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A study of the causes and effects of contractors' non-compliance with the

health and safety regulations in the South African construction industry

Article in Architectural Engineering and Design Management · August 2012

DOI: 10.1080/17452007.2012.683242

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A study of the causes and effects of

contractors' non-compliance with the
health and safety regulations in the
South African construction industry
a
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman
a
Architectural Engineering Department, The British University in
Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt

Version of record first published: 11 May 2012

To cite this article: Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman (2012): A study of the causes and effects
of contractors' non-compliance with the health and safety regulations in the South African
construction industry, Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 8:3, 180-191

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 ARTICLE

A study of the causes and effects of

contractors’ non-compliance with the
health and safety regulations in the
South African construction industry
Downloaded by [British University in Egypt], [Ayman Othman] at 04:34 09 July 2012

Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman*

Architectural Engineering Department, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt

Abstract
Construction is a dangerous and risky industry. This could be attributed to the nature of its activities and the high
resultant accident rates. The Health and Safety (H&S) Act, specifically the Construction Regulations, are stated to
eliminate the potential hazards during the design and construction phases and to reduce the consequential risks
thereof. However, the importance of the construction regulations seems to be overlooked in South Africa.
Accordingly, the number of accidents and fatalities witnessed has been rapidly increasing. This article aims to
investigate the causes of contractors’ non-compliance with the H&S procedures and the subsequent effects of
such non-compliance on the construction project as well as the country’s socioeconomy. A research
methodology is designed to achieve this aim. Firstly, literature is used to review the H&S Act, policies used to
promote and ensure compliance within sites, hazard and prevention methods, and management systems for
safe construction. Secondly, survey questionnaires are used to define the causes and effects of non-
compliance with H&S procedures from the industry perspective and determine practices on site. Finally,
interviews are conducted with the relevant professionals to assess the practicality of their plans and
investigate their view towards eliminating contractor’s non-compliance with H&S procedures.

B Keywords – Accidents; contractors; construction regulations; health and safety act; non-compliance; South Africa

INTRODUCTION distractions. Alternatively, some accidents are

The construction industry is a very accident-prone attributed to senior management because of its
business as the resulting accidents can have dire ignorance, lack of training and poor communication
consequences. Incidents that commonly occur on (Laney, 1982). In case some misfortune occurs
site include falling from heights, cutting off of limbs standard protocol needs to be implemented
due to mishandling of heavy equipment, objects immediately. Every incident needs to be first
falling from height, electric shocks from cables, reported to a member of the management or the
personnel being affected by demolition works, safety officer. If it is a person injured, it is considered
caving in of excavations, and those related to to be an injury on duty, a medical examination is
cranage and heavy-lifting machinery (Hughes & done to assess the severity and thereafter the
Ferrett, 2005). On the one hand, workers are person is compensated for. If there is damage to
deemed to be the cause of site accidents due to plant and equipment, the site manager assesses the
their fatigue, lack of discipline, carelessness and damage and the matter is then reported to senior

B *Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT B 2012 B VOLUME 8 B 180–191

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 A study of the causes and effects of contractors’ non-compliance with the health and safety regulations in the South African construction industry 181

management where it is assessed. Based on the assessment and fall protection plan which are
cause of the incident, a hearing may be held after pertinent to the research study, the roles of
investigating the incident and addressing the issue contractor, subcontractor and H&S officer, falls and
thereafter (IRCA, 2003). Mthalane, Othman, and fall protection, management systems for safe
Pearl (2008) and Smallwood (1997) stated that site construction, H&S training as well as causes and
accidents, occupational diseases, and fatalities and effects of non-compliance with H&S regulations by
injuries do not only affect the person directly contractors. Sources of literature comprised books,
involved, but also have an economic and social journals, government reports, H&S reports, South
impact on the construction firm and the affected African legislations, dissertations, theses, seminars
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families. In addition, they increase project risks and conference proceedings.

