published_or_final_version / Surveying / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

This thesis explores variations and shifts in gender roles in housing delivery and the construction. Although presently excluded from construction activities, women have in the past constituted substantial proportions of builders in many countries worldwide. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, women have traditionally been responsible for building house. However, recent studies and reports indicate that women in Botswana and other countries in the region are grossly underrepresented in construction activities. The few women currently employed in the construction industry work mostly as labourers. Boserup and other scholars have attributed the gendered division of labour to economic development, technological changes, patriarchy, capitalism colonialism or modernisation Based on qualitative and quantitative studies undertaken in the township of Lobatse, Botswana, and adopting a pluralistic and holistic approach, I however posit that gender roles and relations are outcomes of negotiation and normalisation processes through which men and women (as individuals or in groups) use their power and positions in society to access and control resources and services. The outcomes and negotiation processes are themselves conditioned by a web of interacting and intersecting historical, social, economic, political and environmental factors. I further argue that in the context of Botswana, traditional gender roles were shaped by prevailing patriarchal ideologies and institutions, the country's fragile environment, subsistence modes of production, and frequent intertribal wars that characterised the region. However, men's takeover of housing and construction activities that emerged during the colonial period was due to the intersection of Western influences, men's temporary migrations to South Africa, commoditisation of labour and the introduction of the market economy. Women's exclusion from the construction industry has since been entrenched through the atrophication of women's traditional building skills caused by widespread preferences for exogenous building materials and Western style houses. Due to lack of non-traditional building skills, women have been forced to work as labourers in the waged construction industry or as unpaid managers, supervisors and caterers in self-help housing. Robbed of their ability to build houses, women have been obliged to negotiate new gender relationships and strategies for accessing and owning houses. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

Construction workers are an important resource in a country where housing is a desperate need and an unaffordable proposition for millions and where housing built by the organized sector serves only a marginal population. Much therefore depends on the workers' know how and skills to produce affordable and quality housing. In a country like India, where traditional home building technology is being fast replaced by building technology from the west, it is essential to know how and to what extent is this change imbibed by these producers of housing---the construction workers. How do people become construction workers? How and where do they learn and train? What are their sources of new technology? What are their systems and conditions of operation? These questions become significant if this resource has to be trained and deployed not only for improving quality of construction but also to actively involve them in the alleviation of the state of technology, diffusion of much needed technology innovations and development of a powerful and effective grass root level resource to upgrade the housing conditions of the country's poor. This dissertation pursues these issues with the aid of a study of skilled construction workers in the Pune region of India. It ends with a conceptual model to help overcome some drawbacks of the present system and points to other related issues that need immediate consideration in the interest of overall development of the home building industry.

