Bibliometric and scientometric analysis-based review of construction safety and health research in developing countries from 1990 to 2021

This bibliometric and scientometric analyses and critical review of construction health and safety (H&S) research in developing countries (DCs) over the past 31 years, identifies its trends, dissemination, knowledge gaps, study implications, and direction of future research. These are area overlooked. Using a science mapping approach, involving systematic bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database and scientometric analysis with VOSViewer software, this research fills the knowledge gap. The findings include that while construction H&S research is growing in a few countries such as China and South Africa, the majority of DCs such as Venezuela are yet to experience this increase. However, the research focus is not aligned with their problems. The studies examined mainly focus on risk-based research (e.g. risk management and assessment), accidents, human-related factors, safety management, site safety, and performance management. The research focus of construction H&S scholars in DCs differs from their global counterparts. Equality, diversity and inclusion in construction H&S; and safety culture and climate are still minimal. Many aspects of industry 4.0 concerning safety need to be examined, for example, ‘Big data and construction H&S', and industry 4.0 skills and knowledge requirements for construction H&S -associated activities. There is linear relationship (correlation) between keywords occurrences and their total strength. Mainly quantitative surveys and analytic hierarchy processes (AHP) are adopted, hence the need for qualitative methods studies. The study provides the first detailed evidence of the characteristics of construction H&S research in DCs and its underrepresentation in H&S research

Causal inferences of external–contextual domains on complex construction, safety, health and environment regulation

A robust and pragmatic regulatory framework that is based on a good understanding of the external–context domains of countries is fundamental for Safety, Health and Environment (SHE). However, in many developing and emerging economies the regulatory framework for SHE is complex and the external–context domains are poorly understood and not factored in SHE. Using Nigeria as a case, the study examines the causal inferences of the social, cultural, political, religious and institutional contexts on the complex Construction Safety, Health and Environment (CSHE) regulatory framework using a qualitative research approach. The findings show that the external-context domain factors are indirect determinants of CSHE regulation. There is evidence that the main external-context factors include the dysfunctional and fragmented health and safety (H&S) regulatory environments, which is exacerbated by the poor governmental and political attention on H&S. While political influence results in the low threat of regulation, ‘Nigerian factors’ such as ‘the no follow-up culture’ result in inadequate governmental and political involvement, among many, poor regulation and inadequate H&S laws. Although the need for a consolidated CSHE regulatory framework is emphasised hence recommended, it should be resilient to social and political pressure

Implications and opportunities in a complex construction health and safety regulatory environment

One of the ways of improving construction health and safety (CH&S) remains its regulation, the foundation and catalyst of other improvement measures. However, in Nigeria, it is poorly understood. Consequently, this chapter reports an examination of how it is regulated (including the roles of various parties), and the implications and opportunities therein for improving CH&S. Adopting semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study shows that the Nigerian construction industry is self-regulated in various ways (including by other industries such as the oil and gas sector), contesting earlier held views that the industry is unregulated. However, the regulatory structure is distributed and fragmented. There is also evidence that the nature of the legislation adopted from other countries and the local environmental laws that cover some construction activities, to name but a few, present the industry with multiple actors, bias in regulation and control, and a complicated regulatory environment, which are counterproductive to the entire regulatory regime. However, the findings also include opportunities in the regulatory systems such as risk ownership, suggesting the likelihood of an effective and accepted regulatory system where the regulated take ownership of the risk they create. Country context-based CH&S legislation and a centralised regulatory system are recommended

Industrial pollution, spatial stigma and economic decline: the case of Asopos river basin through the lens of local small business owners