which ultimately increase the cost of construction, 2 To gain insights from the industry, survey
damage to the environment, non-conformance to questionnaires are used to define the causes and
quality standards and scheduled overruns. While effects of non-compliance with H&S procedures
health and safety (H&S) are the responsibility of and determining practices on construction sites.
everyone involved in the building process (Davies & The questionnaire sample was selected from the
Tomasin, 1990), construction companies have to be list of 120 building contractors registered within the
aware that they are responsible for managing and Master Builders Association (MBA, 2009) at the
improving issues related to H&S on construction KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. The sample
sites. This is because construction, to a large extent, calculator (The Survey System, 2009) was used to
is a labour-intensive industry and depends on the establish a representative sample size to be used to
availability and wellbeing of workers to complete arrive at a well substantiated conclusion. A
current and future projects (Haupt, 2003; Massyn, confidence level of 95%, when combined with a
Steenkamp, & Smallwood, 2005). Client organization, population of 120 contracting companies yielded a
design and construction professionals are uniquely suitable sample size of 40 participants. The sample
positioned to integrate H&S into all aspects of the was further split into three types of enterprises (15
design and construction process (Smallwood, 1997). small, 10 medium and 15 large participants).
It is also apparent that adequate allowance for H&S Sections A and B of the questionnaire, which mainly
during tendering/bidding has been a controversial focus on clauses 6(6); 7(1,4) and 8(2) of the Act
issue as some contractors feel that if they make a were completed by H&S officers and contractors
provision for H&S they may run the risk of losing the respectively. The survey questionnaire uses a
tender/bid to a contractor who has not allowed for qualitative approach to gather the opinions of those
H&S (Smallwood & Haupt, 2005). Because of the partaking in the survey and is a quantitative means
importance to improve the performance of the H&S of obtaining data when the responses are tallied
practice in the South African construction industry; and thereafter analysed.
this article aims to investigate the causes and 3 Structured interviews are developed to assess the
effects of non-compliance with the H&S regulations practicality of the H&S plans and investigate the
by contractors in South Africa. interviewees view towards eliminating contractor’s
non-compliance with H&S procedures. Interviews
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND were conducted with two H&S officers and three
SAMPLING H&S representatives from the construction industry
In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, a based on their extensive knowledge in this
research methodology consisting of literature review, particular field of the study. These interviews were
survey questionnaires and structured interviews is conducted in person and the data were recorded
developed to accomplish three objectives: using a Dictaphone which enabled careful analysis
of the information gained at a later stage without
1 Literature review is used to investigate the H&S Act missing any important facts that could have gone
85 of 1993 and clauses of supervision, risk unheard.

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 182 A.A.E. OTHMAN

LITERATURE REVIEW RISK ASSESSMENT

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE H&S ACT 85 OF Clause (7.1) stresses the importance of the contractor’s
1993 cooperation into allowing the risk assessment
The Occupational H&S Act 85 of 1993 summarizes the performance done by a competent individual prior to
Act as any commencement of work so as to identify the
potential risk associated with the construction work.
This is done to ensure that all relevant risks
to provide for the H&S of persons at work and for
associated with the work are documented and form
the H&S of persons in connection with the use of
an integral part of the H&S plan used on that
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plant and machinery; the protection of persons

particular site and that a clear approach as to how
other than persons at work against hazards to
the risks and hazards found will be monitored and
H&S arising out of or in connection with the
mitigated as the case maybe to ensure that the sites
activities of persons at work; to establish an
are kept accident and injury free. The clause
advisory council for occupational H&S; and to
discusses one of the crucial requirements to be met
provide for matters connected therewith.
by the contractor prior to starting any construction
(Occupational H&S Act and Regulations, 2006).
work because the implementation of the H&S plan
depends a lot upon the findings of risk assessment
This document encapsulates all the H&S regulations for included in the H&S plan and the standards set by the
good practice in the workplace. An ideal project contractor to be achieved at the end of the project.
constitutes a hundred percent performance on time, Some of the requirements include:
cost and quality with zero injuries or disease to
employees (Davies & Tomasin, 1990).
l doing the risk investigation and identification
The H&S Act ensures that fundamental standards
appropriate to the site;
are adhered to and used to monitor the performance
l do an analysis of the risks found;
of companies and factories that employ persons for
l a documented plan to reduce, monitor or control
production. This act does provide companies and all
the risks and hazards found;
the stakeholders involved in the foregoing working
l a monitoring plan;
places with the fundamental principles to be
l a review plan.
achieved on site by contractors and thus every
company is expected to have the H&S plan
implemented for the protection of workers against Clause (7.4) emphasizes the important requirements
hazards and potential risk of injuries and accidents which the contractor needs to comply with. This
even though law enforcement has been the subject requires that the contractor disseminates information
of debate of late due to the ever-increasing number pertaining to the risks and hazards to all his employees
of work related injuries and accidents (Smallwood, including employees under his control. The contractor
Haupt, & Shakantu, 2009). is further required to ensure that all employees under
his control are trained and instructed by a competent
CLAUSES PERTINENT TO THE STUDY person regarding appropriate hazards and all the
SUPERVISION work-related procedures prior to commencement of
Clause 6(6) requires the contractor to upon any work. This makes sure that all employees know
consideration of the size of the project and the likely what to expect and how to carry out work to ensure
hazards and risks related thereto appoint a full or that such risk and hazards are mitigated. In summary,
part-time safety officer whose duty shall be to assist this clause seeks to ensure that the contractor knows
in ensuring that the safety regulations are adhered to his obligations owing to his employees with regard to
and in case a question arises as to whether the H&S and that the contractor shall ensure that all his
safety officer is needed or not, the matter shall be employees are kept abreast of the potential hazards at
referred to the inspector whose decision shall be final. any stage in the construction process.

