Construction Health and Safety - Cost or Investment

CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY – COST OR INVESTMENT?1 ABSTRACT Occupational incidents, accidents and fatalities are rampant in the Contraction Industry. These have negative financial impact on businesses through work stoppages, lost production and penalties among other effects. To minimise negative effects of health and safety, construction companies use different methods of investing in health and safety to ensure that projects are carried out in safer environments. These include provision of Personal Protective Equipment, welfare facilities, engagement of safety personnel, general medical examinations, education and training, safety incentives, improvement in technology and occupational health and safety management systems. A research was carried out in Harare were questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to determine the effects of investing in construction health and safety. Harare based construction companies, construction employees, clients and NSSA Inspectors formed part of the target population. The research revealed that investment in health and safety leads to increased productivity, improved company safety record, competitive advantage during tendering, reduced insurance premiums, reduced time lost to injuries and profitability of construction projects. Respondents lamented costs, lack of support, enforcement and top management involvement in health and safety issues as stumbling blocks to an effective investment in health and safety. The researcher concluded that benefits of investing in health and safety exceed the costs of improving conditions of work therefore an investment. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Declaration……………….…………..……………..………………………………………………… (i) Acknowledgements…………………...……………………………………………………………….(ii) Abstract...……………………………...……………………………………………………………...(iii) Table of Contents……………………...……………………………………………………………...(iv) List of Tables…………………………..…………………………………………………………....(viii) List of Figures…………………………..…………………………………………………………….(ix) List of Appendices……………………...……………………………………………………….…….(x) List of Abbreviations…………………..……………………………………………………………..(xi) CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….…1 1.1 Background Information…………....……………………………………………………………….1 1.2 Problem Statement…………………...…………………………………………………………..….3 1.3 Research Questions…………………...…………………………………………………………..…5 1.4 Research Hypothesis…………………...……………………………………………………….…...5 1.5 Research Aim…………………………...……………………………………………………….…..5 1.6 Research Objectives……………………...……………………………………………………….…5 1.7 Justification……………………………...……………………………………………………….….6 1.8 Research Outline………………………...………………………………………………………..…7 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction……………………………...…………………………………………………..…..…..9 2.1 Investment in Health and Safety………...…………………………………………………………..9 2.1.1 Safety Personnel………………………..…………………………………..……………….….....9 2.1.2 Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing……………..………………………………..……10 3 5 Summary……………………………………………………………………...2 Benefits of Investing in Health and Safety………………………………..1..……………..1....22 2.31 3.………………………………..…………………….…………….……………………..31 3..4 Limitations ………………………………………………………………….………………………..11 2.2.……………………...…………………….1 Sampling Frame….…………………..15 2..1.……………………28 Secondary Data…………………………………………………………….13 2.1..1.2 Summary of Data Collection Methods………………………………………..……………………27 3.5 Data Sources……………………………………………………………….2..31 3.……………………24 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3..……………………….……………………25 3..………………………16 2.…………………………13 2.6 General Medical Examinations and Drug Abuse Testing…………….3 Health and Safety Implementation Challenges……………………………...……………………….……………………26 3...8 Health and Safety Management System……………..1..1.………………….……..1...…………………….6 Summary…………………………………………………………………….5 Data Analysis Plan………………………………………………………….12 2.………12 2.4 Improvement in Technology……………………………...1.…….……………………...15 Direct Costs………………………………………………………….…….0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………..4 Sampling Method………………………………………………………….7 Welfare Facilities…………………………………………………….………………..…………………………14 2.3 Sample Size……………………………………………………………….1...25 3........28 Primary Data……………………………………………………………….1..1 Costs of not Investing in Health and Safety….5 Safety Incentives…………………………………………....2.……………………..……………………………………………………….29 3..………………….……………………….…….27 3.15 Indirect Costs…………………………………………………………..19 2..……………………………….……………………32 4 .2 Target Population…………………………………………………………...3 Education and Training…………………………………..25 3...2 Effects of Investment in Health and Safety……….…….…………………………….1 Research Design……………………………………………………………. .36 4.1 General Information………………………………………………………….2 Recommendations………………………………………………………………….……………..……………………33 4.……………..0 Introduction……………………………………………………………………….0 Introduction………………………………………………………………….....……………..3 Effects of Health and Safety Investment……………………………………….49 REFERENCES…………………………………………….....………………46 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.4 Health and Safety Investment Challenges……………………………………….………………….………………..45 4.CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 4.3 Areas of Further Research………………………………………………………….…………………39 4..33 4.………………47 5.2 Health and Safety Investment…………………………………………………...1 Conclusions………………………………………………………………………...………………….48 5..53 5 .....………………47 5.5 Summary………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………50 APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………... ..…………………………....………………....5 Composition of the Sample Size……………..2 Table 4..……41 Measures to Effective Health and Safety Investment…………………………….…………33 Profile of Respondents………………………………………….....4 Table 4.……34 Percentage Contract Sum Channelled to Health and Safety Issues…………….……………27 Response Rate for Interviews and Questionnaires…………….1 Table 4.3 Table 4.……38 Health and Safety Penalties and Work stoppages……………………………….44 6 .1 Table 4..…………..….LIST OF TABLES Table 3. ...7 Figure 4.46 7 .....……………43 Measures to Effective Health and Safety Investment…………………….11 Figure 4.…......42 Effectiveness of Investing in Health and Safety………………………………………..34 Experience of Respondents………………………………………………………..45 H&S record a prerequisite for tender invitation and adjudication………..4 Response Rate for Interviews and Questionnaires………………………………..……………....…37 Degree of Investment for Different Investment Methods……………………………......……………45 Factors Impeding Investment in Health and Safety………………………...1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4..LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1......12 Figure 4.......6 Figure 4......……..13 Figure 4...43 Incidents.39 Effects of Investment in Health and Safety………………………………………….39 Health and Safety Regulations Violation Penalties…………………………………..35 Projects Normally Undertaken…………………………………………………….38 Percentage Contract Sum Channelled Towards Health and Safety…...………….......14 Building and Construction Fatalities for the Period 2001 to 2009……………….3 Figure 4..4 Figure 4..36 Health and Safety Investment Methods……………………………………………...5 Figure 4.....…..35 Stand-Alone Health and Safety Departments………….….10 Figure 4..9 Figure 4...8 Figure 4... Accidents and fatalities Experienced from 2007 to 2009 ……....1 Figure 4..……………. A1 Questionnaire / Interview Guide to the Client……………………………………….......A7 Construction Worker Interview Guide……........……………...LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Questionnaire to the Contractor……………………………………….........………………………………………........A11 Photographs………………………………………………………………………….A9 NSSA Inspectors Interview Guide………………………………………....A10 Observation Guide……………………………………........…………………....A12 8 .. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS NSSA HSE National Social Security Authority Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing Occupational Safety and Health Standard Construction design Management Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard H&S PPE/C OSHS CDM OSHAS- 9 . Failure by employers to comply with set health and safety regulations can lead to severe fines on their businesses (Heston. Factories and Works (Building. research carried out in the United Kingdom reveal that for the period 2005-2006. different acts and regulations governing the health and safety of the construction industry have been crafted.1 Background 10 .5 deaths per 1000 workers (Hughes and Ferret. 2010). codes of practice and statutory instruments (regulations) which govern activities in the construction sector. equipment and materials (Brace and Gibb. Salem (2010) concurred with Heston and added that non-compliance risk losing their business licences. construction had a fatality rate of 3. 1. the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 challenged employers to regulate their own safety rather than relying on enforcement.0 Introduction Construction is considered a risky business and poses more dangers than any other business on workers. To make the sector safer to work in. Although health and safety issues are a responsibility of every one at work (Davies and Tomasin. 1990). Numbers of accidents recorded at work places have been increasing.CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1. 2005). These include The Factories and Works Act (1970). Structural and Excavation Work) Regulations (1976) among others. 2010). the regulations range from general health and safety to data protection (Line. In Zimbabwe there are a number of acts. 2007). Since health and safety developed from the change of attitude from protecting machinery to people (Ridley. the government was forced to respond and the first ever Health and Safety Act known as Health and Morals of Apprentices Act was passed in 1802 (Goestch D. a new law for wage earners known as the Workmen’s Compensation Act of 1906 was passed. Ridley 2008). In the year 1963 The Offices. 2008). the United Kingdom witnessed the passing of a number of health and safety acts. Following workplace accidents which left employees dead or injured without compensation. Following persistent public pressure because of the fever (Goestch D. Shops and Railway Premises Act was passed and the widely used Health and Safety Act known as The Health and Safety at Work. There is evidence of occupational health and safety which dates as far back as the time of Egyptian Pharaohs during the construction of the Rameuseum temple by Rameses (II) about 1500BC. Act was passed in 1974. a notable development in health and safety in the United Kingdom started in 1556 when part of a book on metal mining by Dr Agricola dealt with diseases of miners. 11 . etc. This board’s main aim was to protect the health of factory workers and abolish child labour.Health and safety at work has a long history. The year 1690 witnessed a case between Boson and Sandford whose ruling established the doctrine of “Vicarious” liability which states that the employer is responsible for his/her employee(s)’ actions while at work. He established an industrial medical service where regular medical examinations were given to workers (Goestch D. Some of the acts include the Factories and Workshop Act of 1901.L 1962). According to Ridley (2008).L 1962). Since then.L 1962. 1784 fever epidemic in Lancashire which claimed many lives particularly children led to the formation of Manchester Board of health in 1795. Factories and Works (Building. children and other members of public continue to die.300 people die as a result of work related injuries or diseases – more than 2.3 million deaths worldwide per year (Somavia. The Works and Factories Act of 1996 Revised edition serves as the main piece of legislation championing construction health and safety at workplaces in Zimbabwe.5% decline in construction activities in 2003 only (African Economic Outlook. The Pneumoconiosis Act Revised edition of 1996. The enforcing of the laws. 14 fatalities were recorded.2 Problem Statement Everyday some 6. many construction site workers. however with few construction activities which were taking place. fourteen (14) construction workers died due to work related accidents from 2001 to 2009 giving an average of 1. 2004). However. The figure below shows the fatalities experienced in the Zimbabwe construction industry from 2001 to 12 . Standard Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) has duty of certifying companies of the OHSAS 18001 which is an internationally recognised standard for occupational health and safety.75 fatalities per year for the period 2001 to 2009. 