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A correlation study of nutrition and factors influencing food choices among construction workers

- Okoro, C., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.

A pilot study in Botswana's construction industry on designers' will and capacity to design for health and safety.

- Musonda, I., Haupt, T.C.

  • Authors: Musonda, I. , Haupt, T.C.
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Health and safety performance improvement , Construction industry - Botswana , Health and safety - Construction industry - Botswana
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371108 , uj:6234 , ISBN 978-1-921426-46-9 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5399
  • Description: Designer's role on health and safety (H&S) performance improvement is a subject that has received much attention than any other aspect relative to the designer. However, much research has been on the incorporation of H&S in designs and how designers influence H&S. There is little research on the designer's will and capacity to contribute to H&S performance improvement especially in Southern Africa and Botswana in particular. This paper seeks therefore to highlight this aspect as a way of addressing one of the barriers to H&S performance improvement. The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a small pilot study conducted among construction designers to establish their will or motivation and capacity to contribute to construction H&S in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was conducted among construction designers to establish willingness and capacity to incorporate H&S in their designs. Findings on the will to contribute to H&S, relate to designers incorporating H&S in their designs, external influence to consider H&S and mandate from the client to consider H&S are presented. Designers' capacity relate to education and training and their experience on matters relating to H&S. The pilot study indicates an inadequate level of will and capacity for designers to consider H&S in their designs. A better H&S performance improvement can only be achieved with the designer's active participation. Results from the survey on designers' will and capacity highlight the importance of considering this aspect of designers. Designers' will and capacity is inadequate and it shows in their inconsideration of H&S in current designs. A proposal is made to look at ways to improve designers' capacity as well as ways to motivate them to consider H&S.
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A pilot study on public clients' contribution to construction workers' health and safety in Botswana

- Musonda, I., Haupt, T.

An investigation of factors that assure a zero accident goal in construction sites in Gauteng, South Africa

- Van Heerden, J. H. F., Musonda, I., Okoro, C. S.

  • 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.
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An investigation on the impact of subcontracting system on the eventual quality of construction facilities in Swaziland - an exploratory study

- Mashwama, N. X., Musonda, I.

  • Authors: Mashwama, N. X. , Musonda, I.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Swaziland - Subcontracting , Construction industry - Swaziland
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55254 , uj:16271 , Citation: Mashwama, N.X. & Musonda, I. 2014. An investigation on the impact of subcontracting system on the eventual quality of construction facilities in Swaziland - an exploratory study. In: Emuze, F.A. & Aigbavbova, C.A. (eds.), Conference proceedings : TG59 "People in construction" Conference, 6-8 April 2014, Port Elizabeth, South Africa:191-200. , ISBN: 978-1-920176-98-3
  • Description: Abstract: The construction industry is a key sector in the development and economic growth of Swaziland, however, the industry has not escaped the challenges facing other countries worldwide in terms of delivering construction projects of good quality as stipulated in the contracts. This paper assess the extent to which subcontracting in Swaziland has contributed to the apparent poor quality workmanship in the construction industry. The data used in this paper were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire which was distributed to construction stakeholders namely: Contractors, Sub-contractors, client (Government), Consultant representatives (Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Civil engineers, Project Managers and Electrical and mechanical Engineer). Only organisations registered with the ministry of public works and transport in Swaziland and other professional bodies were surveyed.100 questionnaires were distributed and 80 were completed and returned and used for the survey, it represented 80% response rate. Data received from the questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics procedures. Key findings from the study revealed that the major factors affected by subcontracting are poor quality, material wastage,high level of reworks and level of disputes and conflict. Major factors contributing to poor quality problems in costructed facilities were the superior/subordinate relationship, delayed payment from main contractor, poor relationship betwen main contractor and lack of subcontractor training. Findings on how quality can be improved in subcontracted projects were skilled workforce, training and education, good communication between parties and management commitments were major key. Investigating the extent to which subcontracting in Swaziland has constributed to the apparent poor quality workmanship in the construction industry will provide knowlegde on the problem and hence the study.
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Client attitude to health and safety (H&S) - a report on contractor's perceptions

- Musonda, I., Haupt, T.

