An evaluation of safety programmes in construction companies

The safety of the human being at work or on a construction site is a complex problem. The construction industry in South Africa is known to be one of the most hazardous with an unacceptably high level of injuries and fatalities resulting in considerable human suffering. This paper focuses on the recommendations of a completed Master's study evaluating safety programmes in selected construction companies against a normative safety programme model. Information was sought and obtained from respondents of construction companies by means of a questionnaire survey and personal interviews conducted. The results of the survey indicated that the safety programmes of the majority of construction companies did not compare favourably with the normative model. The results also led to the deduction that management in general is not fully committed to safety. The findings of the study with recommendations are also included. The recommendations of the study are put forward to indicate to management which elements should be included in a safety programme. This normative safety programme model will guide them in safety related matters as well as instil safety awareness in workers.