1. a number of legislation pieces were adopted from the United Kingdom. 2010).Since Zimbabwe was a colony of Britain. by-laws and codes of practise which include The Factories and Works Act Revised edition of 1996. injured or suffer from ill health emanating from construction activities that have not been adequately controlled (HSE. regulations. In Zimbabwe. the country was going through economic challenges which saw a 15. Structural and Excavation Work) Regulations of 1976 and The Modern Building By-Laws which serve as health and safety legislation pieces among others. There are other acts. 2006). 2010). Although there is a reduction in the occupational accidents and deaths (Mutetwa. During that period. codes of practise and by-laws is done by The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) through their Occupational Health and Safety Department and The Factories Inspectorate Department. statutory instruments. In a drive to cut cost.1: Building and Construction Occupational Fatalities from 2001 to 2009 Source: NSSA On Guard 2010 Currently majority of Zimbabwean construction companies do not have good occupational health and safety programmes at their workplaces (Mutetwa. In the year 2007. 2010). 340 reportable injuries and about 2000 incidences were recorded. Assessment done by NSSA to determine the level of health and safety compliance in construction industry in 2009. Out of the twenty assessed programme elements. Regulations provide threat of fines or suspension of works for non-compliance. the construction industry has been experiencing a steady increase in the number of fatalities. 13 . Health and safety regulations are enforcement so that projects could be carried out in safer environments.2009. 2010). The year 2007 recorded the highest fatalities with four deaths. they compromise on the implementation of health and safety regulations by providing none or inadequate PPE/C and welfare facilities among other things resulting in the industry performing far below the expected safety standards. From the figure 1. the construction industry failed to score 50% or better in terms of companies assessed which were compliant with health and safety regulations. Fig 1. thus. Zimbabwean construction companies assume that implementing health and safety regulations is a cost to their businesses.1 below. only 25% of the assessed construction companies provided meaningful personal protective clothing and equipment while only 5% had adequate welfare facilities for their workers (Mutetwa. 5 Aim To analyse the effects of health and safety management on the overall economic performance of construction projects. According to Schneider (2011).provide as an incentive for compliance. While contractors are less motivated to finance their health and safety investments. contractors tend only to consider of health and safety improvements that result in short term paybacks and they are less apt to be able to finance their health and safety investments. 1. What are the challenges or barriers encountered by the construction industry in quest to implement health and safety regulations? 1.6 Research Objectives 14 .4 Research Hypothesis Benefits of implementing health and safety regulations outweigh compliance costs. What are the economical impacts of health and safety investment on construction projects in Zimbabwe? 3.3 Research Questions 1. 1. Non-compliance with health and safety regulations put companies at risk of having their works suspended and or charged excessive penalties due to poor health and safety standards. Hinze (2000) argued that health and safety pays. What are major health and safety expenditure centres for companies towards improving workplace safety standards in Zimbabwe? 2. research done for the Construction Industry Institute. this can also be said for the Zimbabwe Construction Industry. 1. Othman and Pearl (2008) also researched on the economic and social impacts of site accidents on South African construction workers. regulations. A number of researches have been done. Heston. 3.7 Justification Construction health and safety is a widely researched area by construction professionals. little has been done in Zimbabwe to determine if improving workplace conditions in construction industry is beneficial or just an unnecessary cost which chews up the small profit margins in the industry (Schneider 2011). 2. Mthalane. It is further hoped that this dissertation will establish challenges faced by construction industry in implementing health and safety regulations and come out with possible solutions to the challenges. These include a research by Musonda and Smallwood (2008) where they explored clients’ commitment in improving health and safety performance in the Botswana construction industry.1. However. 2010 and Salem. It is hoped that this research will bring insight to construction industry stakeholders to be more apt to finance health and safety issues so as to improve workplace conditions and hence penalties. 2010). Failure by construction companies to comply with the set health and safety laws. by-laws and codes of practice expose them to severe penalties and other costs (Line. 1. 15 . To establish how construction firms invest in health and safety issues in order to improve their workplace conditions. 2010. To assess the impacts of health and safety investment on construction projects. To investigate constrains which impede investment in health and safety issues on construction project. hypothesis. 2010). 2010) which section 21 subsection 2 of OSH Act 213 of 1991 say that the employer shall enforce that employees comply. aim of the research.Now that owners (clients) place higher emphasis on safety by pre-qualifying contractors on the basis of their safety records (Schneider 2011). This would result in Zimbabwean companies winning both local and international projects. Chapter Two: Literature Review 16 . Assessment done by NSSA in 2009 revealed that only 25% of the assessed construction companies provided meaningful personal protective clothing and equipment (Mtetwa. Good safety culture is believed to be the most powerful tool for fighting competition locally.8 Research Outline This dissertation consists of five chapters. Chapter One: Introduction This chapter introduces the reader to the field of construction health and safety. background information to the development of construction health and safety. the justification and finally the research outline. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act 213 of 1991 section 21 subsection 1 says that “A worker shall wear such protective clothing and use such personal protective equipment or devices as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be exposed. the problem statement. regionally and globally. This is a clear sign that companies are less motivated to spend money on health and safety issues. research objectives. Zimbabwean companies may lose some big projects on the grounds of poor health and safety policies. 1. it is hoped that the research will be useful in encouraging Zimbabwean construction companies and stakeholders to adopt world class safety standards. ” Most construction workers are not wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (Mtetwa. regulations and codes of practise is to be discussed in this chapter. 17 . Chapter Three: Methodology This chapter focuses on the research methodology that will be used during the research process. The researcher’s recommendations and conclusion of the effects of health and safety management will be discussed in this chapter. data collection procedures and data analysis plan. Different methods of data analysis and presentation will be used in the analysis and presentation of data. sample population. target population. The chapter comprises of research design. Effects of health and safety management as well as challenges faced in implementing health and safety regulations will be discussed in this chapter. Chapter Five: Conclusions and Recommendations This chapter is for recommendations and conclusions of the research. Secondary data sources will be used.This chapter endeavours to review relevant literature on construction health and safety regulations and management. A detailed review to construction regulations governing Zimbabwean construction industry. Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analysis This chapter details all the findings obtained during the research and the findings will be analysed in relation to the body of existing knowledge discussed in Chapter Two. different ways businesses violate the set acts. The researcher will use literature by authors of different textbooks. different ways companies invest in health and safety and benefits of complying with health and safety regulations in construction industry are to be discussed. 1998) through use of health and safety as prequalifying attribute when tendering and conduct audits on sites. 2. However.1 Investment in Health and Safety Costs for injuries can be a substantial burden on employers (Schneider. engagement of competent H&S personnel and welfare facilities among others methods. 18 . firms invest in health and safety regulations through PPE. Costs associated with noncompliance with health and safety legislation. journals and internet articles among other literature. to avoid or minimise occupational incidents firms are inclined to channel financial resources to improve conditions of work (Rwaveya and Makova. for any investment in health and safety. 2010). In the quest to improve working conditions.CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 2. client’s involvement is crucial (Huang and Hinze. 2011).0 Introduction This chapter seeks to give an overview of construction health and safety. 2006) as they can influence success of investment in health and safety (Smallwood. Duties of Health and safety personnel include establishing health and safety department headed by safety managers. the companies that are committed to providing safe and healthy workplaces employ a health and safety manager and position him/her within the company corporate hierarchy.1. safety officers. One way construction companies can invest in health and safety environment of their operations is through employment of full time health and safety personnel. standards and code Coordinating health and safety activities Planning and championing training of employee Engagement of safety personnel will increase the company’s salary and wages bill and associated costs. In the opinion of Goestch (1996). The duties and responsibilities of safety managers according to Goestch (1996) include:     Establishing and maintaining companywide health and safety program Conducting hazard identification and risk assessments for projects Ensuring company compliance with all laws.2 Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing (PPE/C) It is the employer’s legal obligation to provide personal protective equipment to workers to protect them from the hazards they may be exposed to (Factories and Works Building and Construction 19 . Some employees can be prequalified and included in the preliminary and generals during tender.1. 2000). safety representatives and first aiders among other professionals. 2.2.1 Safety Personnel In order to promote health and safety on construction projects. firms have begun to recognise the value of committing resources to this effort (Hinze. or at least prevent the level of accidents on construction sites. 2. employees learn how to do the job. at inductions or when being exposed to new or increased risks (Hughes & Ferret 2007). good practice codes. PPE provides tremendous benefits to the industry and is an important measure to reduce. hard hats.Regulations 1981). 1996). risk assessments. The regulations also obligate employers to train workers on how to use the equipment and/or clothing and enforce its use by the workers. developing skills.1. hazards involved with it and how to work safely on that very job (Sweeney. education and training is aimed at imparting knowledge. respiratory protective device. safety goggles. The levels of education and training required covers a wide range of information such as specific company health and safety policies. Through education and training. PPE enables workers to have immediate protection to allow a job to continue. et al. protective overall and life lines among other thing are required at construction sites (On Guard. aptitudes and insights about one’s job. and it can be used to carry out work in confined spaces where alternatives are impracticable. 