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Analysis of factors affecting the implementation of health and safety management systems in the South African construction industry within the Western Cape
Author(s)
Kunodzia, Rejoice
Date Issued
2023
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Although notable efforts have been made in the past in the South African construction industry
to improve Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), the overall performance has not
significantly improved, as high-level injuries, risks, and fatalities continue to occur. Earlier
studies conducted have shown that the implementation of an Occupational Health and Safety
Management System (OHSMS) ensures a reduction in accidents on-site. However, many
challenges arise when trying to implement an OHSMS. This study aimed to analyse the factors
affecting the implementation of an OHSMS in the construction industry of the Western Cape,
South Africa, by focusing on challenges associated with the implementation thereof. The
research objectives were to identify factors that affect the implementation of an OHSMS on
construction sites, to analyse the effect of integrating the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) method
on the implementation of OHSMS, to assess the effect of COVID-19 regulations on OHSMS
implementation, and to evaluate how risk management is integrated into OHS during the
implementation of an OHSMS.
The research questionnaire was structured to obtain opinions about OHSMS implementation
in the Western Cape from construction professionals, including safety practitioners. A stratified
random sampling method was used. The questionnaires were distributed online, and the
reliability of the results was tested using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient reliability test. The
quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
software version 27.0, and data were interpreted through frequencies, descriptive statistics,
and multi-regression analysis. A multi-regression test was conducted to determine the
relationship between internal and external factors and the implementation of OHSMS,
including the use of the PDCA method, COVID-19, and the risk management plan.
The findings reveal that both internal and external factors affect OHSMS implementation. The
most important internal factors identified are risk control strategies, senior management
commitment and support, communication channels, and risk awareness. The most common
external factors identified include pressure from clients on project delivery, company
reputation, OHS enforcement, and government legislation. Furthermore, the study found that
PDCA is the most common method used when implementing an OHSMS, and a risk
management plan should be integrated into the OHSMS during the planning stage. Lastly,
COVID-19 affected the implementation of the OHSMS and construction organisations
operations.
A framework was developed to outline how an OHSMS can be implemented based on the
findings from this study. The framework can be adopted by the construction industry to ensure
effectiveness when implementing their OHSMS. OHSMS implementation ensures a reduction
in accidents on-site.
to improve Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), the overall performance has not
significantly improved, as high-level injuries, risks, and fatalities continue to occur. Earlier
studies conducted have shown that the implementation of an Occupational Health and Safety
Management System (OHSMS) ensures a reduction in accidents on-site. However, many
challenges arise when trying to implement an OHSMS. This study aimed to analyse the factors
affecting the implementation of an OHSMS in the construction industry of the Western Cape,
South Africa, by focusing on challenges associated with the implementation thereof. The
research objectives were to identify factors that affect the implementation of an OHSMS on
construction sites, to analyse the effect of integrating the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) method
on the implementation of OHSMS, to assess the effect of COVID-19 regulations on OHSMS
implementation, and to evaluate how risk management is integrated into OHS during the
implementation of an OHSMS.
The research questionnaire was structured to obtain opinions about OHSMS implementation
in the Western Cape from construction professionals, including safety practitioners. A stratified
random sampling method was used. The questionnaires were distributed online, and the
reliability of the results was tested using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient reliability test. The
quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
software version 27.0, and data were interpreted through frequencies, descriptive statistics,
and multi-regression analysis. A multi-regression test was conducted to determine the
relationship between internal and external factors and the implementation of OHSMS,
including the use of the PDCA method, COVID-19, and the risk management plan.
The findings reveal that both internal and external factors affect OHSMS implementation. The
most important internal factors identified are risk control strategies, senior management
commitment and support, communication channels, and risk awareness. The most common
external factors identified include pressure from clients on project delivery, company
reputation, OHS enforcement, and government legislation. Furthermore, the study found that
PDCA is the most common method used when implementing an OHSMS, and a risk
management plan should be integrated into the OHSMS during the planning stage. Lastly,
COVID-19 affected the implementation of the OHSMS and construction organisations
operations.
A framework was developed to outline how an OHSMS can be implemented based on the
findings from this study. The framework can be adopted by the construction industry to ensure
effectiveness when implementing their OHSMS. OHSMS implementation ensures a reduction
in accidents on-site.
Additional information
Thesis (Master of Construction)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2023
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