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published_or_final_version / abstract / Real Estate and Construction / Master / Master of Philosophy

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-134). Also available online.

Optimum construction worker (CW) performance is required to achieve project delivery within project parameters. It is not always the case as CWs are regularly exposed to hazards, involved in accidents, their productivity is poor, they suffer from ill health, suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and contractors lack resources to allocate towards H&S. However, the lack or the absence of health and safety (H&S) measures, which the aforementioned depend on, has a negative impact on workers’ performance. Two descriptive surveys were conducted among professional construction project managers (CPMs) registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and general contractors (GCs) registered with the East Cape Master Builders Association (ECMBA). Interviews were also conducted with CPMs registered with the SACPCMP residing in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area. The salient findings include: • Accidents, which occur on construction sites, impact workers’ performance; • Inadequate H&S implementation affects both CW skills and motivation, which in turn affects their performance; • Poor constructability is relevant to H&S and CWs’ skills; • Provision and maintenance of welfare facilities are commonly inadequate and affect workers’ performance, and • Projects do not benefit from the adequate financial provision for H&S. It was concluded that exposure to hazards, poor site conditions, inadequate provision of welfare facilities, WMSDs, and insufficient financial provision for H&S affect workers’ performance by either incapacitating or demotivating them. Recommendations include : CPMs should make better use of their influence on clients; they should improve communication channels between project stakeholders; legislators need to raise awareness regarding H&S and worker welfare, and training and education institutions need to empower workers and professionals with H&S knowledge.

While smoking prevalence among the general Canadian population has declined to 17%, declining rates have not been achieved equitably across all sub-populations (Statistics Canada, 2011). Smoking prevalence is particularly high among blue-collar workers, and individuals employed in the construction industry have the highest smoking prevalence (34%, Conference Board of Canada, 2013). Though studies have attempted to understand these disparities and how to combat them, research is necessary to understand the social contexts in which construction workers smoke. This study sought to understand these contexts by exploring experiences and meaning of smoking. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 construction workers living and working in Southern Ontario. Qualitative inductive analysis was conducted in three phases: (1) simultaneous data gathering and generating nodes, (2) coding and subgroup analysis, and (3) limited theory development. Grounded theory approach to analysis identified six main categories encompassing various subthemes. These included: day-to-day workplace experiences, experience of smoking, reasons for smoking, sociability of smoking, mechanisms associated with continued smoking, and experiences with quitting or cutting back. Sub-group analyses identified differences between participants depending on age, skill level (unskilled worker versus skilled tradesperson), and job sector (residential versus commercial/industrial). Social theories and concepts identified in the literature review were referred to, including the Social Contextual model by Sorensen and colleagues (2004). A potential set of contextual factors and modifying mechanisms that may be impacting construction worker’s tobacco use on or off jobsites are presented. The findings indicate that smoking is a complex issue among construction workers. For many, smoking goes hand-in-hand with working. Smoking is a social experience, and common on worksites. Workers experience various smoking policies on different jobsites. Policies may or may not be followed or enforced. Smoking has different meanings for different workers. However, factors external to the workplace must also be considered (e.g. partner smoking status). Supports that could be offered in workplace contexts include incentives, coverage of quitting aids, and limiting smoking (e.g. smoke-free policy). These findings have implications for policy and practice. Further research, including collaborative intervention development, is necessary to address high and persistent rates of tobacco use among construction workers.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Building (Project Management in Construction). / The issues relating to women in construction exist internationally and, over the years they have been analysed from affirmative action Piper (2002) to cultural beliefs Hopkins & McManus (1998) job satisfaction and development Dabke (2008) and perception and professional acceptance Perreault (1992) & Enshassia (2008). In South Africa, following studies have been analysed, Verway (2005) looked at comparative analysis between SA and USA women entrepreneurs in construction, Mjolo-Mncube (2005) analysed opportunities for women in housing and construction, Mahlobo (2006) looked at challenges faced by women contractors in housing construction. However, not much emphasis has been put around hindrances that shorten the professional working life of female site engineers on construction sites in South Africa. The study adopted qualitative research method. Fifteen female site engineers currently working on construction sites for different construction companies were selected for questionnaires and open ended interview questions. Major findings identified discrimination, construction culture, work-conflict, glass ceiling, under representation of women and impact of cultural beliefs to be the hindrances that shorten the professional working life of female site engineers on construction sites. To retain female site engineers in the construction industry, it is recommended that employers introduce flexible work schedule; introduce mentorship programs and give them the same opportunities as their male counterparts in order to create more diversity in the sector thus increasing creativity and efficiency. Keywords: construction, site, engineers, work-life balance, hindrances, women, culture.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 2007. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 221-227). Also available on the World Wide Web.

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