20 . gloves. workers are compelled to use the PPE/C whenever they are exposed to a hazard and keep it in good condition. However. Education and training plays a very important part in the reduction of accidents on construction sites and is the legal right of employers under the Factories and Works Act of 1996. HIV/AIDS issues and legal requirements. safety procedures. 2000). in an emergency it can be the only practicable way of effecting rescue or shutting down plant. safety harness. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide such training during recruitment. The following PPE/C which include steel capped boots. method statements.3 Education and Training According to Tarafdar and Tarafdar (1997). Accidents like falls from heights can be mitigated or prevented through investment in technology. introduction of improved technologies into construction sites in an attempt to reduce accidents and injures is largely dependent on the level of training that accompanies it.4 Improvement in Technology Improvement in construction technology can have a positive effect on the reduction of accidents and subsequently costs of accidents. Imparting knowledge can be achieved through coaching. 1997).Education and training is a prerequisite for the employees who first join the company (induction or orientation). As a result. occupational accidents do happen in workplaces where there is no education and training (Rwaveya and Makova.1.1. More so. investment in technology has purchasing and personnel training as initial costs to the initiative. those who have been transferred to a different job and those whose responsibilities have changed (Ridley. investment in mobile cranes and other lifting equipment can reduce number of musculoskeletal disorders in workers and improves site operations and productivity. since. conferences and seminars.5 Safety Incentives 21 . Employers also sacrifice their production by taking about an hour of their daily production time conducting “tool-box-talks”. 2010). 2008). 2. These are discussions workers have on daily basis before start of work. case studies. 2. Discussions about hazards and risks associated with the work of the day are done. lectures and workshops among other methods (Tarafdar and Tarafdar. Education and training is concerned with averting of work disasters. 2006). training by supervisors. Employers must be aware that productivity on site may not be at its peak during the period of change. However. Investment in Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) and Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWP) can play a significant role in minimising incidences of falls from scaffolding (HSE. A number of steps can be taken to motivate workers put their full participation in eliminating or reducing occupational accidents. Drug abuse tests are not done only upon assumption of duty but as the work is taking place.1. The usually medical test done include chest x-rays. Supervisors and managers can be honoured on the overall performance of the project. optometric and pulse tests before a newly engaged worker starts work. ice chests. According to Hinze (2000). 2000). 2. audiometric. household appliances. Financial and nonfinancial incentives can capture employees’ hearts to achieve good working environments with high standards of safety. drug abuse testing is one of the effective ways of reducing the incidence of injuries. coffee mugs. Dorrell (2007) argue that health and safety should be an incentive on its own. “being a brother’s keeper” and “smartness” among other decision criterions. “best practise in executing work”. However. Drug abusers are risk personnel as they expose not only themselves to accidents but also other workmates.Safety incentives are used to capture employees’ interest in health and safety (Hinze. Hinze (2000) came up with non-financial incentives which include baseball caps. Criterions used may include “no injuries in a given time period”.6 General Medical Examinations and Drug Abuse Testing Knowing one’s medical status is very important as the employer will use the results to determine the suitable working condition one’s health suites. pocketknives. According to Levitt and Samelson (1993) safety incentives result in improved worker participation and interest in reducing occupational accidents. and a host of other items. Each and every category will be having a reward given to a worker or group of workers. This is done so as to identify and punish those found on the wrong side of the law. Different criterions can be used so as to determine who should be honoured for safety. windbreakers. weight. 22 . 2.1.7 Welfare Facilities Principal contractors and others who have control over construction sites are responsible for providing site welfare facilities and ensuring that the site welfare facilities are adequate for their employees (HSE, 2006). Welfare facilities include first aid boxes and kits, toilets, showers, hand-washing-basins, wash tubs, kitchens or canteens with water heater or urn, recreational sheds with chairs and tables, weather control facilities, piped hot and cold water and waste bins among other facilities (Forster, 1989; HSE, 2006). The provision of high welfare facilities is likely to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on construction sites as it promotes recruitment, good morale and employee retention. These reasons alone should be sufficient justification for the investment in welfare facilities which should encourage the client and contractors to ensure that they are provided on construction sites from the outset to an acceptable level. Without the provision of welfare facilities workers are likely to be cold, overheated, dirty, dehydrated and uncomfortable (Joyce, 2007), this in turn will have an effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of their work undertaken creating an unsafe environment to themselves and their fellow workers. The provision of welfare facilities can be seen as an important measure to reduce accidents on construction sites. 2.1.8 Health and Safety Management System By the realisation that health and safety management is founded on the provision of a safe and healthy working environment (Griffith and Watson, 2002), formal health and safety management systems (H&SMS) have been adopted by many principal contractors. By investing in H&SMS, companies will be able to craft policies, plans and procedures which are essential in delivering an effective health and 23 safety management on sites. Occupational Health and Safety Administration Standard number 18001 (OHSAS 18001) is a management system which contractor can invest in. OHSAS is a world class safety management standard which promotes a safe and healthy working environment by providing a framework that allows organisations to consistently identify and control their health and safety risks, reduce potential for accidents, aid legislative compliance and improve overall performance (British Standards Institution, 2011). 2.2 Effects of Health and Safety Management Management of health and safety issues in construction comes with both financial benefits and costs. Failure to comply with health and safety legislation exposes companies to excessive costs on penalties (Schneider, 2011) and other costs attributable to lost production time (Tarafdar and Tarafdar, 1997). However, to ensure that they are in compliance with the set health and safety regulations, companies expend some funds to impart knowledge and awareness campaigns in their work places. Management of health and safety in construction has benefits associated with the compliance with the regulations and costs due to non compliance. 2.2.1 Health and Safety Non-compliance Costs Failure by companies to comply with the previously described health and safety legislation; occupational accidents, illness or even death take place at workplaces. According to NSSA, most occupational accidents and ill health are attributable to the unsafe conditions of work (On Guard Editor, 2010). The resultant unsafe working environments are prone to accidents which add an extra cost to the management and the loss of income to the injured employee (Tarafdar and Tarafdar, 1997). Rwaveya and Makova (On Guard, 2010) say costs associated with accidents and ill health tend to be 24 grossly understated due to ignorance of the related hidden costs or indirect costs. Costs associated with occupational injuries, death and ill health can be characterised in many ways (Hinze, 2000). Tarafdar and Tarafdar (1997) categorised such costs into direct cost and indirect costs. However, there are some costs of accidents and ill health which cannot have any financial value attached to them. 2.2.1.1 Direct Costs These are costs required by law to indemnify the injured and other payments made by the firm to either the employee, repair or replacement of equipment (Dorman, 2000) The following are some of the examples of direct costs which may be incurred by construction companies as a result of accidents: Medical Costs: - Whenever an employee is involved in an occupational accident, the company incurs hospital medical bills, transport cost for the people looking after the injured while at the medical centre.     Employee Compensatory Costs Costs involved on account of waste of materials and damage of plant In case of a fatality, costs associated with the burial of the deceased Penalties: - Companies may be prosecuted violating health and safety legislations. Violations can be brought to the attention of the state by a formal complaint by an individual or organisation against another employer; a result of ‘whistle-blowing’ or a violation discovery during health and safety inspections (Salem, 2010). Such violation(s) may result in the company facing severe penalties. According to Heston (2010), health and safety penalties are pegged and charged by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States of America. He went 25 2. depending upon the severity of the case. indirect costs are costs that can be inferred to an accident but which do not take form of direct monetary outlays.2.1.1. Authenticity of the calculated costs lies upon the measurement method used. Amount of the indirect costs of accidents depend on the type of an injury. willingness of management in making costs associated with poor safety public and reliability of the safety personnel in calculating the costs (if the health and safety department ever exist in such a company).1. Suspension of works has many costs associated with it. there is an immediate impact on the ability of the injured to be productive (Hinze.2. 2.on to say that penalties range from $7. 2. production contribution of the injured and the one(s) assisting 26 . Works may be suspended even if there is no an accident which has happened.000 (violations which are no serious) to $70. 2000). high possibility of liquidated and ascertained damages to be paid by the contractor to the client at the end of the project. works may be suspended until such a time when the conditions have been made safe (Hinze. 2000). lost competitive advantage and expenditure of preliminaries and generals costs without value attached to it.000. the size of the business and the offence (Lines 2010).2 Lost production Whenever an injury occurs. 2. During the injury time.1 Suspension of works Whenever unsafe working conditions have been noticed at a construction site by responsible authorities.2 Indirect Costs According to Dorman (2000).2.2. These include lost company reputation. it will take ample time thereby affecting production. a new worker will then be recruited to fill up the vacancy. Sometimes specialist plant and equipment engineers will be hired to fix the problem which would have been caused by the injury. 2000).2. 2.2.2. Hinze (2000) say when an injury involves a restricted or lost workday.2.2. For the crew to reach their level of productivity. productivity of the crew members or simply other workers who were with the injured will be affected (Hughes and Ferret. More so. PPE/C costs. there will be definite reduction productivity because they will be working shorthanded until the injured has returned to work. 2008). Hiring of new employees as a result of accidents has some cost implications (Hinze. the crew will be under psychic trauma due to fear and fever for the member injured.1. More so. The cost of restoring things or repairing equipment to pre-accident state will be on the company not insurance (Hughes and Ferret. whenever an injury occurs.1. 