Client commitment and attitude to construction health and safety in Botswana

- Musonda, I., Smallwood, J.

Community engagement on public projects – case study of Hammanskraal Pedestrian Bridge, Gauteng, South Africa

- Rathenam, B.D.C., Musonda, I., Talukhaba, A., Dabup, N.L.

Construction public client health and safety culture in Botswana : a pilot study.

- Musonda, I., Haupt, T.

Designer's contribution to construction health and safety (H&S) - a case study of a public works project

- Musonda, I., Haupt, T.

Developing a framework of food choice determinants among construction workers in South Africa

- Okoro, C. S., Musonda, I., Agumba, J. N.

Development of a scale for assessing determinants of construction workers’ food choices

- Okoro, C., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.

  • Authors: Okoro, C. , Musonda, I. , Agumba, J.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Construction workers , Factors , Food choice
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214963 , uj:21347 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I & Agumba, J. 2016. Development of a scale for assessing determinants of construction workers’ food choices.
  • Description: Abstract: Research on the factors influencing construction workers’ food choices and overall nutrition is limited, in South Africa and indeed Africa. The aim of the present paper is to develop and validate a questionnaire of factors influencing construction workers’ food choices. A quantitative, purposive approach was used in the study. Fourty-two items, divided into six constructs, were used to develop a field survey questionnaire after an extensive literature review. Principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to examine the structures and validity of the constructs. Cronbach’s alpha test and mean inter-item correlations were used to examine internal consistency reliability. After repeated factor analysis, the questionnaire of food choice factors revealed seven different factors: food context, biological factors, nutritional knowledge, personal ideas and systems, economic factors, resources and cultural background. These factors explained 60.09% variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.62 to 0.85, indicating good internal consistency reliability. The factors which influence construction workers’ food choices are important considerations when designing and implementing nutrition interventions in the South African construction industry. Future research can adopt the instrument when conducting psychometric assessments of construction workers’ food choices.
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Effective facilities management of residential properties : a literature review

- Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I.

  • Authors: Okoro, C.S. , Musonda, I.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Facilities , Management , Occupants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/217119 , uj:21600 , Citation: Okoro, C.S. & Musonda, I. 2016. Effective facilities management of residential properties : a literature review
  • Description: Abstract: It is pertinent that buildings are livable, safe and productive. However, buildings, through occupancy, are subjected to degradation which poses unique challenges with regard to the security, health and productivity of the occupants; thus, impacting on the immediate environment and economy at large. The paper presents a review of barriers to effective maintenance of residential building facilities. Findings revealed that poor or non-existent pre-construction facility management provisions, financial constraints, lack of government support and late implementation of facilities management, hinder regular and efficient management of dwellings. Other barriers identified are the utilisation of non-professional facility managers and poor administration of a service charge account. The study provides evidence for professionals in the real estate sector to take necessary pre-emptive actions against mismanagement of residential buildings and facilities so as to prevent degradation.
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Effectiveness of economic incentives on clients’ participation in health and safety programmes

- Musonda, I., Pretorius, J.H.C.

  • Authors: Musonda, I. , Pretorius, J.H.C.
  • Date: 2015-06
  • Subjects: Economic incentives , Health and safety programmes , Construction industry - Safety measures , Occupational health and safety
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5138 , ISSN 1021-2019 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14105
  • Description: The use of economic incentives to improve health and safety (H&S) performance in the construction industry in general has been investigated by various scholars. However, few studies have looked at the impact of economic incentives on construction clients, especially in the developing world. This paper reports findings on the feasibility of incentives to influence construction clients to perform on H&S. The investigation was conducted using a Delphi technique to determine the impact significance of economic incentives or disincentives on construction clients’ H&S performance. A panel of experts in construction H&S was assembled from most regions of the world. A three- round iterative Delphi study aimed at establishing consensus from the expert panel was then conducted. The study found that economic factors have critical impact significance on clients’ H&S performance, and that clients were ‘very likely’ to implement various H&S elements as a result of the economic incentives and or disincentives. There is little research on the use of incentives to influence construction clients’ H&S performance and the effectiveness of such incentives. This gap in literature, and the need for improvement in construction H&S performance, motivated the current study. Therefore it was necessary to investigate specifically the extent to which economic incentives could be used to influence construction clients to become involved in H&S programmes. Economic incentives are considered to be a proactive way of improving H&S performance among other key parties, such as employees in the construction industry. The paper reports on the findings from an analysis of the impact significance of economic incentives on clients. It underscores the point that economic incentives or disincentives for construction clients are necessary to encourage them to actively participate in H&S programmes, hence resulting in performance improvement.
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Evaluating the influence of nutritional determinants on construction workers’ nutritional intake

- Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.

  • Authors: Okoro, C.S. , Musonda, I. , Agumba, J.
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Determinants , Nutrition , Construction workers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/216740 , uj:21547 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2016. Evaluating the influence of nutritional determinants on construction workers’ nutritional intake.
  • Description: Abstract: Nutritional knowledge, economic, social, biological and cultural factors have been known to determine an individual’s food choice and intake. Despite the existence of research on the factors which influence nutrition globally, there is little known about the extent to which these factors influence the nutrition of construction workers, which in turn influences their health and safety performance during construction activities. The present paper investigates the extent to which construction workers’ nutrition is influenced by knowledge, economic, social, biological and cultural factors. A field questionnaire survey was conducted on site construction workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Principal components analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that consumption of foods termed alternative foods including dairy products, eggs, nuts, fish and cereals, was influenced by nutritional knowledge and resources. Foods termed traditional core foods were identified to be influenced by cultural background; foods termed secondary core foods comprising fruits and vegetables were reported to be influenced by economic factors, resources and cultural background; while foods termed core foods were mostly influenced by nutritional knowledge. By providing evidence of the factors which most influence selection and consumption of certain foods by construction workers, relevant nutrition interventions will be designed and implemented, taking cognizance of these factors.
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Factors driving construction organisations to implement health and safety : a literature review

- Van Heerden, J. H. F., Musonda, I., Okoro, C. S.

Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

- Musonda, I., Smallwood, J.

Identifying factors influencing construction workers’ food choices in Gauteng, South Africa: A pilot investigation

- Okoro, C., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.

Perception of the effects of substance abuse among university students : a case of built environment and civil engineering students at a South African university in Gauteng Province

- Agumba, J. N., Musonda, I.

  • Authors: Agumba, J. N. , Musonda, I.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Substance abuse , University students - Substance abuse
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4988 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13120
  • Description: Background: Substance abuse among youths is a worldwide epidemic that impacts negatively on the health sector as well as the family and society. Early student life at the university is a time of tremendous high motivation to conform to the behaviours, values and attitudes that are valued by the student culture. However, students observe their peers’ behaviour and alter their own behaviour with their peers’ norms and expectations. Some of the perceived peer norms can however lead to substance abuse, which has led students’ not to complete their education. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine students’ perception on the effects of substance abuse on their physical, cognitive and affective development. Methods: The research philosophy adopted was positivism and the approach was deductive. Hence, a self-administered questionnaire containing items developed from literature review was administered to 199 built environment and civil engineering students at a South African university. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The reliability for internal consistency of the measured constructs i.e. physical, cognitive and affective was determined using Cronbach’s alpha test. Independent sample t-test was used to test the hypotheses on the perception of students who had experiment on drugs and those who have not experimented on drugs on the physical, cognitive and affective development of students. Results: Slightly over 40 percent of students in this university are not aware of the substance abuse policy in the university. There was no statistical significant difference on the perception of the effect of students who have experimented on drugs and those who have not experimented on drugs on their physical and affective development. However, there was a significant difference on the effect on cognitive development. Conclusions: The students at this university should be made aware of the substance abuse policy. Furthermore those who experimented on substances e.g. drugs indicated less perception on their effects on their cognitive development.
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Relationship between nutrition and construction safety performance : experimental work

- Okoro, C. S., Musonda, I., Agumba, J. N.

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