A Case for Alternative Approaches for Better Education in OH&S in Construction

Abstract – The paper advocates the need for a pragmatic approach to construction engineering safety and curriculum in Australia. Construction industry fatalities and work related injuries continue to beleaguer the industry due to culture, complacency, and cost. An appraisal into work practices, priorities, and perceptions should be the first initiative to challenge the paradigm of habit. Other overlaying factors need to be addressed on a pragmatic platform of a safety, and a meaningful curriculum to prepare Construction supervisors and Project Managers, to focus on achievable goals. Workplace Safety is enshrined is legislation, statutes, regulations and codes of practice to ensure compliance, but they are ambiguous and provide only sketchy guidelines, information, and procedures for audits. Consistency and a training regimen to comply with the law yet sensitive to the demands of the industry is needed. This paper outlines the need for specific OH & S education to affect a zero tolerance concept in workplace injury and disease. Construction Safety is achievable if the focus can be shifted from the traditional to curriculum inculcating a business-oriented perspective, active participation of all players and research regimen to cater to this conundrum. This paper aims to provide a fresh initiative to achieve this end