This paper explores the notion of environmentally induced spatial stigma through an analysis of data from interviews across public attitudes to pollution within the Asopos river basin in central Greece. The area has a 40 year plus history of legal and illicit industrial waste disposal and public debate on the associated environmental degradation. The study focuses on the perceptions and beliefs of a sector of the community likely to be directly and negatively affected by stigma, that is small business owners in the tourism and hospitality sector. The qualitative analysis explores awareness and viewpoints on environmental degradation and water quality within the local context, implications for the local economy and the individual's own enterprise, views on industrial environmental management as well as corporate responsibility and future prospects for the environmental problems of Asopos. Findings reveal a noticeable variation in views on industrial pollution and ecosystem deterioration among the respondents, but overall a strong environmentally induced stigmatization of the area. They also uncover an information asymmetry and lack of credible commitment by government bodies and industry members in disclosing accurate information, a situation likely to increase speculation and uncertainty within the community. The paper concludes by addressing implications of the findings to policy-making and managerial considerations, along with future research perspectives which aim to increase considerations of sustainability aspects for local development

Strategies for improving complex construction health and safety regulatory environments

Abstract In enhancing business and project performance, a robust health and safety (H&S) regulatory system which is homogenous is one of the prerequisites, but developing countries (DCs) are lagging in this. Using Nigeria as a case study, the research developed strategies for improving the regulation of construction H&S in a complex regulatory environment. Semi-structured interviews, analysled thematically, was adopted. The proposed H&S improvement strategies include contextualised construction H&S legislation that will enable the establishment of a homogenous but flexible regulatory system. This will be overseen by an independent National Construction H&S regulator but with the controlled support of selected industry and social actors. The regulatory process will include persuasion (such as negotiation), punitive measures, education and awareness strategies. The proposed strategies also include that H&S legislation should stipulate duties for clients, contractors and subcontractors including goal-based legislation with mainly absolute duties, and prescriptive legislation or guidance. This should not be misconstrued as oversimplifying complex phenomena. The study could help policymakers and H&S experts in countries such as Nigeria develop strategies informed by realities of H&S regulatory complexities, in increasing the chance of workability and acceptance of the strategies proposed by the regulated

Incorporating sustainability considerations into lending decisions and the management of bad loans: Evidence from Greece

The financial sector’s role is undeniably crucial in modern economies. Yet, this sector often attracts criticisms. Of particular concern is the negligence of proper credit risk management, which may undermine (macro)economic stability. The absence of appropriate policies (industry and institutional) draws attention to firm performance indicators, which remain short-sighted in assessing the provision of sustainable risk management. The sector and, in particular, financial intermediaries (FIs) must confront the complex task of assessing their impacts and, in doing so, actively endorse enabling conditions towards sustainable development. Our paper offers managerial insights from a wide range of financial intermediaries (FIs) currently active in Greece. We address the critical question of how FIs incorporate sustainability in credit risk management. A mixed-methods approach of online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews was utilized to link and investigate managerial perspectives of sustainability risks and their impact on bad loans. The executives’ responses revealed that sustainability risk management indeed exists, but it has yet to penetrate core processes. It does provide strong motives over new management techniques and contributes to a higher level of materiality of FI’s core operations. Nonetheless, there is still plenty of room for improvement before sustainability risk assessments are comprehensively incorporated in all phases of the credit risk management process so that a robust sustainability management approach underpins FI’s core mission and goals

Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises, Organizational Resilience Capacity and Flash Floods: Insights from a Literature Review

From a managerial standpoint, sustainability poses numerous challenges for the business community. One of the prominent concerns in the context of organizational sustainability is the impact of climate change and extreme weather events (EWEs), which create discontinuity and damages to business operations. In this respect, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable to EWEs, such as flash floods, having disastrous consequences to SMEs that tend to be ill-prepared. Taking into consideration that these negatives effects are also transferred into the local communities in which SMEs are located, it is crucial to create appropriate mechanisms that will enable these enterprises to build relevant capacities and acquire necessary resources in order to deal with relevant disruptive events. With this in mind, this paper attempts to delineate the emerging literature in relation to strategic approaches in dealing with high impact/low probability EWEs. With this analysis, we aim to provide insights for enhancing the robustness of SMEs against such natural hazards through effective resilience and adaptation strategies. The paper reveals that resilience to EWEs is indeed a multifaceted issue posing numerous challenges to SMEs. Taking into account their intrinsic characteristics, there is a need for a holistic management approach that will assist SMEs to safeguard their assets against extreme weather

