little attention has been paid to the objective of H&S implementation. This study was restricted to large construction organisations within the Gauteng Province in South Africa and therefore may not be generalizable to all construction organisations within South Africa and in other geographical locations.
- Full Text: