REDEFINING ORGANIZATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CONTEXT: A SCALE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

Johannes V. Gloria, Francis Evan L. Manayan

Abstract


This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Organizational Safety and Health (OSH) systems within construction companies, integrating quantitative exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (with all 300 respondents being professionals in the construction industry) with qualitative thematic analysis. Data was gathered through administering an adapted survey tool with 31 close-ended responses. Data collected in the initial phase will lay the foundation for the identification of the factors as well as the appropriate items that should be loaded into the factors on OSH in the construction industry via EFA, followed by another data gathering procedure intended to verify whether the results of EFA are valid. This is done through CFA. The research identifies vital internal, external, and technical factors influencing OSH implementation, emphasizing the critical role of internal factors such as "Regular Safety Practices," "Robust Safety Policies," and "Employee Involvement" (Huang et al., 2018; Neal et al., 2021). Findings from both EFA and CFA highlight the identified factors as valid and reliable, with the third model emerging as the most representative of the hypothesized OSH model. Statistical results indicate high factor loadings and favourable model fit indices across various measures, including Chi-Square (CMIN), Root Mean Squared Residuals (RMR), and Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) (Zohar, 2010). The study’s significant findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to OSH, with internal factors being primary drivers and external and technical factors playing supportive roles. Recommendations for construction companies include tailored OSH program development, strategic leadership engagement, investment in training and continuous improvement, enhanced communication and reporting mechanisms, collaborative industry benchmarking, and incorporation of multicultural perspectives. These recommendations address key indicators such as organizational commitment, competence, effective communication, and safety culture enhancement (Clarke & Ward, 2016; Tam et al., 2017). Further research directions may emphasize the need for specific interventions and broader population sampling to enhance OSH systems comprehensively across the construction sector.

 

Article visualizations:

Hit counter


Keywords


business administration, construction industry safety, organizational safety and health, scale development, factor analysis, safety culture

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abas, N.H., Blismas, N. and Lingard, H., 2016. Knowledge-Based Energy Damage Model for Evaluating Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) Organizational Health and Safety (OHS) Risk. MATEC Web of Conferences, 47, p.04015. doi:10.1051/matecconf/20164704015.

Abas, N.H., Yusuf, N., Suhaini, N.A., Kariya, N., Mohammad, H. and Hasmori, M.F., 2020. Factors Affecting Safety Performance of Construction Projects: A Literature Review. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 713, p.012036. doi:10.1088/1757-899x/713/1/012036.

Al-Kilani, F.M., 2011. Improving Safety Performance in Construction Project in Lybia (Case Study: In Tripoli). Master Thesis. Diponegoro University. Available at: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11728574.pdf [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Amartey, A., 2014. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology College of Architecture and Planning Department of Building Technology Improving Safety Performance of Ghanaian Building Contractors. Available at: http://ir.knust.edu.gh/bitstream/123456789/6667/1/AMARH%20CHRISTIAN%20AMARTEY.pdf [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Awwad, R., El Souki, O. and Jabbour, M., 2016. Construction safety practices and challenges in a Middle Eastern developing country. Safety Science, 83, pp.1–11. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2015.10.016.

Ayob, A., Shaari, A.A., Zaki, M.F.M. and Munaaim, M.A.C., 2017. Fatal Organizational injuries in the Malaysian construction sector– causes and accidental agents. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (IConCEES), 2017, pp.1-10. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/140/1/012095.

Bailey, K.D., 1982. Methods of social research. Free Press, New York.

Bavafa, A., Mahdiyar, A. and Marsono, A.K., 2018. Identifying and assessing the critical factors for effective implementation of safety programs in construction projects. Safety Science, 106, pp.47–56. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2018.02.025.

Cacciattolo, M., 2015. Ethical Considerations in Research. The Praxis of English Language Teaching and Learning (PELT), pp.61–79. doi:10.1007/978-94-6300-112-0_4.

Carayon, P., Hancock, P., Leveson, N., Noy, I., Sznelwar, L. and van Hootegem, G., 2015. Advancing a sociotechnical systems approach to workplace safety – developing the conceptual framework. Ergonomics, 58(4), pp.548–564. doi:10.1080/00140139.2015.1015623.

Charehzehi, A. and Ahankoob, A., 2012. Enhancement of Safety Performance at Construction Site. International Journal of Advances in Engineering & Technology, 5(1), pp.303-312. Available at: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1223345624 [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Child, D., 1990. The essentials of factor analysis, 2nd edn. London: Cassel Educational Limited. Available at: http://www.sciepub.com/reference/113335 [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Chong, H.Y. and Low, T.S., 2014. Accidents in Malaysian Construction Industry: Statistical Data and Court Cases. International Journal of Organizational Safety and Ergonomics, 20(3), pp.503–513. doi:10.1080/10803548.2014.11077064.

Cleland, J.A., 2017. The Qualitative Orientation in Medical Education Research. Korean Journal of Medical Education, 29(2), pp.61–71. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465434/.

Comrey, A.L., 2013. A First Course in Factor Analysis. Psychology Press. doi:10.4324/9781315827506.

Connelly, L.M., 2016. Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research. Medsurg Nursing: Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, 25(6), pp.435–436. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30304614/.

Alexander, D., Hallowell, M. and Gambatese, J., 2017. Precursors of Construction Fatalities. II: Predictive Modeling and Empirical Validation. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(7), p.04017024. doi:10.1061/(asce)co.1943-7862.0001297.

Dyck, D. and Roithmayr, T., 2004. Great Safety Performance: An Improvement Process Using Leading Indicators. AAOHN Journal, 52(12), pp.511–520. doi:10.1177/216507990405201205.

Edison, J.C. and Singla, H.K., 2020. Development of a scale for factors causing delays in infrastructure projects in India. Construction Economics and Building, 20(1). doi:10.5130/ajceb.v20i1.6750.

Edmonds, E.A. and von Bertalanffy, L., 1977. General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. Leonardo, 10(3), p.248. doi:10.2307/1573450.

Enshassi, A., Mohamed, S., Mayer, P. and Abed, K., 2007. Benchmarking masonry labor productivity. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 56(4), pp.358–368. doi:10.1108/17410400710745342.

Fang, D.P., Huang, X.Y. and Hinze, J., 2004. Benchmarking Studies on Construction Safety Management in China. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 130(3), pp.424–432. doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9364(2004)130:3(424).

Forteza, F.J., Carretero-Gómez, J.M. and Sesé, A., 2020. Safety in the construction industry: accidents and precursors. Revista de la construcción, 19(2), pp.271–281. doi:10.7764/rdlc.19.2.271-281.

Forteza, F.J., Carretero-Gómez, J.M. and Sesé, A., 2022. Organizational factors and specific risks on construction sites. Journal of Safety Research. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2022.03.004.

Mantzorou, M., 2015. What are the Major Ethical Issues in Conducting Research? Is there a Conflict between the Research Ethics and the Nature of Nursing. Health Science Journal, 5(1).Available at: https://www.academia.edu/24993298/What_are_the_Major_Ethical_Issues_in_Conducting_Research_Is_there_a_Conflict_between_the_Research_Ethics_and_the_Nature_of_Nursing.

Guba, E.G. and Lincoln, Y.S., 1994. Competing paradigms in qualitative research, in Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S. (eds.) Handbook of qualitative research, pp. 105–117. Available at: https://ethnographyworkshop.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/guba-lincoln-1994-competing-paradigms-in-qualitative-research-handbook-of-qualitative-research.pdf.

Hair, J., Black, W., Babin, B.Y.A., Anderson, R., and Tatham, R., 2010. Multivariate Data Analysis, A Global Perspective. New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Hancock, P.A., 2009. Mind, Machine and Morality. Chichester: Ashgate Hendrick, H.W., and B.M. Kleiner. (2001) Macroergonomics – An Introduction to Work System Design. Santa Monica, CA: The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Hinze, J. and Gambatese, J., 2003. Factors That Influence Safety Performance of Specialty Contractors. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 129(2), pp.159–164. doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9364(2003)129:2(159).

Jin, R., Zou, P.X.W., Piroozfar, P., Wood, H., Yang, Y., Yan, L. and Han, Y., 2019. A science mapping approach based review of construction safety research. Safety Science, 113, pp.285–297. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2018.12.006.

Katz, D., and Kahn, R.L., 1966. The Social Psychology of Organizations. New York: Wiley.

Korstjens, I. and Moser, A., 2018. Series: Practical Guidance to Qualitative Research. Part 4: Trustworthiness and Publishing. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), pp.120–124. doi:10.1080/13814788.2017.1375092.

Koyuncu, İ. and Kılıç, A.F., 2019. The Use of Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses: A Document Analysis. TED EĞİTİM VE BİLİM. doi:10.15390/eb.2019.7665.

Larcher, P. and Sohail, M., 1999. Review of safety in construction and operation for the WS&S Sector- A Literature Review: Part 1 WELL Study. United Kingdom: Loughborough University.

Lincoln, Y., & Guba, E.G., 1985. Naturalistic inquiry. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Mann, K. and MacLeod, A., 2015. Constructivism: learning theories and approaches to research, in Cleland JA, Durning SJ (eds.) Researching medical education, Chichester, UK: John Wiley and Sons; 51-66.

Mays, N. and Pope, C., 2000. Qualitative research in health care: Assessing quality in qualitative research. BMJ, 320(7226), pp.50–52. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7226.50.

McCombes, S., 2019. Sampling Methods | Types and Techniques Explained. Scribbr. Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/sampling-methods/.

Meng, X. and Chan, A.H.S., 2022. Improving the Safety Performance of Construction Workers through Individual Perception and Organizational Collectivity: A Contrastive Research between Mainland China and Hong Kong. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), p.14599. doi:10.3390/ijerph192114599.

Mumford, E., 2006. The story of socio-technical design: reflections on its successes, failures and potential. Information Systems Journal, 16(4), pp.317–342. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2575.2006.00218.x.

Nelson, W.A., 2010. The Role of Qualitative Methods in Medical Research. The Professional Geographer, 62(4), pp.551–560. doi:10.1080/00330124.2010.483692.

Nunnally, J.C., Bernstein, I.H. and Berge, J.M.T., 1994. Psychometric Theory. NY: McGraw-Hill.

Official Website Department of Organizational Safety and Health, 2017. Organizational Accidents Statistics by Sector Until April 2017. Available at: https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/statistic-v/Organizational-accident-statistics/Organizational-accident-2017/3247-Organizational-accidents-statistics-by-sector-until-april-2017?path=Organizational-accident-2017 [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Rahmi, A. and Ramdhan, D.H., 2021. Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of the Implementation of Application OHSMS: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1933(1), p.012021. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1933/1/012021.

Sawacha, E., Naoum, S. and Fong, D., 1999. Factors affecting safety performance on construction sites. International Journal of Project Management, 17(5), pp.309–315. doi:10.1016/s0263-7863(98)00042-8.

Schumacker, R.E. & Lomax, R.G., 1996. A Beginner’s Guide to Structural Equation Modeling. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.

Shafique, M. and Rafiq, M., 2019. An Overview of Construction Organizational Accidents in Hong Kong: A Recent Trend and Future Perspectives. Applied Sciences, 9(10), p.2069. doi:10.3390/app9102069.

Suazo, G. and Jaselskis, E., 1993. Comparison of Construction Safety Codes in United States and Honduras. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228459586_Comparison_of_construction_safety_codes_in_the_United_States_and_Honduras [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Suhr, D.D. (retrieved, 2023) Exploratory or Confirmatory Factor Analysis? SUGI 31, Statistical and Data Analysis, 1-17.

Swuste, P., Frijters, A. and Guldenmund, F., 2012. Is it possible to influence safety in the building sector? Safety Science, 50(5), pp.1333–1343. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2011.12.036.

Swuste, P., Theunissen, J., Schmitz, P., Reniers, G. and Blokland, P., 2016. Process safety indicators, a review of literature. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 40, pp.162–173. doi:10.1016/j.jlp.2015.12.020.

Tabachnick, B.G., & Fidell, L.S., 2012. Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn ve Bacon.

Toyado, D.M., 2021. Health and Safety in the Construction Industry in Catanduanes, Philippines. International Journal of Engineering and Management Research, 11(2), pp.174–177. doi:10.31033/ijemr.11.2.24.

Varpio, L., Ajjawi, R., Monrouxe, L.V., O’Brien, B.C. and Rees, C.E., 2016. Shedding the cobra effect: problematising thematic emergence, triangulation, saturation and member checking. Medical Education, 51(1), pp.40–50. doi:10.1111/medu.13124.

von Bertalanffy, L., 1950. The Theory of Open Systems in Physics and Biology. Science, 111(2872), pp.23–29. doi:10.1126/science.111.2872.23.

Weiner, N., 1965. Cybernetics or the Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Available at: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262537841/cybernetics-or-control-and-communication-in-the-animal-and-the-machine/ [Accessed 6 Feb. 2023].

Weiss, J., 1982. Book Reviews: Effective Evaluation: Improving the Usefulness of Evaluation Results Through Responsive and Naturalistic Approaches. American Journal of Evaluation, 3(4), pp.17–22. doi:10.1177/109821408200300406.

WorkCover, 2001. Safety Meter Positive Performance Measurement Tool. New South Wales: WorkCover.

Wu, X., Liu, Q., Zhang, L., Skibniewski, M.J. and Wang, Y., 2015. Prospective safety performance evaluation on construction sites. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 78, pp.58–72. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2015.02.003.

Zhou, Z., Goh, Y.M. and Li, Q., 2015. Overview and analysis of safety management studies in the construction industry. Safety Science, 72, pp.337–350. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2014.10.005.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejmms.v9i1.1739

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2024 Johannes V. Gloria, Francis Evan L. Manayan

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The research works published in this journal are free to be accessed. They can be shared (copied and redistributed in any medium or format) and\or adapted (remixed, transformed, and built upon the material for any purpose, commercially and\or not commercially) under the following terms: attribution (appropriate credit must be given indicating original authors, research work name and publication name mentioning if changes were made) and without adding additional restrictions (without restricting others from doing anything the actual license permits). Authors retain the full copyright of their published research works and cannot revoke these freedoms as long as the license terms are followed.

Copyright © 2017-2023. European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies (ISSN 2501 - 9988) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library. All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and standards formulated by Budapest Open Access Initiative (2002), the Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing (2003) and  Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities (2003) and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Copyrights of the published research works are retained by authors.