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 A study of the causes and effects of contractors’ non-compliance with the health and safety regulations in the South African construction industry 183

FALL PROTECTION PLAN l Stop any work by a contractor which is not in

Clause (8.2) requires a contractor to conduct and accordance with the H&S plan.
incorporate the risk assessment to the fall protection l Provide the contractor with sufficient H&S
plan of all elevated work to ensure that all risks information and appropriate resources when
associated with working on elevated locations are changes are made to design or construction.
identified and dealt with. The clause further states l Ensure that every contractor is registered with a
that the contractor should ensure: compensation fund or a licensed insurer.
l Ensure that provision has been made by all
l that a mitigating, reducing or controlling factor is contractors in their tenders for the cost of H&S.
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put in place to deal with all relevant hazards that are l Discuss and negotiate contents of the H&S plan
attributable to working under those elevated with the contractor.
positions; l Ensure a copy of the H&S plan is made readily
l the plan incorporates the process of assessing the available.
physical and physiological fitness of all employees l Ensure that an H&S file is opened and kept on site
working in elevated positions; and is readily available.
l all the records and programmes of training the l To hand over a consolidated H&S file to the client
employees are included in the preparation of the upon completion of the work.
fall protection plan; l Make available an updated list of all contractors on
l relevant procedures for inspection, testing and site accountable to the main contractor as well as
maintenance of all fall protection equipment are the type of agreement between parties and the
incorporated in the fall protection plan work being done.
(Occupational H&S Act and Regulations, 2006). l Ensure that the contractor to be appointed has the
necessary competencies and resources.

THE ROLES OF CONTRACTOR,

SUB-CONTRACTOR AND HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTRACTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
OFFICER FOLLOWING (OCCUPATIONAL H&S ACT AND
Construction regulations put into place by the Minister of REGULATIONS, 2006)
Labour govern the actions and responsibilities of all those l Ensure that the contractor to be appointed has the
present on construction sites in South Africa. Contractors necessary competencies and resources.
and safety officers are needed to address issues of l Shall co-operate with the principal contractor in

H&S according to this schedule in the execution of accordance with the Act.
their duties. The management is legally required by law l Provide the principal contractor with any information

to enforce H&S regulations to ensure that the workers which might affect the H&S of any person or which
are not injured (Geminiani & Smallwood, 2008). might justify a review of the H&S plan.

The duties and responsibilities of safety officers are not

MAIN CONTRACTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR specified in the H&S Act. However Levitt and Samelson
THE FOLLOWING IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR (1994) recognized the safety officers’ basic goal as
DUTIES (OCCUPATIONAL H&S ACT AND encouraging management to adopt effective ways
REGULATIONS, 2006) to keep the workforce safe and healthy as they carry
l Provide all contractors appointed with relevant out their daily activities. Safety officers merely advise,
sections of the H&S specifications. guide, monitor and support the decisions made
l Appoint each contractor in writing. by top management with regard to site safety as
l Ensure that each contractor implements and safety on the construction site is not the
maintains the H&S plan and that periodic audits are responsibility of safety professionals’ but that of the
done at least once a month. site managers, superintendents and foremen.

