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Health and safety management in developing countries: a study of construction SMEs in Ghana
journal contribution
posted on 2010-02-16, 15:06 authored by Nongiba A. Kheni, Andrew R.J. Dainty, Alistair G.F. GibbThe construction industry plays a significant role in the economy of
developing countries. The sector is, however, also one of the most hazardous with
frequent accidents and health related problems. The purpose of this study is to
examine the health and safety practices of construction small and medium-sized
businesses (SMEs) in Ghana with a view to improving the health and safety
performance of the sector. A survey questionnaire was administered to
owner/managers of SMEs, with a response rate of 32% of the sampling frame
obtained. The findings reveal that few of the SMEs adopted proactive health and
safety practices. However, health and safety practices identified as being particularly
associated with firm characteristics were: accident investigation procedures; accident
reporting procedures; use of health and safety posters; documentation of method
statements; and, health and safety inductions. The paper brings to light the diversity
of health and safety practices associated with different size categories of SMEs and
constraints to improving health and safety. Based on the analysis, recommendations
aimed at a positive change in the attitudes of owner/managers which takes into
account size-related constraints are suggested for improving the health and safety
performance of Ghanaian SMEs.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Citation
KHENI, N.A., DAINTY, A.R.J. and GIBB, A.G.F., 2008. Health and safety management in developing countries: a study of construction SMEs in Ghana. Construction Management and Economics, 26(11), pp. 1159-1169Publisher
© Taylor & FrancisVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)
Publication date
2008Notes
This article was published in the journal, Construction Management and Economics [© Taylor & Francis]. The definitive version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01446190802459916ISSN
0144-6193Language
- en