Construction management’s perceptions of health and safety

Projects in the construction sector are reputed for poor health and safety (H&S) performance, compared to other industries. This can be attributed to, inter alia, a relatively uncontrolled working environment, inherent operational risks, workers' behaviour in relation to H&S commitment, cultural and religious beliefs, and uncertainties inherent in projects. Hazards and risk arising from poor H&S practices result in injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of construction management regarding H&S on construction sites. This study investigates the relationship between behaviours, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours towards H&S, and compares cultural divergences among levels of construction personnel, namely construction management, construction supervision, construction H&S personnel, and H&S representatives. The construction industry has for many years developed and maintained a very bad reputation for coping with project cost, H&S, quality, and schedule. The industry often delivers projects late, and contributes to a disproportionate rate of work-related injuries, and fatalities. Project H&S management is acknowledged as one of the techniques that could be improved on construction projects to enhance performance of construction contractors in South Africa. To answer the research question: ‘Why construction management perceive H&S as a hindrance to production?” the mixed-method research approach was used. An indepth literature review with respect to project H&S was carried out, followed by qualitative and quantitative empirical research. The study established the need for H&S training and awareness of Construction Managers, Construction Supervisors, Construction Health and Safety Managers (CHSMs), Officers (CHSOs), and H&S Representatives. The study recommends that an H&S training needs analysis is critical for all employees, since it raises H&S awareness among all stakeholders in the construction industry, and enables the development of training plans, thereby supporting the reduction of accidents and related incident