The competences of successful safety and health coordinators in construction projects

Abstract

The construction industry is among the most hazardous industries, with a fatality rate in Europe 3.4 times higher than average. While the occupational safety and health (OSH) coordinator has been a key actor in European efforts proposed to improve OSH in the industry since 1992, it is important to study the competences needed for the successful coordination of OSH in the construction industry. Existing literature on OSH coordinator competences are examined, and an expert survey is used to identify the competences characterising the most successful coordinators in Denmark. Finally, observational case studies of the perceived most successful coordinators in the Danish construction industry are used to exemplify the newly identified competences. The most frequently mentioned competences, not covered in previous research, are "innovativeness," "having overview," "persistency," "thoroughness," "sociability," and "being systematic." The results demonstrate the important "practice of knowing," rather than possessing formal knowledge, education, and/or skills. The most important practice of knowing for the coordinators is likely that of the ability to transfer knowledge into practice. Future research, education and legal requirement in this field could benefit from a focus on what practices of knowledge actually work in real-life settings, rather than focussing on idealistic notions of these qualities.

Criminology Reviewer’s Competencies and Study Skills Among Criminologists Licensure Examinee’s

“…There is disagreement in the study as to whether this skill should be modeled as a general capacity or as a subject-specific ability (Jeschke et al, 2021). Møller et al (2020) noted that instructors should explore innovative strategies, such as interactive online activities and case studies, to enhance the application of Knowledge in real-life scenarios during online review sessions.…”

Identification of Desired Qualifications for Construction Safety Personnel in the United States

“…Little research has been conducted on the qualifications of safety personnel in the construction industry [11,12]. Møller et al found that several elements shape the desired competencies of a safety coordinator in construction, such as creativity and innovation, being detail-oriented, persistence in implementing proper safety practices, and sociability [17]. Most studies focused primarily on the safety training of construction safety personnel [18] while underestimating the importance of other key qualifications, namely education, experience, and certification of construction safety personnel.…”

“…Experience provides knowledge on safety best practices, rules, and procedures and can also equip safety personnel with a valuable skills kit for managing and mitigating workplace hazards [27]. Experience as the practice of knowing compared to an educational degree for receiving knowledge is a significantly more critical element that defines qualified personnel [17].…”

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

“…Accordingly, the safety performance of smaller construction firms is a serious challenge that needs immediate attention through training and education. Reaching smaller firms with OSH interventions across multiple disciplines is challenging [9,10]. The number of small firms is beyond the capacity of most government OSH programs [3].…”