Analysis of factors affecting the implementation of health and safety management systems in the South African construction industry within the Western Cape

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.