2. interview costs.5 Supervisory Assistance 27 .4 Damaged Equipment/Plant Some occupational accidents results in both an injury and damage to construction equipment or materials. These include advertisement costs (especially for skilled jobs). a new worker will be hired. The crew will be forced to work shorthanded while a member is receiving medical treatment.1.him/her would have brought to halt. pre-employment medical examinations and education and training costs. Where the injury results in the injured not coming back to work.2. This will force the residual crew members’ productivity down.3 Replacement of Worker When an injury renders the injured unfit for duty for quite a long time or for good. 2. 2005). 2 Benefits of Investing in Health and Safety Implementation of health and safety regulations come with a number of benefits construction companies can get. the injured will be taken to the hospital for treatment and well upkeep. supervisory staff will be making some routine visits to the hospital using company cars and fuel during working hours. 2000). investigations and hearings which will require one of the supervisory staff’s time and effort (Hughes and Ferret. In case of a restricted/lost workday injury. site managers. 2. production is stopped for a certain period of time depending on the severity of the accident.2. Costs which will be running while no production is taking place include:   Labour wages and salaries Plant and equipment hire charges Site overhead like water. rentals(if some of facilities are rented) 2.2. engineers and sometimes quantity surveyors depending on company protocol (Hinze. time related costs will be running while workers are lying idle. Usually this is done by supervisory staff like safety officers.2. 2007).1. the supervisory staff member attending the injured and other administration issues of the accident will not be contributing anything to the company revenue but will be paid for such duties making it a cost to the company. 28 .6 Time related costs Whenever an accident took place.Once an accident took place at a construction site. electricity. there will be need for accident reports. The following are benefits of investing in construction health and safety. Hence. amenities. During this halt. More so. Implementation of health and safety regulations minimise the number of accidents and incidents which may result in injury. equipment damage or fatality. 2005). the Construction Design Management regulations (CDM).2. Furthermore. contractors cannot commence work at their sites until they have produced a comprehensive health and safety plan for the project. construction companies without a minimum safety standard/performance are not included in the tender lists (HSE. Compensation arises as a result of injuries to employees or incidents which damage the property (Hughes and Ferret.2.3 Time Lost due to Accidents Whenever an accident happens at a workplace.2. Employers (construction companies) will be exposed to costs of which they will have to pay the affected party a compensatory amount of money. fellow employees attending the injured and the managers sitting for hearings (Hinze.1 Improved Company Reputation/Enhanced competitive Advantage Investment in health and safety is an important source of competitive advantage to the organisation (Gwandure and Matanda.2. Such decrease subsequently reduces injury or death compensation claims. 200). under the same CDM Regulations.2. 2. Implementation of health and safety regulations in construction ensures companies that they can compete in the market and be able to secure new projects and new customers. 2.2.2 Reduced Compensation Claims Workers' compensation is apparently designed to compensate individuals who have suffered occupational injuries and illnesses (Schneider. 2002).2. In the UK.In the recent year’s health and safety issues became an issue and important aspect in the construction sector and beyond. 2007). 29 . production time is lost due to absence of the injured at work. 2011). 2. Stress and accidents at work are two of the biggest causes of absence from work today (HSE 2012). Workers will put their maximum effort into work with less difficulty. time lost due to accidents is also reduced. hence. Such a sense of belonging increases employee productivity.2.2. This saves money which could be lost to claims and penalties thereby adding to profitability of the organisation in the long run. 2.2. 2012).2. involvement of employees in coming up with health and safety policies motivates them and installs a feeling of belonging to the company in them. 2010). The workers will feel important and valuable to the company. More so.Since health and safety management reduces number of accidents. improving health and safety standards at work will lead to improved production levels. 2. health and safety awareness and a better understanding of risks associated with a certain work improves.2. Absence of workers at work will negatively affect the productivity of any construction activity. According to Oxenburgh and Maurice (1991).5 Increased Staff Morale Implementation of health and safety measures at work increase staff morale and motivation (Rwaveya and Makova. 2.6 Management Peace of Mind 30 .4 Improved Productivity Improving health and safety helps you improve morale and productivity in your business (HSE. Reduction in time lost to injuries gives a business an opportunity to fully utilise time available for production purposes. less danger. 3 Health and Safety Implementation Challenges Health and safety it is company responsibility to commit their time and finances to ensure that they are in compliance with the set regulations. According to Schneider (2011). construction companies pay insurance premiums to the companies giving them that cover. employers (construction companies) are liable to have a cover against any injury. lack of support. ultimately. 2012) 2. plant damage and fatality (Ridley. companies encounter some challenges or barriers which make it very difficult for them to achieve their goal. time required and lack of experience among other things. 2007). According to Health and Safety Executive (2003).3. To access that cover.1 Cost of Implementation 31 .2. 2.2. barriers or challenges faced by companies intending to initially implement health and safety at their work places include cost of implementation.7 Reduced Insurance premiums To protect themselves from the effects of penalties and claims at work.Management has overall responsibility for the health and safety performance of their firms (Hughes and Ferret. Management will have peace of mind by being compliant and up to date with the implementation of the regulations (BSI. workers' compensation premiums in the construction industry are high and act as an incentive for companies to reduce their injury rates. in an attempt to comply with the set legislation. Their involvement and active participation will result in an improved health and safety culture which will lead. 2005) 2. However. Construction companies can reduce the amount of premiums by instituting health and safety programs at their work places (Hunter. to a reduction to in the number of health and safety claims and prosecutions. 2008). imparting knowledge. firms end up not pricing for health and safety. thus non compliance with health and safety regulations.3. 2.3.Costs involved in order to have a sound health and safety policy at work are too prohibitive.3 Lack of Knowledge Since education and training is aimed at. As a result. For example. involved in corner-cutting when doing work which results in poor safety. developing skills. More so. 2002).4 Lack of Experience 32 . saying that lack of financial resources can cause employers to try to ignore health and safety requirements.2 Time Required Time required implementing health and safety regulations end up affecting the program of works. aptitudes and insights about one’s job (Tarafdar and Tarafdar. production time will be taken during employees’ training and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA) which are conducted every morning before the start of work. The costs will end up making the company uncompetitive when tendering for jobs. 2. The tendency (particularly on the part of clients) to confuse the lowest tender with the best value leads to compromise on health and safety issues so as to win jobs (Health and Safety Executive. implementation of health and safety issues may lead to time overruns which are costly the company. heterogeneity of information in the industry makes some important information available to a certain group and not to the other. 1997). This was concurred by Hughes and Ferret (2005). As a result. Lack of education and training will negatively impact the health and safety performance of a firm. 2.3. experienced workers are important to assist managers to come up with safe working systems.5 Lack of Support Investment in health and safety requires both time and financial resources of an organisation. 2. He suggested that improvement fund to subsidise health and safety investment is crucial. Besides enforcement. funded by the workers' compensation funds (Hamrick. costs and benefits of health and safety management and the challenges faced by companies in a bid to comply with the set laws. construction industry in the state of Ohio had several successes through the Ohio Occupational Safety Loan Program. Rwaveya and Makova (2010) say companies should receive support inform of economic incentives. Schneider (2011) pointed out that it is difficult to get contractors invest in health and safety especially where short term paybacks are not available.According to Hughes and Ferret (2008). different ways companies can expend in order to improve the health and safety compliance record. The following chapter is the research methodology. 2. These are people who are professionally trained people either in safety or any construction related skills. periodic OSH inspectors training for both employees and management.5 Summary The literature has shown health and safety regulations in force in the construction industry.3. In United States of America. to witness an increase in the resources channelled towards health and safety. Shortage of experienced workers at work will result in poor work practices which will eventually result in incidents and accidents. 2002). 33 . there is need for support to companies. This chapter will discuss different methods of data collection and analysis going to be used by the researcher so as to get primary data regarding the area of study. CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3. target population. Both secondary and primary sources of data were utilised.0 Introduction This chapter is basically concerned about the way the data was collected from the field. The chapter comprises of research design. sample population. 3. data collection procedures and data analysis plan.1 Research Design 34 . 2 Target Population The target population is basically a pool of respondents the researcher desire to visit and collect data for the purpose of this study. Calculations were then done to assess effects of costs incurred for both compliance and non-compliance with health and safety regulations on the overall project performance of construction projects – thus quantitative. towards a particular subject. the researcher got the data from property developers which include NSSA. According to Naoum (2007). 3. ‘view’.1 Sampling Frame Sampling frame is a complete list of all elements of the population from which a sample was be drawn (Saunders.This research is both quantitative and qualitative type of research. The Harare based construction industry was the sampling frame. or the perception of a person. Old Mutual. 3.  