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 184 A.A.E. OTHMAN

ACTIVITIES EXECUTED BY SAFETY cranes, hoists), and so on, which are specific to this
PROFESSIONALS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE type of industry (López-Valcárcel, 2001). The most
ABOVE-MENTIONED GOAL INCLUDE (LEVITT & common accidents that occur as identified by Davies
SAMELSON, 1994) and Tomasin (1990) are: falls, stepping or striking
l Introduction of H&S considerations into planning at against objects, lifting and carrying, machinery,
all stages of the project construction cycle. electricity, transport and fires and explosions.
l Working with all levels from top management to
labourers to ensure that everyone is in agreement TYPES OF FALL ACCIDENTS
and will adhere to the H&S plan. Many authors agree that falls are by far the main cause
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l Development of orientation and training of incidents. This includes people falling from heights
programmes. (roofs, scaffolds, working platforms, ladders and floor
l Encouragement of people at all levels to participate openings), people falling on the same level and plant
in appropriate training courses. and material falling and striking them, as well
l Advising on record-keeping systems for use by as people falling into open trenches and shafts
management by which supervisors can be held (Davies & Tomasin, 1990; Ghule, 2008; Holt, 2001;
accountable for H&S. Occupational Safety and Health Series, 1979; Sa,
l Monitor themselves or help those responsible 2005). Ghule (2008) indicated that the majority of the
monitor the insurance claims and reserves. falls in the construction industry occur from roofs,
l Assist in monitoring of H&S performance through with ladders ranking second and scaffolds third.
job inspections, work procedure analysis,
near-miss, accident and injury record analyses, FALL-RELATED DEATHS AND INJURIES
safe behaviour observation and other methods According to the ILO, as stated in Construction H&S in
adopted on that specific site. South Africa-Status and Recommendations (2009),
l Keeping their organizations updated on ‘one in every six work-related fatal accidents occur
H&S matters as well as new management on a construction site’. Davies and Tomasin (1990)
methods for integration of H&S into total job comment that each year 70– 80% of all fatalities and
performance. 35– 40% of all injuries are attributable to the amount
l Working together with other safety professionals of falls that occur on construction sites. It is
to develop cooperative industry-wide programmes shocking to realize that of these falls, a considerable
and materials. number of persons are killed by falling from only
small heights (Occupational S&H Series, 1979).
Legislation states that a safety officer should be Federated Employers’ Mutual Assurance Company
appointed at the early design stage where his/her Limited (FEMA) (as cited in Construction H&S in
significant input could be used to improve and refine South Africa-Status and Recommendations, 2009)
the scheme design (Section 6, clause 6). stated that the second highest number of claims
were for injuries caused by fall onto different levels.
FALLS AND FALL PROTECTION Also, the FEMA recognized falls on to different levels
The construction industry generates a as the third highest cause of fatalities in the
disproportionate number of fatalities, injuries and construction industry. This gives a clear indication
disease relative to any other industry in South Africa. that falls occurring on construction sites significantly
These occur as a result of accidents due to the ever contribute to these appalling statistics in the South
present hazards on construction sites (Smallwood, African industry.
2004). This is because construction work involves
numerous occupational risks, such as work at CAUSES OF FALL INCIDENTS
heights (use of scaffolding, gangways and ladders, Labourers are prompted to make the right decision to
work on roofs), excavation work (use of explosives, use their Health and Safety (PPE) at all times but this is
earthmoving machines), lifting of materials (use of not heeded. They forget, decide not to wear it, or do

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 A study of the causes and effects of contractors’ non-compliance with the health and safety regulations in the South African construction industry 185

not use or wear it correctly. They view PPE as METHODS USED TO PROMOTE AND ENSURE
uncomfortable and unnecessary due to the expected COMPLIANCE
short exposure time. Furthermore, it decreases their Although it cannot be quantified, it can be inferred that
productivity as the equipment is sometimes the construction regulations have had a positive
restrictive and tends to get in the way. This may impact on reducing H&S accidents (Smallwood et al.,
prove detrimental if they slip, trip and fall from their 2009). Contractors and safety officers in the like
high working position (Holt, 2001; Sa, 2005). should adopt and implement the regulations stated
In a study of the causes of accidents on in the legislation to effectively eradicate the
construction sites by Abdul Hamid, Abd Majid, and occurrence of fatalities and injuries on their sites.
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Singh (2008), it was found that the following were The following methods are some of the ways in
the dominating cause of accidents: which contractors and safety officers can further
enhance their control procedures (IRCA, 2003):
l workers’ negligence;
l failure to obey work procedures as well as incorrect l risk Assessments for activity – site specific;
work procedures; l method statement;
l nature of work being performed (work at heights); l safe working procedure;
l equipment without safety devices; l H&S inductions before proceeding to site;
l poor site management; l toolbox talks;
l lack of workers’ knowledge and skills; l encourage participation of safety strategies.
l negative attitude of workers;
l failure to use their PPE.
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR SAFE
FALL PROTECTION CONSTRUCTION
The following fall protection systems are proposed by RISK MANAGEMENT
the ILO in Occupational Safety and Health Series ‘Risk Management is considered to be a relatively
(1979): “new” technology that exists within the framework