A escolha pela Industria da Construção Civil foi devido à sua dinâmica, exibindo diversos ramos dentro de uma obra com muitos funcionários envolvidos, estando muitas vezes expostos ao ruído de máquinas e equipamentos. O ruído é considerado como um dos maiores causadores de afastamento, lesões chegando até a causar as aposentadorias, junto ao INSS. Segundo o Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, o setor da construção civil ocupou 1.048.251 postos de trabalhos diretos em 2003, tendo ocupado 1.118.570 postos de trabalhos em 2004. De acordo com o Ministério da Previdência Social, no ano de 2005, cerca de 492 mil acidentes do trabalho foram registrados no INSS. Comparado com o ano anterior, 2004, o número de acidentes de trabalho registrados aumentou 5,6%, por isso a importância de pesquisas nessa área. De acordo com a NR-9, o ruído é um agente físico, muitas vezes esquecido, passando despercebido nas fases de execução de uma obra, se fazendo necessário, antes do inicio de cada obra, a sua identificação, avaliação e os possíveis controles quando necessário. O ruído é considerado o terceiro maior causador da poluição ambiental, só ficando atrás da poluição das águas e do ar. A perda auditiva é uma patologia 100% evitável, mas uma vez adquirida, é permanente e irreversível. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo, a analise através da dosimetria do nível de pressão sonora, gerado pelos equipamentos: betoneira, serra circular e/ ou manual e guincho(elevador) do ramo da indústria da construção civil. Foi realizada em 5 (cinco) obras de edificações verticais, na fase de acabamento, na Região Metropolitana do Recife (RMR). Os resultados foram satisfatórios, pois nenhum funcionário encontrava-se expostos aos diferentes níveis de pressão sonora (ruídos), gerados pelas máquinas monitoradas: guincho, betoneira e serra circular ou portátil. Apesar de alguns níveis excederem o limite de tolerância (LT) que para a norma é de 85dB (A), com uma dose de exposição de 100% para uma permanência de 8 horas diárias. Apenas 1 dos 14 funcionários, não utilizava o Equipamento de Proteção Individual (EPI), no caso específico em apreço, o protetor auricular, tipo concha ou tipo plug, o que o levou a aproximar-se mais do limite estabelecido pela norma. Foram utilizados 2 (dois) dosímetros de marca Quest, modelos Q-300 e Q-400, aparelhos estes conectados ao corpo do trabalhador. Depois de verificados esses níveis de pressão sonora e a exposição de cada funcionário a tais níveis de ruído, os resultados foram confrontados com a legislação vigente e sugeridas algumas medidas de atenuação, quando julgados necessários / The decision for the building construction industry was due to its dynamics, having diverse areas within a project, many construction workers are involved, and they are exposed to machinery and equipments noise. Machinery noise is the main cause of medical leave and injuries; it can also cause early retirements by the INSS [Brazilian National Institute of Social Security]. According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the civil construction sector held 1,045,251 direct job positions in 2003, and 1,118,570 direct job positions in 2004. The Ministry of Welfare points that in 2005, approximately 492,000 of work related injuries were reported to the INSS. If compared to the previous year of 2004, work related injuries increased 5.6%. The numbers show the importance of a research in that area. According to the NR-9, the noise is a physical agent, and many times do not receive the special attention required, it can go unnoticed during the implementation stages of a project. It is necessary, before the start of each job or project, the identification, evaluation and the correct control of the noise when needed. Noise is considered the third main cause of environmental pollution, only behind of water and air pollution. Hearing loss is a pathology that can be 100% prevented, but once acquired, it becomes permanent and irreversible. This research objective was the analysis by a dosimeter of the sound pressure level generated by the equipments: concrete truck mixer; the circular saw or portable and construction lift of the civil construction sector. The research took place in 5 (five) sites of vertical building projects, during the final stage, in the Metropolitan area of Recife (RMR). The results were satisfactory, as no construction worker was found exposed to the different levels of sound pressure (noise), generated by the machinery being monitored: concrete truck mixer, circular saw or portable and construction lift. Even though some levels exceeded the tolerance limit (LT) which is a standard of 85dB (A), for a 100% exposure in an 8 hours working day. Only 1 out of 14 construction workers was not equipped with the Individual Protection Equipment (EPI). In this particular case, the ear protector (protective type shell or plug type), exposed the worker to the limit set by the standard. Two (2) dosimeters from Quest brand were used in this research; models Q-300 and Q-400. The devices were connected to the body of the worker. After verifying the sound pressure levels and the exposure of each worker to such levels of noise, the results were confronted with the legislation in charge and some mitigation measures were suggested, when deemed necessary, in order to avoid possible damages to the workers health