Clients Clients were property developers registered with the Institute of Property Developers of Zimbabwe. CBZ Bank among others 35 . Qualitative research shall allowed opinions to be drawn from different stakeholders in the construction industry to determine if construction health and safety regulations implementation is beneficial basing on their experiences. In this category. Companies were asked to give costs of non-compliance with health and safety regulations. Lewis and Thornhill 2007).1.1. qualitative research is used to ‘subjectively’ evaluate the ‘opinion’. NSSA inspectors of factories will be interviewed. The researcher collected data from selected CIFOZ registered grade A to grade E listed principal civil and building contractors. Twenty First Century Contractors and Bitcon among others.1 below shows participants from different categories that make up the sample for this research. A certain number of participants was drawn from the target population of contractors.3 Sample Size Sample size is a number of objects in a sample. Table 3.1: Composition of the Sample Size 36 . Rio Duoro. These included Murray and Roberts. clients and construction workers to make up a sample size.  Construction Workers Employees are the people directly affected by health and safety issues. The table 3.1. the researcher collected data through face-to-face interviews from the employees. artisans and supervisors on the ground from construction companies which were part of the sample and had projects in Harare. Contractors Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) registered construction companies make the target population. 3. These included general workers. In quest to collect authentic data.  National Social Security Authority (NSSA) This is an organisation responsible for enforcing implementation of health and safety regulations in Zimbabwe. Tencraft. Stratum Contractors Clients Construction Workers NSSA Inspectors TOTAL Number 22 8 44 4 78 3. This enabled the researcher to easily. Lewis and Thornhill 2007). this method was used to select contractors and clients who are convenient to the researcher. Snowball Sampling This is a non-probability based sampling method aimed at identifying population which is hidden and/or difficult to locate. According to Kahl (2012). Convenience Sampling As the name implies. and some members of the population have no chance of being included. The researcher made use of convenience and snowball non-probability sampling methods. This method was used to select construction workers previously involved in occupational accidents and/or infections.1. 37 . First interviewed by default was asked to provide the names of a worker of workers who got injured or infected while at work. The interviewed workers were asked to provide names of other fellow workers within their company who have been injured before. Those employees whose names have been provided were interviewed. when using non-probability sampling methods. quickly and economically obtain data from the potential respondents (Saunders. subjects are chosen in a non-random manner. He went on to say that authenticity of information gathered is largely based on the judgement of the researcher. Contractors and clients who were conveniently accessible geographically were selected.4 Sampling Methods Non-probability sampling methods were used to collect data. New data may be compared with previous or existing secondary data to establish changes in a certain field of research.1. Statutory Instruments. Internet and brochures.3. Lewis and Thornhill (2007) define triangulation as a process whereby two or more sources of data are used to obtain research data.  Secondary data sources are relatively cheaper and quicker to gather required data compared to primary sources. This helps the researcher to handle similar problems and clearly articulate them.5 Data Sources The researcher applied a triangulation process of collecting data. or certain key interactions or key facts. journals. Secondary data plays a crucial role in providing information from previous researches on how other researchers have dealt with specific problems in similar situations.5. In this research. Sources of data to be used by the researcher include secondary data sources and primary data sources in the form of interviews. observation and questionnaires. This data is obtained from published sources from previous researches and government publications. Saunders. thus giving the researcher time to attend to other academic commitments. which provides a framework for evaluating and assessing of future work. 3. Advantages of Secondary data  Secondary data provides a good comparative tool. Secondary data sources used include: textbooks. Acts of Parliament.  Several sources are available to help to spell the research problem clearly. triangulation is important because when two or more sources of data points out a certain interpretation of events. The process largely depends on the type of data the researcher intends to obtain from respondents. 38 .1. the quality of data and the overall validity of the research is improved (Stake 2000). The data stimulates new ideas and approaches.1 Secondary Data Secondary data can also be called “desk research” data. This instrument allows a researcher to obtain more information compared to a questionnaire. b) Face-to-Face Interviews Face-to-face interviews are one of the main sources of primary data.Disadvantages of Secondary data  However some of the data were collected for specific intentions which were different from the current research questions and objectives.2 Primary Data Questionnaires. Questionnaires were delivered to intended respondents via e-mail and some were hand delivered. As a result.5. non compliance costs and challenges faced by construction companies in quest to fully comply with health and safety regulations was also collected. clients and NSSA officers. Some clients were be 39 . To confirm receipt of the questionnaires and to allow timely response. the researcher used emails. results from previous researches may not depict what is transpiring in the field.  Due to developments taking place in the research area. 3. interviews and observations were used to collect data from the sample frame.1. a) Questionnaires A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument to collect data from the respondents. telephone calls and personal visits. Information on the implementation. A combination of both close ended and open ended questions was used. Respondents are given opportunity to express themselves and more in-depth information is obtained. Face to face interviews were used to obtain information from construction employees. primary data will be required to augment secondary data which lacks new ideas and/or problems in the research area. Questions regarding implementation of health and safety regulations by contractors and their subsequent effects on the construction project formed part of the questionnaire. conditions of work places. 3. To investigate constrains which impede investment in health and Questionnaire and safety issues on construction project. The researcher gathered information regarding employees’ health and safety training received. It’s the researcher’s assumption that observing people knowingly will result in gathering biased data. opinions on the implementation of regulations and effects on the overall project performance. To assess the impacts of health and safety investment on construction Questionnaire and projects. Interviews 40 . the works and the site in general. For example. To establish how construction firms invest in health and safety issues.2 Summary of data collection methods Objective Research Instrument 1. Interviews 3. Observations afforded the researcher an opportunity to gather such data without asking the respondents who could provide biased information. Only areas of interest were noted. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with construction workers who were previously involved in occupational accidents or illness. level of commitment of their superiors to health and safety issues and how they are treated while sick among other things. As a result. plant and tools used on site and welfare facilities on site among other things. In the process of acquainting with site activities.interviewed about their role in promoting health and safe working environments. the researcher was observing employees at work with respect to their PPE. work practises. During administering and collection of questionnaires. Questionnaire and Observations 2. c) Observations Observations allowed the researcher to gather primary data through interacting with construction activities in the field. the researcher observed some of the aspects of construction health and safety on the employees. disguised approach was used. the researcher would ask for permission to tour the site to acquaint self with construction activities. 5 Data Analysis Plan Primary data gathered was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. 3. pie charts among other methods. sample frame. Opinion marks will then be weighted to give percentages.3. target population. sample size and methods of data collection methods used among other issues. Although some respondents cooperated and stamped.6 Summary This chapter extensively discussed about the research design. 41 . The researcher will make use of different data representation methods to analyse and present the data. 3. Limitations encountered by the researcher are as follows:  Some of the questionnaire questions were not answered.  Questionnaires were supposed to be stamped at the company they were filled.4 Limitations The researcher encountered some limitations during the field research. Percentages and scores will be calculated for primary data gathered. some refused to stamp claiming that the information will not be confidential. Data will be presented in the form of tables. Some respondents did not return the questionnaires claiming that they had a lot of more pressing issues to attend to. The data collected is to be analysed in the next chapter in order to check if the objectives of the study have been accomplished. bar graphs. 1 General Information Response rate for Questionnaires and Interviews 42 .CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 4. graphs and tables. 4. face-to-face interviews. pie charts.0 Introduction Findings from data gathered using questionnaires. observations and interviews is analysed in this chapter. Since there were no quantification without qualification and no statistical analysis without interpretation (Bauer and Gaskell. 2000) during the course of this research both approaches of quantitative and qualitative data analysis were employed. The chapter outlines actual findings from the field in form of summarised text. Fig 4.1: Response rate for Interview and Questionnaire Profile of Respondents Respondents identified themselves with respect to their profession and experience they have. A combined and more detailed response to both questionnaires and interviews is shown in the figure 4.1: Response rate for Interview and Questionnaire Questionnaires Respondents Contractors Clients Const-Workers NSSA Inspectors TOTAL Intended Distributed 22 0 0 0 22 22 6 0 0 28 Returned 14 5 0 0 21 % Response 64% 83% Intended 0 8 44 4 57 Interviews Done 0 2 29 4 35 % Response 25% 66% 100% Response rate to both questionnaires and interviews was fair.Table 4. Table 4.1 below. Majority of the questionnaires distributed to the respondents were returned with majority of the questions answered.2: Profile of Respondents 43 . 44 . hence the biggest proportion of respondents has more than ten years experience.POSITION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Quantity Surveyor Project Manager Occupational Safety and Health Officer Quantity Surveyor Quantity Surveyor Occupational Safety and Health Officer Occupational Safety and Health Officer Quantity Surveyor Occupational Safety and Health Officer Civil Engineer Quantity Surveyor Projects Manager Quantity Surveyor Occupational Safety and Health Officer Projects Development Engineer Projects Engineer Projects Manager Principal Quantity Surveyor Projects Manager Group Property Manager Projects Engineer EXPERIENCE 2-5 years > 10 years 2-5 years <2 years >10 years 2-5 years <2 years > 10 years >10 years <2 years 2-5 years > 10 years >10 years >10 years >10 years 5-10 years 5-10 years >10 years 5-10 years 5-10 years >10 years Fig 4.2: Experience of respondents The researcher was requesting senior management or senior staff to answer the questionnaires. The main aim of doing this was to check the credibility of responses given in the questionnaires.3 below shows that all respondents carried out works in at least one of the categories which were provided.  