Perceived enablers and barriers impacting sustainability of small‐and‐medium sized enterprises: A quantitative analysis in four European countries

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) often lag behind major corporations in implementing sustainability management practices, limiting their capacity to mitigate negative social and environmental impacts. A notable challenge is the lower percentage of SMEs with sustainability objectives. This research aims to examine the links among sustainability practices and performance of European SMEs. In addition, the causal relationships between enablers/barriers for sustainability practices are also examined. To achieve these objectives, a quantitative research approach was employed. Data were collected from 420 SMEs located in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Greece using a structured questionnaire. Statistical modeling and inference were used to analyze the responses, separately for each of the four countries. The study revealed several significant findings. Strong relationships were identified between enablers/barriers and sustainability practices. The study found consistent links between supply chain sustainability practices and SME performance across all participating countries. The research highlighted similarities and differences in findings across various economies and geographical regions. The study's findings have important implications; For policymakers insights from this research can inform policy decisions aimed at promoting sustainability among SMEs, thus contributing to broader social and environmental goals. For SME owners and managers the findings offer guidance for improving sustainable performance through operational, planning, and strategic decisions. Policymakers should consider initiatives that encourage SMEs to adopt sustainability practices. SME owners and managers should prioritize supply chain sustainability and work on overcoming barriers identified in this study. Further research should explore specific strategies for enhancing sustainability practices in different regions and economies

DEVELOPING A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PARTICIPATORY MEASUREMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY

The measurement of sustainability can provide significant information in order to plan and implement environmental policies. Several methods have been proposed in the literature in order to select the appropriate indicators along with a variety of techniques for their measurement. These methods are often divided in two main categories: a) a top-down approach where the selection of sustainability indicators is often based on the decision of scientists and policy-makers and b) a bottom-up approach where local stakeholders influence the selection and the measurement of indicators. In this paper we propose a methodological framework which allows the selection of sustainability indicators based on scientific research but at the same time allows citizens to influence both the selection of indicators and their measurement. The benefits of the specific methodological framework are two: a) to incorporate in different stages of the measurement the opinions of local stakeholders, b) to assist in policy decision-making through the assessment of the current situation of sustainability

Assessing Greek small and medium-sized enterprises' flood resilience capacity: index development and application

Floods signify one of the most common, widespread and destructive natural perils, affecting approximately 250 million people and causing billions in losses on an annual basis. Such high impact – low probability environmental perturbations can cause abrupt changes and disruption to business entities in flood-prone areas in terms of asset damages, operational interruptions and increased costs which result in loss of capital and labour, declining revenue and growth. It is therefore critical for businesses to identify such risks and, ultimately, to effectively build their resilience to such physical challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are more ill-prepared to face flooding compared to large companies. Understanding the ability of SMEs to become more resilient to floods is crucial as they account for 99% of all enterprises, constitute the major employer and contributor of the total value-added of the private sector. In this study, a composite index of factors linked to the resilience capacity of SMEs to flooding is proposed and tested. A sample of Greek SMEs located in three flood-prone areas (n = 391) was administered a structured questionnaire pertaining to cognitive, managerial and contextual factors that affect the ability to prepare, withstand and recover from flooding events. Through the proposed index, a bottom-up, self-assessment, approach is set forth that could assist in standardising such assessments with an overarching aim of reducing the vulnerability of SMEs to floods. This is achieved by examining critical internal and external parameters affecting SMEs' resilience capacity which is particularly important taking into account the limited resources these enterprises tend to have at their disposal and that they can generate single points of failure in dense supply chain networks