Construction public client health and safety culture in Botswana : a pilot study.

This paper presents the preliminary findings of an exploratory pilot study into the health and safety culture of a public sector client in Botswana with a view to identifying aspects to be included in a larger broad-based national survey

Effectiveness of economic incentives on clients’ participation in health and safety programmes

The use of economic incentives to improve health and safety (H&S) performance in the construction industry in general has been investigated by various scholars. However, few studies have looked at the impact of economic incentives on construction clients, especially in the developing world. This paper reports findings on the feasibility of incentives to influence construction clients to perform on H&S. The investigation was conducted using a Delphi technique to determine the impact significance of economic incentives or disincentives on construction clients’ H&S performance. A panel of experts in construction H&S was assembled from most regions of the world. A three- round iterative Delphi study aimed at establishing consensus from the expert panel was then conducted. The study found that economic factors have critical impact significance on clients’ H&S performance, and that clients were ‘very likely’ to implement various H&S elements as a result of the economic incentives and or disincentives. There is little research on the use of incentives to influence construction clients’ H&S performance and the effectiveness of such incentives. This gap in literature, and the need for improvement in construction H&S performance, motivated the current study. Therefore it was necessary to investigate specifically the extent to which economic incentives could be used to influence construction clients to become involved in H&S programmes. Economic incentives are considered to be a proactive way of improving H&S performance among other key parties, such as employees in the construction industry. The paper reports on the findings from an analysis of the impact significance of economic incentives on clients. It underscores the point that economic incentives or disincentives for construction clients are necessary to encourage them to actively participate in H&S programmes, hence resulting in performance improvement

Client commitment and attitude to construction health and safety in Botswana

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a preliminary survey on the extent to which clients are involved in construction health and safety (H&S) implementation in Botswana

A pilot study in Botswana's construction industry on designers' will and capacity to design for health and safety.

Designer's role on health and safety (H&S) performance improvement is a subject that has received much attention than any other aspect relative to the designer. However, much research has been on the incorporation of H&S in designs and how designers influence H&S. There is little research on the designer's will and capacity to contribute to H&S performance improvement especially in Southern Africa and Botswana in particular. This paper seeks therefore to highlight this aspect as a way of addressing one of the barriers to H&S performance improvement. The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a small pilot study conducted among construction designers to establish their will or motivation and capacity to contribute to construction H&S in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was conducted among construction designers to establish willingness and capacity to incorporate H&S in their designs. Findings on the will to contribute to H&S, relate to designers incorporating H&S in their designs, external influence to consider H&S and mandate from the client to consider H&S are presented. Designers' capacity relate to education and training and their experience on matters relating to H&S. The pilot study indicates an inadequate level of will and capacity for designers to consider H&S in their designs. A better H&S performance improvement can only be achieved with the designer's active participation. Results from the survey on designers' will and capacity highlight the importance of considering this aspect of designers. Designers' will and capacity is inadequate and it shows in their inconsideration of H&S in current designs. A proposal is made to look at ways to improve designers' capacity as well as ways to motivate them to consider H&S

Client attitude to health and safety (H&S) - a report on contractor's perceptions

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a preliminary survey on Contractors’ perceptions of clients, attitude relative to health and safety (H&S) implementation in Botswana’s construction industry

Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and implementation of health and safety (H&S) in Botswana’s construction industry. Findings from the research reveal that the level of H&S awareness is low, H&S legislation is not complied with, the management of contractors is not committed to H&S implementation, there is a lack of H&S management systems, procedures, and protocol, and clients and designers do not participate in the implementation of H&S. Recommendations include that the requisite H&S legislation and regulations be promulgated in accordance with the International Labour Office (ILO) recommendations, and that all stakeholders should be equally responsible for the implementation of H&S

Designer's contribution to construction health and safety (H&S) - a case study of a public works project

Abstract: This paper presents findings from a study conducted on a public works’ construction project in Botswana to establish the contribution of designers (consultants) to construction health and safety (H&S

Effective facilities management of residential properties : a literature review

Abstract: It is pertinent that buildings are livable, safe and productive. However, buildings, through occupancy, are subjected to degradation which poses unique challenges with regard to the security, health and productivity of the occupants; thus, impacting on the immediate environment and economy at large. The paper presents a review of barriers to effective maintenance of residential building facilities. Findings revealed that poor or non-existent pre-construction facility management provisions, financial constraints, lack of government support and late implementation of facilities management, hinder regular and efficient management of dwellings. Other barriers identified are the utilisation of non-professional facility managers and poor administration of a service charge account. The study provides evidence for professionals in the real estate sector to take necessary pre-emptive actions against mismanagement of residential buildings and facilities so as to prevent degradation

A pilot study on public clients' contribution to construction workers' health and safety in Botswana

Abstract: This paper presents findings from a pilot study conducted in two major construction public client organisations in Botswana on their contribution to construction workers’ health and safety

An investigation on the impact of subcontracting system on the eventual quality of construction facilities in Swaziland - an exploratory study

Abstract: The construction industry is a key sector in the development and economic growth of Swaziland, however, the industry has not escaped the challenges facing other countries worldwide in terms of delivering construction projects of good quality as stipulated in the contracts. This paper assess the extent to which subcontracting in Swaziland has contributed to the apparent poor quality workmanship in the construction industry. The data used in this paper were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire which was distributed to construction stakeholders namely: Contractors, Sub-contractors, client (Government), Consultant representatives (Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Civil engineers, Project Managers and Electrical and mechanical Engineer). Only organisations registered with the ministry of public works and transport in Swaziland and other professional bodies were surveyed.100 questionnaires were distributed and 80 were completed and returned and used for the survey, it represented 80% response rate. Data received from the questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics procedures. Key findings from the study revealed that the major factors affected by subcontracting are poor quality, material wastage,high level of reworks and level of disputes and conflict. Major factors contributing to poor quality problems in costructed facilities were the superior/subordinate relationship, delayed payment from main contractor, poor relationship betwen main contractor and lack of subcontractor training. Findings on how quality can be improved in subcontracted projects were skilled workforce, training and education, good communication between parties and management commitments were major key. Investigating the extent to which subcontracting in Swaziland has constributed to the apparent poor quality workmanship in the construction industry will provide knowlegde on the problem and hence the study