Allowing the respondents to answer the questionnaire at their most convenient time. data provided is assumed be valid and reliable.The work categories of projects respondents usually undertake are civil and building works. Fig 4. 45 . The pie chart in Fig 4. Below are the measures the researcher putted in place: Top management or senior staff members were requested to answer the questionnaire.  Employees of respondents who completed questionnaires were interviewed and observations on their sites were done too. Since information is basically central to the senior staff and top management. In order to get valid and reliable data. respondents were asked to tell the researcher when to collect the completed questionnaire.3: Types of Projects normally undertaken Data Validity and Reliability To ensure that the data collected is valid and reliable. Answering questionnaires whilst busy results in false information being given. the researcher put a number of measures in place. Those who said they do not have stand alone health and safety departments were asked how then do they ensure healthy and safe sites.4: Stand-alone Health and Safety Department. 64% said they do while 36% do not have health and safety departments.5: Health and Safety Investment methods being used 46 . unprofessionally trained safety representatives and senior artisans. a big question is “Will the site staff (formen.2 Health and Safety Investment Fig 4. More than 50% of respondents without stand alone H&S departments said health and safety issues are being implemented and monitored by foremen. some firms do not have a stand-alone health and safety departments thereby agreeing with Schneider (2011) that firms are less motivated to invest in health and safety issues like employing safety personnel. Respondents were asked if they had a stand alone health and safety department in their organisations.4. Following different duties Goestch (1996) say safety managers and officers play. safety representatives and supervisors) be able to fully implement health and safety issues as extra duties while they have their convetional duties?” Fig 4. Although all respondents concurred that health and safety is very important. All respondents admitted that they invest in both PPE/C and welfare facilities while 43% never invested in safety incentives and general medical examinations.6: Degree of Investment for different short listed investment methods.Both of the respondents (who had H&S department at their workplaces and those without) acknowledged that they invest in health and safety issues. Fig 4. 47 . Provision of PPE/C and welfare facilities is the most common method of investment used while safety incentives and general medical examinations are the least used. The level of investment in PPE/C and welfare facilities is high because the Factories and Works Regulations (1986) make provision of PPE/C and welfare facilities a pre-requisite prior to start of work on site. 12% 2 13% .6% 3 7% .9% 2 10% . Low degree of investment in technology.g. % of Contract Sum Number of Respondents 0% .15% 2 In order to be able to invest in health and safety.3% 4 4% .Respondents were also asked to provide the degree of use of the investment methods (figure 4. This could be as a result that many construction companies are still struggling from low activity in the sector. non-investment in safety incentives and general medical examinations can be probably due to laxity of regulatory bodies in enforcement and due to the fact that some things are an extra burden which companies are not enforced to have at their workplaces e.3: Percentage of contract sum channelled towards health and safety issues. However. Majority of the respondents’ invested contract sums ranging between 0% to 3%. Provision of PPE/C emerged the most highly used method. Although the Pneumoconiosis Act (1996). only 50% of the respondents invested in general medical examinations.6). makes it mandatory for all workers to have pre-employment medicals. safety incentives and general medical examinations are the methods which respondents never used at their work places. Schneider (2000) attributes 48 . safety incentives. respondents confirmed they set aside a certain amount of money from the contract sum to be channelled towards H&S. improvement in technology is the least used and lastly. Table 4. 8: Effects of investment in health and safety 49 . 4.3 Effects of health and Safety Investment Fig 4.7: Percentage of contract sum channelled towards health and safety issues.low investment level in construction saying contractors are less motivated to invest as they are after investments which have early paybacks. Fig 4. 100% of respondents witnessed that investment in health and safety results in the increase of productivity. sickness absence and compensation claims were reported. On average.Respondents were asked what effect does investment in health and safety issues had on their organisations. More so. that improving health and safety standards leads to an increase in productivity. 2010) and thereby agreeing with Oxenburgh and Maurice (1991). time lost to injuries. improved work practices and workers working with shorthand which leads to little productivity per worker. By investing in health and safety. 2011). the company reduces its Experience Modification Rate (EMR) which is the riskiness of a company to insure (Schneider. More than 90% of the construction workers who were interviewed said improvement in health and safety will propel them to produce more as a way of appreciating what their employers are doing to care for them. work procedures and practises will improve which will reduce the number of accidents and incidents to befall that workplace. Among things which decreased as a result of investment in health and safety. Increased staff morale led to 57% of respondents to say that productivity also largely increased while 43% say productivity slightly increased. productivity increased as there will be no time lost due to accidents. Investment in health and safety reduces company’s EMR and eventually premiums to be paid to the insurance company. Staff morale and productivity is attributed to employees’ motivation having that feeling of belonging (Rwaveya and Makova. More so. As a result of investment in health and safety. respondents revealed that staff morale largely increased. 50 . by instituting health and safety programs. 9: Health and Safety penalties and Work stoppages for construction projects 51 .00 D 2 2 Silencer to compressor No pre-employment Slight increase in cost (Professional charges) No impact medical Not felt Effect on the Project examinations Safety signs on site and Went behind program equipment E F $105. the fine had no effect to company cash flow H 7 Provision of adequate PPE/C Exceeded duration Fig 4.00 2 7 Absence of First Aid kit No much effect Working at heights without Progress at site was safety belts affected G $150.00 $200.00 Over $1.000. However.00 Worker got injured while on top Worker hospitalised for of unguarded running mixer 10 days and could not while dislodging aggregates report for duty (22days).4: Health and Safety Penalties and Work stoppages for construction projects Project Amount Fined ($) A Work stoppages (Days) 7 Reason for Penalty/ Work stoppage Shortage of dust masks Recalibration of machinery B C $100.Table 4. The penalties and work stoppages were basically for PPE/C.000. who charges them and who enforces adherence to health and safety regulations. a $105 penalty for absence of a fully equipped first aid kit which costs about $300 will not be adequate motivate one to have it as the penalty is lower than the cost of buying one. penalties failed to fulfil their purpose of serving as an incentive to invest in health and safety as cited by Schneider (2011). Fig 4. NSSA only advises the court on the level of penalty chargeable for a certain violation. education and training (safety signs). Tabulated data on table 4. According to Heston (2010) in America. 52 .10: Effectiveness of investing in Health and Safety Issues. Logically.4 shows that for all the penalties charged. Penalties are pegged and charged by the court which makes them too low and ineffective to save as a motivation tool to invest. The above scenario can be attributed to the way penalties are determined. Regardless of poor response to the questions to do with costs associated with health and safety violations.Respondent were asked to provide amounts of penalties charged and work stoppages experienced due to health and safety violations.000 and a maximum of $500. 80% of those who responded acknowledged that penalties charged ranged $100 to $500 and longest work stoppage was 7 days. penalties are pegged and charged by OSHA with a minimum penalty being $7. Low penalties in Zimbabwe could be due to the fact that the High Court is responsible for determining and charging the penalties while NSSA has the duty of enforcing the regulations. Interviews with NSSA inspectors show that NSSA does not have powers to determine and charge penalties. Health and safety is very effective in reducing the number of accidents on construction projects. improve company safety record and improve the profitability of projects through reduced health and safety related costs. 53 . 54 .Fig 4. During this period health and safety was not a priority to construction companies. a constant decrease in both incidents and accidents was experienced in the respondents’ companies during the period 2007 to 2011. Accidents and Fatalities experienced in construction (2007-2011). Due to a more stabilised economy. No fatality was record at the respondents’ companies. During that period. In 2007 to 2008. very few people were employed on construction projects and health and safety data was seldom recorded. A sharp increase in incidents in 2009 was attributed to an increase in activity and low levels of resources being channelled towards health and safety as contractors in the recovery path. 2004). a gradual decrease in accidents and incidents can be attributed to an increase in the financial resources being channelled to health and safety issues. there was a sharp decline in construction projects were running (African Economic Outlook. respondents attributed decrease in accidents and incidents to economic problems which the country was facing.11: Incidents. In the figure above. Table 4. an investment well done. Proper enforcement of Health and Safety by regulatory bodies.A decrease in site incidents and accidents results in the decrease in compensation claims (Hinze. Contractors to come up with realistic program of works to avoid pressure. investing in health and safety issues is beneficial to the contractor as it cushions him/her from penalties and accident related costs thereby. Number of respondents 4 3 2 5 3 1 Fig 4. Construction companies to establish Health and Safety departments and employ professional personnel therein. Make H&S mandatory on all construction contracts. Increase financial resources channelled to Health and Safety. Measure to be taken Top Management involvement in Health and Safety issues. and other indirect costs like lost production and equipment damage among other costs. 55 . From this background. direct costs of incidents and accidents to a company (Dorman. 2000). Value of the benefit of not experiencing an incident or accident is directly proportional to the costs which could be incurred as the result of those incidents or accidents.5: Measures to Effective Health and Safety Investment.12: Measures to Effective Health and Safety Investment. 200). Some of the clients (43%) to the construction industry consider health and safety as an important tender invitation and adjudication attribute while 57% do not consider health and safety as shown by the figure 4. 79% of the respondents bemoaned cost of investment with tender adjudication and time being second largest challenges to investment in health and safety. safety departments. Fig 4.15 below. increase financial resources to safety and realistic programs of work. Tender adjudication was bemoaned as it favours the cheapest tender which could have overlooked on health and safety issues. 56 . 