Teo, E A L; Ling, F Y Y and Ong, D S Y (2005) Fostering safe work behaviour in workers at construction sites. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 12(4), pp. 410-422. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a framework to foster safe work behaviour among workers on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach - The proposed framework identifies two main reasons for unsafe behaviours: "don't know how", and "don't care". Technical and safety training is proposed to overcome the former problem, while for the latter it is proposed that organisations systematically apply operant conditioning techniques to promote safety, using organisational behaviour modification. A postal survey of contractors in Singapore was conducted to test the framework. The four tools of operant conditioning theory (positive reinforcements, negative reinforcements, extinction, and punishments) were evaluated. Findings - Close and strict supervision, sending workers for safety and health training, and imposing fines are found to be most effective methods. Positive reinforcements (both monetary and non-monetary) have also been found to be effective, while extinction did not receive much support. Other methods that may foster safe work behaviours are also discussed. Originality/value - Safety on site could be enhanced via training and application of operant conditioning theory.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accidents; employees; health and safety; motivation; psychology; Singapore |
| Index terms: | methodology, psychology, unsafe behaviour, health and safety, construction site, motivation, survey, reinforcement, safety training, supervision, Singapore, organizational behaviour |
| Subjects: | work location, building materials, psychology, control systems, business, data collection methods, behavioral psychology, occupational health and safety management, financial risk, health safety and environment, Geography, research methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Site Management, Human Resources, Construction Materials, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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