Improving the Safety Culture and Climate of Smaller Construction Firms: A Necessary Addition to the OSH Intervention Model

Abstract

The unsatisfactory safety performance of smaller construction firms has been identified as a challenge that requires further investigation and intervention. There are few studies, if any, that investigate the safety culture and climate of smaller construction firms. This study represents a much needed attempt to clarify the obstacles that prevent smaller construction firms from creating a satisfactory level of safety culture and climate. The study aims to propose a framework that is better suited for smaller construction firms based on literature. To validate the proposed framework, a questionnaire was designed and administered. The findings support the proposed framework and deliver an objective defining criterion that classifies smaller construction firms into small firms and micro firms. Among other factors, the findings suggest that smaller construction firms often lack systematic safety operations due to the absence of safety personnel. Accordingly, a revised occupational safety and health (OSH) model for smaller construction firms has been developed based on the model previously developed by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It is expected that this study will improve safety intervention programs for smaller construction firms and the safety performance of the construction industry.

Tailored Incident Investigation Protocols: A Critically Needed Practice

“…Finally, the multi-employer nature of construction workplaces should be considered. General contractors should invest in improving their subcontractors' safety performance in all possible ways to avoid deviation from their safety policies and culture [41]. Deviation often occurs due to the influence of several factors, such as unfamiliarity with the general contractors' safety culture and the presence of multiple subcontractors in a shared workplace [42].…”

“…This deviation highlights the need to establish a positive project safety climate to mitigate the adverse impact of one contractor/subcontractor on others [43]. General contractors play a crucial role in maintaining an acceptable project safety climate, given their financial and operational interests in enhancing it [41]. Among various advantages, investing in site safety will result in fewer disruptions to work production, reduced workers' compensation costs, preserve a positive business reputation, and decreased workers' absenteeism [44].…”