Tackling Weaknesses in the Implementation of Construction Safety Management Practices

Despite decades of research focusing on reducing workplace injury rates, construction workplaces continue to report an unacceptable number of fatal and non-fatal injuries. While a number of efforts have focused on identifying best practices to improve construction safety performance, little research has focused on holistically understanding weaknesses in implementing these best practices. Such knowledge can provide strategic directions to the industry on better tackling the safety challenges experienced in the industry. Towards advancing knowledge in this area, the current research focused on gathering data from 57 construction workplaces regarding the level with which universally accepted safety management best practices have been implemented. More specifically, the study examined the role played by the management, the supervisor, and the workers in cultivating a workplace that promotes workplace safety climate and safety performance. The study identified common problem areas experienced across the participating workplaces. For example, some of the most significant problem areas included (1) workplaces where workers frequently ignored safety rules and policies to meet schedule objectives, (2) workplaces where workers fail to report hazards and stop work when appropriate due to deadlines, and (3) workplaces where the management did not immediately follow up and fix safety issues. The findings of the study can be used by industry practitioners to improve workplace safety management practices.