Health and Safety Practices and Performance on Public Sector Projects: Site Managers’ Perceptions

Abstract

The construction industry has a poor health and safety (H&S) record globally, and South Africa is no exception. The study reported on endeavoured to evolve a solution to mitigate the fatalities, injuries, occupational health hazards, and non-compliance with H&S legislation experienced on Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works’ (ECDRPW) projects in the Sarah Baartman District of the Eastern Cape province. A quantitative study was adopted to gather and analyse data within the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, which entailed the circulation of a self-administered questionnaire among contractors’ site managers (SMs). The study determined the following: required H&S actions are undertaken frequently as opposed to infrequently; H&S training is undertaken frequently as opposed to infrequently; construction activities entail exposure to ergonomics hazards; and hazards are primarily attributable to contractors, and contractors are primarily the origin of the causes of accidents. Conclusions include the following: clients and designers are, to a degree, complying with H&S requirements; contractors are committed to H&S training; construction is physically demanding; a range of factors contribute to the existence of hazards; and a range of factors are the causes of accidents; however, some predominate. Recommendations include the following: H&S awareness should be maintained at all levels in the industry and among all stakeholders; H&S should be a value on all projects; the construction process and its activities need to be re-engineered, and worker H&S training should be intensified, worker participation should be promoted, and constant H&S feedback provided.