Jamir Singh, P S; Oke, A E; Aliu, J; Isaiah Kayode, T; Ramli, R and Haizzan Yahaya, M (2025) Building safely, living well: Combating substance abuse in the construction industry. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(13), pp. 1626-1635. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
In response to the persistent challenge of substance misuse within the construction industry, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights by identifying and evaluating effective mitigation strategies. This was done with the aim of informing evidence-based practices and promoting a safer and healthier work environment for construction industry stakeholders. This study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative (Delphi technique) and quantitative (questionnaire) research methodologies. Data were obtained from professionals and non-professionals within Oyo State, Nigeria. Kruskal-Wallis test compared variables, while factor analysis identified patterns and relationships among potential mitigation strategies. Among the 18 mitigating strategies under examination, implementing random on-site drug testing policies was found to be statistically significant, indicating a strong connection to mitigating substance abuse within the construction industry. Additionally, the mitigating strategies were categorized into three clusters: policy enhancement and enforcement measures, research and training initiatives and treatment accessibility and support. This study is significant because it offers a solid foundation for understanding and addressing the pervasive issue of substance misuse within the construction industry. It not only advances knowledge in the field but also serves as a timely and crucial intervention in an area that has been relatively overlooked.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | employee wellness; health and safety; mental health; occupational health; substance misuse; workplace well-being |
| Index terms: | health and safety, occupational health, strategy, Delphi technique, mitigation, questionnaire, well-being, accessibility, Nigeria, factor analysis, research methodology, work environment, mental health, evidence-based practice, construction industry, testing, enforcement |
| Subjects: | management, professional development, health conditions and diseases, occupational health and safety management, statistical analysis, industry analysis, mental health and wellbeing, research design and methodology, data collection methods, inclusive design, financial risk, Geography, health safety and environment, professional practice |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Information Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here