Esta dissertação analisa o meio ambiente do trabalho no Brasil, dando especial ênfase para o trabalho na construção civil, através da análise de dados oficiais sobre os acidentes de trabalho e as doenças profissionais deste setor, bem como suas principais irregularidades e as formas de combatê-las. Além disso, também é analisada a aplicação dos Princípios de Direito Ambiental na promoção de um meio ambiente de trabalho saudável e adequado no setor da construção civil, bem como é realizado o estudo de um caso concreto. O objetivo geral da presente pesquisa é analisar a evolução do meio ambiente do trabalho no Brasil, à luz das disposições legais e dos princípios de direito ambiental, procurando ressaltar a indissociável relação do meio ambiente de trabalho com a saúde, a segurança e a dignidade do trabalhador. O objetivo específico, consiste em contribuir com a criação de uma nova cultura de prevenção contra os riscos inerentes ao meio ambiente do trabalho na construção civil. Foram utilizados neste estudo os métodos de pesquisa bibliográfica e dedutivo, na análise e na interpretação dos dados coletados. A conclusão do presente estudo é de que o meio ambiente do trabalho na construção civil brasileira é inadequado para garantir a saúde e a segurança do trabalhador brasileiro, por diversos fatores que são analisados na dissertação. Através do presente estudo se pretende despertar sobre a importância do tema, que merece toda a atenção por parte do Estado e da sociedade, pois repercute não só para a vítima e para a sua família, como para toda a sociedade que é responsável pelo custeio social. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2015-09-21T14:09:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Ane Graziela Stahlhöfer Machado.pdf: 942054 bytes, checksum: 346089e1ef9207c1d079958363df310c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-09-21T14:09:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Ane Graziela Stahlhöfer Machado.pdf: 942054 bytes, checksum: 346089e1ef9207c1d079958363df310c (MD5) / This dissertation analyses the labor environment in Brazil, emphasizing particularly the building construction, through official data analysis concerning work accidents and the main professional diseases in this sector, as well as their irregularities and means of addressing them. Besides, the application of Environmental Law Principles is analysed in order to promote a healthy and adequate labor environment within the building construction sector, as a study of a concrete case is performed. The general objective of the present research is analysing the evolution of the labour environment in Brazil in the light of legal provisions and environmental Law, aiming to emphasize the inseparable relationship of labour environment with health, safety and labour dignity. The specific objective consists in contributing with the creation of a new prevention culture against work environment inherent risks within the building construction. In this study, the methods of bibliographical research and deductive were used for the analysis and the interpretation of collected data. The conclusion of the present study points that the work environment within Brazilian building construction is inadequate to ensure health and safety of Brazilian labour due to several factors that are analysed throughout the dissertation. By way of the present study, it is intended to arouse interest about the theme and its importance, which deserves all the attention by State and society once it has effects not only for the victim and his family, but also for the whole society which holds the responsibility for the social costs.

Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008 / The construction industry in South Africa defines a large sector of the economy. The total construction spend in 2002 exceeded R57.5 billion, of which 29.5% came from public sector orders and tenders, 13.6% from public corporations, and 56.9% from the private sector. The size and markets of a construction firm influence its level of professionalism and working practices. Gendering and sexual division of labour are important issues. Presently the construction industry employs a limited number of women at all levels. Additionally there is a low level of participation and representation of women on the committees of the learned societies associated with the industry. The low number of female students majoring in construction management at South African higher education institutions results in a limited number of qualified female construction managers. The consequent gender imbalance suggests a lack of empowerment of women in construction. Historically, job discrimination was institutionalized by law, including job reservation clauses. These laws were abolished following recommendations by the Weihahn Commission of Enquiry in 1979.In South Africa discrimination on the grounds of race and gender constitutes an unfair labour practice. Further, the South African Constitution outlaws discrimination in Section 8.2, but makes provision in Section 8.3 for measures designed to achieve adequate protection and advancement of persons or groups or categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. This study explored the factors enhancing or impending career mobility for women in the South African construction industry, with the aim of investigating the factors influencing the choices of careers in construction by South African women. Relevant literature was comprehensively reviewed. Previous relevant research was studied. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to gather data from multiple samples. Key findings included that women had a role to play in the construction industry and that they could build successful construction careers. However, there were various barriers to entry such as, for example, discrimination against women due to gender bias, the work environment on site and lack of sufficient successful role models. These factors impacted negatively on the choices of careers in construction by South African women.

Thesis (MTech (Human Resource Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-117). / The construction industry is an important player in the economy of South Africa. In spite of the numerous constraints facing the industry in developing countries, it makes significant contributions to economic growth. The construction industry is a challenging place to work (Pillay & Haupt in Hinze, Bohner & Lew, 2008). The diverse industry is, however, associated with high risk environments and employees are exposed to harsh and dangerous situations, e.g. employees have to work with dangerous machines and equipment. The industry stands out from other industries as having the highest worker injury and fatality rates. Every construction worker is likely to be temporarily unfit to work at some time as a result of moderate injuries or health problems after working on a construction site (Shakantu, Haupt & Tookey, 2006; Smallwood, 2004). This study was prompted by the lack of an Employee Assistance Programme for workers in a medium-sized construction company. A non-probability sampling procedure was utilised. In order to investigate and explore the well-being of employees a research questionnaire was developed and presented to a sample of 34 male respondents in the construction company for completion. The empirical results indicated the difficulties that the respondents are experiencing. The results further revealed the need for assistance from the employer to the respondents. It is anticipated that the research will contribute to, firstly, an awareness of problems in the construction industry regarding the well-being of workers, and secondly to develop a model which will positively contribute to the effective development and implementation of an assistance programme for employees in the construction industry.

