Improving occupational health and safety (OHS) in construction using Training-Within-Industry method

Abstract

Purpose The manufacturing industry is a well-known source of interventions adapted to solve problems in the construction industry. The use of Training-Within-Industry (TWI) is one such intervention adopted in the construction industry to solve the construction problem relating to occupational health and safety (OHS). The objectives of TWI are to help the industry to transfer knowledge and skills from management to the employees. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to investigate whether TWI can reduce OHS problems by promoting “learning by doing” on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach A case-based-research method was used to investigate the reported OHS problems in the construction industry in South Africa. The data were quantitative and qualitative in nature; the questionnaire survey, semi-structured interview and focus group interview techniques were used to collect data in the study. Findings The findings provide a better understanding of the human contributions influencing the behaviour of people causing accidents on construction sites. The data show that construction project leaders struggle to promote “learning by doing” because of inappropriate behaviour, lack of communication and inadequate training provided to new workers on construction sites. Also, there is significant scope for TWI deployment in construction because of the inability of supervisors or management to promote “learning by doing” on construction sites. Practical implications Based on the research findings, it is discovered that OHS is a serious concern in the construction industry. Therefore, the adoption of learning by doing on a construction site would help to improve OHS outcome. Originality/value The study highlights the need to introduce TWI on construction sites to reduce human failure causing accidents. TWI could lead to improving the knowledge- and skills-transfer programmes for construction workers in favour of better safety performance.

Axiomatic design for lean autonomous maintenance system: an application from textile industry

“…In addition, selected personnel are trained based on training within industry (TWI) (FR12–DP12). Knowledge and skills for management, establishing good relations among employees and improving working methods are considered as the pillars of TWI (Mollo et al , 2019). There are two processes in the scope of TWI: training with absorption and training by intention.…”

Sustainability learning for improved safe work environments for construction semi-skilled workers in Zimbabwe

“…, 2005; Chigara and Moyo, 2014b; Gurmu, 2019), very few have examined sustainability learning for improving construction semi-skilled workers' safety environments. This is despite such training being a critical element for creating a safe working environment on construction sites (Taderera, 2012; Chigara and Moyo, 2014a; Mollo et al. , 2019).…”

“…Evidently, the lack of functional occupational safety management policies and a lack of relevant training programmes have significantly contributed to this concern (Chizareni and Chigonda, 2018) and potentially need interrogation. In addition, Mollo et al. (2019) report that inadequate training provided to new construction workers has led to safety concerns on construction sites.…”

“…Evidently, the lack of functional occupational safety management policies and a lack of relevant training programmes have significantly contributed to this concern (Chizareni and Chigonda, 2018) and potentially need interrogation. In addition, Mollo et al (2019) report that inadequate training provided to new construction workers has led to safety concerns on construction sites. Amongst these new construction workers are semi-skilled workers, who only receive their training on construction sites and constitute a significant population of construction operatives (Phuthi and Maphosa, 2007).…”

“…Whilst several scholars have interrogated the various factors that can improve safety on construction sites (Teo et al, 2005;Chigara and Moyo, 2014b;Gurmu, 2019), very few have examined sustainability learning for improving construction semi-skilled workers' safety environments. This is despite such training being a critical element for creating a safe working environment on construction sites (Taderera, 2012;Chigara and Moyo, 2014a;Mollo et al, 2019). As a result, the focus on sustainability is pertinent and should be holistic and on economic, environmental and social aspects (John and Narayanamurthy (2015).…”