Assuring health and safety (H&S) performance on construction projects - clients' role and influence
- Authors: Musonda, Innocent , Pretorius, Jan-Harm , Haupt, Conrad Theodore
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Botswana , Construction , Culture , Health and safety , Improvement , Influence , Performance , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/22423 , uj:16199 , Citation: Musonda, I., Pretorius, J.-H. & Haupt, C.T. 2012. Assuring health and safety (H&S) performance on construction projects - clients' role and influence. Acta Structilia 19(1):71-105. ISSN: 1023-0564
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Occupational health and safety challenges in Ghana : the way forward
- Authors: Mustapha, Zakari , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Construction Industry , Implementation , Improvement
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/388195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/217145 , uj:21603 , Citation: Mustapha, Z., Aigbavboa, C. & Thwala, W.D. 2016. Occupational health and safety challenges in Ghana : the way forward.
- Description: Abstract: The concept of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) was introduced in the Ghanaian industries before the introduction of the Factories, Offices, and Shops Act 1970. The introduction of different regulatory bodies in Ghana have not solved the OHS challenges. The purpose of the study is to address appropriate means for OHS challenges improvement in Ghana. Literature review was conducted on OHS practices and challenges in Ghana. Findings from the study shows numerous OHS challenges which include lack of comprehensive national OHS policy, inability to partner with organizations responsible for the implementing the OHS activities and inability to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention number 155 as the major challenges are OHS challenges in Ghana. This calls for the strengthening of the existing government policies and the ratification of the ILO convention 1981 (No.155) as a minimum to accommodate any possible OHS challenges in Ghana.
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Design of a Total Productive Maintenance model for effective implementation : case study of a chemical manufacturing company
- Authors: Mwanza, Bupe G. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Improvement , OEE , Maintenance Systems
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/73226 , uj:18385 , Citation: Mwanza, B.G. & Mbohwa, C. 2015. Design of a Total Productive Maintenance model for effective implementation : case study of a chemical manufacturing company.
- Description: Abstract: In today’s industries, the concept of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) has been widely accepted and implemented yet it’s still possible to find industries facing maintenance challenges. The focus of this paper was to develop an effective TPM model to improve the maintenance system at a chemical manufacturing company in Zambia. The researchers set objectives to assess the current maintenance system, to determine the overall equipment effectiveness and to identify key performance indicators and success factors of TPM. Data relevant to the research was collected using designed questionnaires, structured interviews, direct observations and company records. The results of the research came double folded by reviewing that, the maintenance department employed 67.6% breakdown maintenance, 24.3% preventive maintenance and 8.1% not applicable. The research also reviewed that 78% of the time the operators were not involved in maintenance activities with only 14% operator involvement. As regards to the effectiveness of the maintenance technique( s) used, 19% was recorded poor, 65% fair, 8% good and 8% not applicable. Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) was calculated at 37% which was below the world class standard by 50%. Equipment downtime was a major cause of plant under utilization with 52% caused by shortage of spares, 32% shortage of raw materials, 8% due to power problems and 8% not applicable. TPM awareness deduced 70.5% of the employees been aware of the TPM concept while 14.7% indicated the concept of TPM would help improve the current maintenance system and 14.7% were not sure. 29.5% of the employees were not aware of TPM with 64.3% not sure that the TPM concept can help improve the current maintenance system. Based on these results, knowledge and information sharing, operator involvement and training should be considered. The researchers then designed a TPM model which would result in effective implementation of TPM for higher competitiveness in the dynamic business environment.
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Measures to improve the performance of construction projects in South Africa
- Authors: Sibiya, Mandisa , Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction projects , Improvement , Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/72313 , uj:18263 , Citation: Sibiya, M., Aigbavboa, C. & Thwala, W. 2015. Measures to improve the performance of construction projects in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: Construction projects are complex, risky and time-consuming undertakings that are usually commissioned by governments and delivered by national and international participants with a variety of cultural differences, backgrounds, political systems, and languages. The South African construction industry operates in a uniquely projectspecific and complex environment, combining different investors, clients, contractual arrangements and consulting professions. It impacts directly on communities and the South African public at large, and its improved efficiency and effectiveness will enhance quality, productivity, health, safety, environmental outcomes and value for money. Therefore, this paper will investigate measure that can be used to improve the performance of construction projects in the South Africa construction industry. Data for this paper were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. For the primary data; a structured questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals both from the contracting companies, consultant offices & public owners sectors. Findings from the questionnaire surveys revealed that the measures to be taken for the improvement of the performance of construction projects in Gauteng, South Africa, include: proper project planning and scheduling, use of effective project management techniques, clear information and communication channels, adherence to construction drawings and specifications, proper material procurement, adequate planning, effective strategic planning, proper project implementation and management, frequent coordination between the construction team, use of appropriate construction methods, site management and supervision amongst others. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject of measures to improve the performance of construction projects in the South Africa construction industry.
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