A critical review of the literature on disability management in the construction industry

This paper reports on a review of the literature on disability management in the construction industry. The review explores the concept of disability management and existing guidance in the field in Canada before exploring the pillars of effective disability management programs. The review extends to investigating the literature on the topic as it pertains to the construction industry, focusing on the extent to which disability management practices are implemented in the industry and barriers to their successful implementation. The review is being conducted in preparation for an initiative undertaken by the Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Manitoba and funded by the WorkersÕ Compensation Board of Manitoba. This initiative aims to evaluate the maturity of disability management practices in the Manitoban construction industry. The review shows how disability management as a concept developed in the mid-1980s. Its founding pillars include organizational policies and procedures; recruitment practices; employment retention practices; rehabilitation practices; modified or alternate work opportunities; awareness, training and promotion practices; involvement and collaboration; and monitoring and evaluation. While the concept appears to be constantly evolving, its application in construction remains limited. Only six research papers pertaining to disability management in construction were found, highlighting the need for more work on the topic. The review of these papers shows how the industryÕs disability management practices remain inadequate. Disability management continues to be seen as a burden to construction employers for the most part, making it difficult to challenge traditional perceptions. Using maturity modelling to evaluate the effectiveness of these practices with the ultimate aim of improving them appears to be an important research opportunity that needs further investigation.