4. making H&S issues mandatory.Respondents were asked to suggest measures they think should be taken in order to have an effective investment in health and safety in construction industry.13: Factors impeding investment in health and safety.4 Health and Safety Investment Challenges. Proper enforcement of health and safety by regulatory bodies and top management involvement in health and safety issues were suggested the most with 26% and 21% respectively. By having top management involvement. safety departments. The researcher coded the responses using the logic behind the answer. cost of implementing health and safety programs emerged the biggest stumbling block to investment in health and safety issues. financial resources and other things which affect health and safety will be seriously looked into. From the questionnaires. The above themes were drawn which include top management involvement. 57 . The construction industry is experiencing low activity and low interest rates.5 Summary Different data presentation methods were used to present results of this project. besides enforcement. to invest in health and safety issues.Fig 4. Contractors said there are no incentives. CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENTATIONS 5. cannot afford to incentivise investment in construction health and safety as done in other countries like the United States of America (Hamrick. it is clear that channelling financial resources towards improvement of work place conditions is an investment. 2002). Data presented in this chapter is now used to draw conclusions and recommendations to this research in the next conclusions and recommendations chapter. 4. This can also be due to the fact that the government and regulatory bodies are also facing the same financial challenges.0 Introduction The essence of the research was to analyse the effects of investment in health and safety issues has on the construction projects. Having collected data from the field and made a comprehensive analysis in chapter four (4). hence. the researcher is now able to conclude and give recommendations on the research subject. This left contractors not prioritising health and safety issues. From the data collected and presented.14: H&S record a prerequisite to invitation to tender and tender adjudication Contractor also lamented lack of support in the times of economic hardships. More so. top management is crucial. However. However. this researched showed that construction industry is facing difficulties in improving conditions of work. they are not fully embracing other methods of investing in health and safety like improvement in technology which have proved helpful in other countries especially United Kingdom. reduced accidents and increased productivity. 58 . for investment in health and safety to be effective. failure by companies to invest in health and safety exposes them to penalties. Some contractors opted not to invest because the punishing effects of penalties and work stoppages imposed by regulatory bodies are insignificant to be felt. Only methods which are mandatory by law of Zimbabwe like provision of PPE/C and welfare facilities are receiving financial support while those which are not mandatory are lagging behind. Zimbabwean penalties are too low to have that effect on the construction industry. this research concludes that although penalties are furnished to serve as an incentive to invest in health and safety issues. Whilst health and safety investment is very important.1 Conclusions Although contractors are putting effort in ensuring that healthy and safe conditions prevail at construction sites.5. Chief among the challenges are costs of implementation and less attention given to health and safety issues during tendering and tender adjudication by clients. This research also concludes that investing in health and safety is beneficial to the contractor through increased productivity and reduced costs. Investment in health and safety is effective in reducing costs on construction projects and the whole organisation through improved company safety record. If this is done in Zimbabwe. face business closure and low productivity among other things. Countries like United Kingdom and United States of America have high health and safety standards in their construction industry as a result of giving support technically and financially to the construction companies. he/she will enjoy the benefits of increased productivity. companies will be more attentive to health and safety issues thereby prompting investment.  Stringent health and safety penalties should be charged for health and safety violations. tender adjudication and all contract documents should be more health and safety sensitive.2 Recommendations Grounded on the research results. tax exemptions. NSSA. insurance companies and clients should come up with health and safety standard improvement packages like loans. By having stringent penalties coupled with strict enforcement. 59 . financial resources channelled towards health and safety will increase. 5. improved company safety record. the following recommendations are drawn for the betterment of health and safety investment in the construction industry:-  Health and safety standards should be considered when inviting for contractors to tender. health and safety standards will probably raise. the researcher accepts the hypothesis that benefits of investing in health and safety outweighs the costs of implementation. reduced accidents and reduced insurance premiums than to violate and pay excessive penalties. By having stiffer penalties for health and safety violations.  Government.Therefore. subsidies and low insurance premiums among other initiatives. The research results show that if one invests in health and safety. Top management can take a lead in health and safety by crafting health and safety strategic plans. and Gaskell. Bauer. Brace. 5. Construction companies should fully adopt and implement other methods of investing in health and safety like incentives and improvement in technology. M.W. In: Haupt T and Smallwood. Qualitative Researching With Text.  Lastly. RSA. and Gibb A. further research can be done in order to determine the role which can be played by clients to ensure healthy and safe work environments. Having a company with a Health and Safety Director will be good for the industry.  Construction companies should open health and safety departments. SAGE 2.3 Area of Further Researcher Since health and safety is a very broad research area. A research can also be done to determine the relevance and economic benefits of ergonomics to the improvement of Zimbabwean construction health and safety standards. Image and Sound: A Practical Handbook. (Eds) Rethinking and Revitalising the Construction safety.F. Port Elizabeth.L. A health management process for the construction industry. (2005). employ professionally trained safety personnel at top management level. G. 60 . REFERENCES 1.G. health and safety policies and increase resources channelled towards health and safety. C. More so. top management should play an active role in championing health and safety in their companies. (200).J. health and quality. ergonomics is another area which holds tremendous promise for economically having healthy and safe work environments. An Overview 5. J. E. Hinze. (n. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Code of Practice. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 14. Butterworth-Heinemann 61 . (2005). 8.d). Dorman P. Human Resources Management Module. (2007).com [Viewed 3 May 2012] 6. Construction Management . E.bsi. Dorrell. (2007). Griffith A. (2000). USA 12. Prentice-Hall. HSE. Prentice Hall. Owner’s role in Construction Safety.helium. (2002). Huary. Construction Safety and Health Management. 2nd Edition. Safety incentives: do they work? http://www.com/OSHA [Viewed 15 May 2012] 4. Gwandure. Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction. (2006). Zimbabwe 9. Palgrave Macmillan. Consequences of not following OSHA regulations. Hamrick. Ergonomic Best Practices for the Construction Industry. Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction. Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation 10. Goestch D. www. (2011).Principles and Practice. ZOU. Economics of Safety. P and Ferret. G and Matanda. Health and Wellbeing at Work. J. British Standards Association. Butterworth-Heinemann 15. X. and Watson P.3. www. Great Britain. 2nd Edition. C. (2010). Health and Safety Executive. (2000). M (2002). USA 7. Hughes. Heston.com [Viewed November 2011] 11. UK 13.R. P and Ferret. and Hinze.L (1962). (2007). Managing Health and Safety in Construction. J.healthandsafetyatwork. Hughes. Occupational Safety and Health. OSHAS 18001 Overview. org. Health and safety in Brief. [Viewed November 2011] 62 . Naoum. December 2010 Volume 16 No. On Guard Journal. Construction Safety Management. The Economics of Occupational Safety and Health Practice in Business. On Guard Journal. Butterworth-Heinemann 17. (2010). N. M.com [Viewed November 2011] 27. Line. Moyo D. 24. E. P. An Analysis of Occupational Safety and Health National Performance in 2009.16. Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction. New York 19. Rwaveya E and Makova T. 2nd Edition 23. 3rd Edition. NSSA 22. (www.helium. Levitt. Engineering News Record.helium. Australia. (1993). Great Britain 25. J. S. and Samelson. Hunter. Butterwoth-Heinemann. Schneider. 16. Consequences of not following OSHA regulations. G. USA 18. CCH International. 16. (2007). R. NSSA 21. Effects of not following OSHA regulations. 4th Edition. December 2010 Volume 16 No. NSSA 26. 2nd Edition.com) 20. http://www. E. P and Ferret. S. (2005). (2010). www. Hughes. P. December 2010 Volume 16 No. State Reforms Help Curb Workers' Compensation Costs. (2008). John Wiley and Sons. Mutetwa B. Increasing Safety and Productivity through Health and Safety. (2011) The Economics of Health and Safety In Construction in Construction. Salem. Ridley. 16. Dissertation Research and Writing For Construction Students. (2008). Oxenburgh and Maurice (1991).elcosh. Towards Occupational Health Governance. On Guard Journal. Where a free response is required. Factories and Works Act Chapter 14:08. On Guard Journal. Industrial Safety Management. (1997). SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION 1. NSSA 29. Zimbabwe.CONTRACTOR’S QUESTIONNAIRE You are requested to answer the following questions by ticking in the box next to the appropriate answer of your choice. Somavia J. Your participation in this research is greatly appreciated. NB: Please fill in the blank or tick in the box that best represents your respond. September 2010 Volume 16 No. Revised Edition APPENDIX A . Number Rgn264 31. 1996. please write it down in the spaces provided. Excavation and structural Works) Regulations. Pneumoconiosis Act Chapter 14:28. New Delhi 30. 1976.J. Zimbabwe. 2. 1st Edition. and Tarafdar K.28. Zimbabwe.) Ltd. 1996. Revised Edition 32. Tarafdar N. You are free to supply any additional information that you may feel may be helpful for this research. ILO (Office of the Director General) Statement on the Occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2010.K. Factories and Works (Building. (Pvt. Dhanpat Rai & Co. Your Profession / Job Position Architect Quantity Surveyor Project Manager 63 . Investment or Implementation Method a) Provision of Personal Protective Equipment/Clothing (Overalls. Type of projects normally undertaken Civil Works Commercial Works Building Works Other If other. etc. please specify_____________________________________________ If other. For the boxes you did not tick. No Important Not Important Is health and safety investment in construction important? 2 to 5 years More than 10 years In your organisation how do you invest in or implement health and safety issues on construction projects? Please tick the box(es) which best suits your answer only. OSHAS 18001.) b) Engagement of Safety Personnel (Safety Managers. safety awareness campaigns. etc) e) Safety Incentives (T-Shirts. Any Other 3. Competitions promoting safety. You can tick more than one box. please specify__________________________________________________ 3. safety nets. SECTION B: HEALTH AND SAFETY INVESTMENT Do you have a stand-alone health and safety department in your organisation? Yes Very Important Slightly Important 3. ISO 9001 etc. etc.) f) General Medical Examination and Drug abuse Testing (Chest X-rays. etc.Engineer OSH Officer Other If an engineer. bathrooms. etc) g) Welfare Facilities (Canteens.) h) Health and Safety management system e. toilets. respirators. 