Esta dissertação analisa o meio ambiente do trabalho no Brasil, dando especial ênfase para o trabalho na construção civil, através da análise de dados oficiais sobre os acidentes de trabalho e as doenças profissionais deste setor, bem como suas principais irregularidades e as formas de combatê-las. Além disso, também é analisada a aplicação dos Princípios de Direito Ambiental na promoção de um meio ambiente de trabalho saudável e adequado no setor da construção civil, bem como é realizado o estudo de um caso concreto. O objetivo geral da presente pesquisa é analisar a evolução do meio ambiente do trabalho no Brasil, à luz das disposições legais e dos princípios de direito ambiental, procurando ressaltar a indissociável relação do meio ambiente de trabalho com a saúde, a segurança e a dignidade do trabalhador. O objetivo específico, consiste em contribuir com a criação de uma nova cultura de prevenção contra os riscos inerentes ao meio ambiente do trabalho na construção civil. Foram utilizados neste estudo os métodos de pesquisa bibliográfica e dedutivo, na análise e na interpretação dos dados coletados. A conclusão do presente estudo é de que o meio ambiente do trabalho na construção civil brasileira é inadequado para garantir a saúde e a segurança do trabalhador brasileiro, por diversos fatores que são analisados na dissertação. Através do presente estudo se pretende despertar sobre a importância do tema, que merece toda a atenção por parte do Estado e da sociedade, pois repercute não só para a vítima e para a sua família, como para toda a sociedade que é responsável pelo custeio social. / This dissertation analyses the labor environment in Brazil, emphasizing particularly the building construction, through official data analysis concerning work accidents and the main professional diseases in this sector, as well as their irregularities and means of addressing them. Besides, the application of Environmental Law Principles is analysed in order to promote a healthy and adequate labor environment within the building construction sector, as a study of a concrete case is performed. The general objective of the present research is analysing the evolution of the labour environment in Brazil in the light of legal provisions and environmental Law, aiming to emphasize the inseparable relationship of labour environment with health, safety and labour dignity. The specific objective consists in contributing with the creation of a new prevention culture against work environment inherent risks within the building construction. In this study, the methods of bibliographical research and deductive were used for the analysis and the interpretation of collected data. The conclusion of the present study points that the work environment within Brazilian building construction is inadequate to ensure health and safety of Brazilian labour due to several factors that are analysed throughout the dissertation. By way of the present study, it is intended to arouse interest about the theme and its importance, which deserves all the attention by State and society once it has effects not only for the victim and his family, but also for the whole society which holds the responsibility for the social costs.

Construction productivity is an interesting phenomenon which was an initial study into time and motion. However this remains a vital part of the construction industry today as it takes into consideration cost-savings, a precise timeous delivery of projects and the correct usage of materials. This phenomenon itself is a huge challenge to many companies in South Africa. The construction industry in South Africa is seen as a tool to alleviate the increasing unemployment and poverty levels. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has made statements to decrease the unemployment rate and due to these promises, the imposition of the use of local unskilled labour from the local communities has become the norm on the majority of construction projects. This formed the basis of the Expanded Public Works Programme. This initiative has indeed shown a huge success but the programme lacks long-term support. The majority of these workers are taken on short-term projects and thereafter the workers are returned to the unemployment pool. The workers are also aware of the short-term projects and therefore there is a lack of motivation which inevitably affects the productivity on any construction site. This study looks at the challenges faced by contractor's in the Eastern Cape and analyses the effects of the use of unskilled labour from the local community. Questionnaires were completed as a measurement instrument to determine the motivation, leadership style and the communication levels among the unskilled, core and the managers on construction projects. The productivity achievements of the unskilled labour and the core labour will be measured and compared and the findings are discussed.

Bibliography: leaves 158-162.