2. sheds.g. Safety Officers. etc. etc) c) Education and Training (On the job trainings. please specify__________________________________________________ 2.) d) Improvement in technology (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms-MEWP. Marijuana abuse tests. meals. How long have you been involved in the construction industry? Less than 2 years 5 to 10 years 1. Prizes. First Aiders. why are you not investing in that area of health and safety? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………… 64 . Safety Officers. sheds.) d) Improvement in technology (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms-MEWP) e) Safety Incentives (T-Shirts.) f) General Medical Examinations and Drug abuse Testing (Chest X-rays. Any Other High Moderate Low Never 5. In your opinion. Competitions promoting safety.) h) Health and Safety management system e. What percentage of the contract sum do you usually channel towards investment in health and safety issues on your construction projects? % SECTION C: EFFECTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY INVESTMENT 1. Investment or Implementation Method a) Provision of PPE (Overalls. etc) c) Education and Training (Trainings. Item Compensation claims Prosecution penalties/fines for Health and Safety non-compliance Insurance premiums Performance/Productivity of employees Sickness absence Time lost due to accidents Staff morale Competitive advantage during tendering Any Other 1 2 3 4 5 2. what impacts does investment in health and safety has on the following? [1-Largely increase. etc) g) Welfare Facilities (Canteens. OSHAS 18001. 4-Slightly decrease. Prizes. 3-No effect. 5-largely decrease. ISO 9001 etc. 2-Slightly increase. bathrooms.g. meals. respirators. etc. safety signs.4. etc. gumboots. safety awareness campaigns. etc.) b) Engagement of Safety Personnel (Safety Managers. For the project previously undertaken. tick the box which corresponds to the degree of use of each investment vehicle. etc. In the table below. toilets. may you provide the penalties or fines charged for health and safety violations? 65 .] Please tick one box for each outcome that applies for each item. 1. For the period you have been investing in health and safety.Project Project A Project B Penalty or Fine Amount (USD) 3. show how the following behaved. What was the effect of stoppage on the overall project duration? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… SECTION D: EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH & SAFETY INVESTMENT IN REDUCING COSTS. What was or were the violations you have been fined for? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………. For the project(s) previously undertaken. When did you start to invest in health and safety issues in your organisation? Less than a year ago ago 2. What was supposed to be corrected before the work could be recommenced? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 7. What was the effect of the fine on the overall project cost? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 5. 4. may you provide the work stoppages durations experienced due to health and safety issues? Project Work stoppages duration (Days) Project A Project B 6. Greatly Increased/ Increased/ No Improved a) Company safety record b) Number of accidents c) Productivity 66 1 – 5 years ago 6 – 10 years ago More than 10 years Reduced/ Greatly Reduced/ Improved Change Deteriorated Deteriorated . accidents and fatalities experienced in your firm. Lack of information 5. give statistics of incidents. Clients confuse lowest cost tender with best value (Affecting competitive advantage) 6.) Accidents (No. Lack of knowledge 3. NSSA 4.g. Lack of support from regulatory bodies e. are the available health and safety regulations compatible with the aim or desire to achieving an accident free construction industry? Yes No 5. Costs of implementation 2. What strategies did you adopt to solve or reduce the effects of the challenges you mentioned above? 67 .g. In your opinion.) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 4. For the following years.) Fatalities (No. Time required (Too much unproductive time is required e. what is the problem with the current regulations? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 6. To have an effective investment in health and safety. what should be done? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… SECTION E: HEALTH AND SAFETY INVESTMENT CHALLENGES 1. Year Incidents (No. Lack of experience Any Other 2. Tool box talks or HIRA) 7.d) Quality of work e) Profitability 3. In your organisation. If your answer above is no. which of the following challenges have you been facing in quest to invest in health and safety issues? Challenges Impeding Investment in Health and Safety 1. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………… Any additional information you may wish to give on Construction Health and Safety Investment …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Were the strategies adopted helpful in solving the challenges? Yes No 4. 3.. ……………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……. THANK YOU 68 ... If your answer is yes.... explain how they managed to address the challenges. . …………..... Where a free response is required. For how long have you been involved in the property development industry? 3.CLIENT’S QUESTIONNAIRE/INTERVIEW GUIDE You are requested to answer the following questions by ticking in the box next to the appropriate answer of your choice. please write it down in the spaces provided...…………………. If your answer to the above question is YES. what do you do? ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1. You are free to supply any additional information that you may feel may be helpful for this research.. 2. Do you think health and safety management is important on construction projects? YES NO yrs 4.. do you have a role you play to ensure that meaningful health and safety standards exist on construction projects being undertaken on your behalf? YES 7.. what health and safety issues do you consider? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………… 6. Your participation in this research is greatly appreciated.APPENDIX B . ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 69 ... Is health and safety record of a construction company a prequalifying attribute for invitation to tender as well as tender adjudication? YES NO 5... After awarding a contract to the contractor.. NB: Please fill in the blank or tick in the box that best represents your respond.. What is your profession or job position in your organization? ………………………………………………………………………. NO If your answer to question 6 is YES. .................................................... What was supposed to be corrected before the work could be recommenced? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………….............. .. .......……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………… 8............................ In case companies are not complying with the set health and safety regulations.............................. what do you do to ensure compliance? ................. What was the effect of stoppage on the overall project duration? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… 11....... .......... For your projects previously undertaken...................................................................................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………................................................................... ………………………………………………… 10....... may you provide work stoppages your contractor experienced due to health and safety violations? Project Project A Project B Work stoppages duration (Days) 9......................................………………………… 12................................................................................ .. what do you think are the draw backs to the investment in health and safety? ……………………………………………………………………………................................................................................................................................................................. In your opinion............ Any other additional information you may wish to add on health and safety investment in construction? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 70 .............. 13................................. . etc.................. 2.... sheds..... Do you get any benefits directly from the company other than those from NSSA? . sickness…………………………………………………………….............. etc)........................ 3............ safety signs. ..............  General Medical and Drug abuse Testing (Chest X-rays........ does your employer do the following?  Provision of PPE (Overalls...................... respirators......... when For those who were injured or die while at work.. What else do they do to ensure that you work safely? .)……......... injured………………………………………………………………........ 4...... First Aiders..... What effect does health and safety has on the following on you?  Productivity…………………………………………………………………………………. Marijuana abuse tests.. 7.... etc..... .. who paid for the hospital bills or burial costs? ...............  Engagement of Safety Personnel (Safety Managers...........  Education and Training (On the job trainings.............. bathrooms.......)…………. hard hats..................... For how long have you been involved in the construction industry? To ensure that you work safely................................ What is your profession or job position in your organization? .. due (Staff to morale)……………………………………………………………...................... etc......  Safety Incentives……………………………………………………………………………....................…...... ……… 71 ............... give examples ……………………………………………………………………………............. safety awareness campaigns............ gumboots.... Safety Officers.... etc)………  Welfare Facilities (Canteens........)…………………………….... ………  Team spirit ………………  Off days ………………  Time lost ……………… 6....... yrs 5.............……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… -THANK YOUAPPENDIX C – CONSTRUCTION WORKERS’ INTERVIEW GUIDE 1. toilets...... If yes............................................................................... .... what challenges are you facing? ........................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………....................................................................... 9...... Any other information? ...... What is your profession or job position in your organization? ………………………….................................. additional ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………....................... -THANK YOU- APPENDIX D – NSSA INPSPECTORS INTERVIEW GUIDE 1....... 7... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………… 4.. draw backs to the investment in health and …………………………………………………………………………….... How do you ensure that meaningful health and safety standards exist on construction projects? …… ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Any additional information …………………………………………………………………………....... What do you think are the safety? ....... In a bid to work healthily and safely.......... 2..................... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………… 5............... 72 ...... 6............................................. For yrs how long have you been involved in the property development industry? 3........ what do you do to ensure compliance? .. In case companies are not complying with the set health and safety regulations......8....................... ……… ……………………………………………………………………………………......... …………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………….................... What is your role in ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations by construction companies undertaking your projects? ……………………………………………………….................. Contractor: ……………………………………………………………………… Item Hording / Security Fencing around the site Safety Signs available Workers having on adequate minimum PPE/C Welfare facilities availability [Toilets.-THANK YOU- APPENDIX E – OBSERVATION GUIDE Site Name: ………………………………………………………………………. water. sheds.] Yes No 73 . etc. APPENDIX F – PHOTOGRAPHS Site Workers attending Tool Box talks prior to start of work 74 . the sand inside the buckets will be used to put off the fire 75 .Safety Sign obligating all entering the site to have enough PPE First Aid Canister – Contains first Aid Kit and is kept locked. Keys stay with the First Aider Fire Point – In case of fire.