Safety harness A safety harness includes all PPE that is used to ensure the safety of persons working at heights who are in danger of
falling during their work. It includes safety belts with lifelines, retaining belts, safety ropes, protective appliances and rope
unwinders
Catch nets Catch nets, like safety harnesses, are an effective means of protection of persons against falls in building operations.
They are used in the building of halls, houses, factories, chimneys and towers. The catch has advantages over the
protective scaffold as they are more elastic thus reducing the possibility of injury
Scaffolds A general requirement is that scaffold floors 2m above the ground, and openings in them, should be fenced with two-rail
railings and toe boards to prevent fall of persons, materials, tools etc.
Roof Workers on roofs should always be equipped with a safety belt and life line that serves to secure them and prevent them
from falling off the roof. A man should always be on standby to render aid if necessary, even if the work is for a short
duration.
Opening and Openings in floors are sometimes covered by a piece of ply or metal sheet and this is said to be a common cause of
edges fatalities as people fall into the void when these covers are accidentally moved. All holes shall be properly secured,
protected and covered and fastened so that the cover cannot be easily moved. Demarcations and warning signs can be
used to clearly indicate the dangers present (Holt, 2001). Solid guardrails shall be installed where falls of 2 m or more
could occur instead of using fall protection. These protect the labourers working near the edges from falling over.
Protection against objects falling from levels above should also be provided. Barriers using sheeting below guardrails
down to floor level is an effective means of protection. Insisting that workers tie and secure their tools and equipment to
them physically, using a lanyard is a useful technique

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 186 A.A.E. OTHMAN

of any business operation; however it is actually as old TABLE 1 Causes of non-compliance with the H&S regulations
as time’. Quality management is a vital component of by contractors
risk management and all four components become an NO. CAUSE REFERENCE
important business management tool. This is 1 Loss of concentration of Holt (2001)
commonly known as SHEQ/QESH management worker
(IRCA, 2003). At most large enterprises the following 2 Refusal to wear PPE by worker
Management systems are in place: ISO 9001 3 Workers’ belief that PPE is
[Quality Management Systems], ISO 1400 unnecessary
[Environmental Management Systems] and 4 Incorrect use of PPE
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Regulations. Together these form a formidable trio 5 Old equipment and PPE Sa (2005)
that are used to prevent incidents from happening. 6 Failure to obey work procedures Abdul Hamid et al.
7 Nature of the work(work at high (2008)
H&S TRAINING elevation)
H&S training is a very important aspect of the H&S 8 Equipment without safety devices
programme and it is also a legal requirement 9 Poor site management
according to Act 85 of the 1993 H&S regulations for 10 Harsh work environment
employers to provide such training. Training is 11 Low level of workers knowledge and
required for employees at various levels during skills
different stages of their careers or the project life 12 Attitude of labour
cycle depending on the nature of the job that they 13 Excessive noise
will be undertaking. Training is required on 14 Poor illumination
recruitment, at induction or on being exposed to new 15 Lack of proper training Ghule (2008)
or increased risks on site. Additional training may be 16 Deficient enforcement of
required following a single or series of near misses, safety
the introduction of new legislation, the issuing of an 17 Unsafe methods or sequencing of
enforcement notice or as a result of a risk activities
assessment or safety audit (Hughes & Ferrett, 2005). 18 Lack of use of standardized safety Sa, Seo and Choi
There are several different types of training, these devices (2009)
include induction training, job specific training, 19 Work situation Kitumbo and Kirenga
supervisory and management training and specialist 19.1 Human error (2001)
training. Risk assessment, fall protection plan 19.2 Technical failure
training and supervision training are all legal 19.3 Inadequate information
requirements and fall within the scope of the 19.4 Personal deviation from safe
aforementioned types of training. practices
From the above, it is apparent that training is a vital 19.5 Disturbance in material flow
aspect of any H&S programme. It is important to note 20 Environment
that such programmes need to be constantly 20.1 Intercepting of parallel
reviewed, updated and the methods to deliver training activities
monitored in order to ensure that they are effective. 20.2 Bad housekeeping
20.3 Disturbance from the
CAUSES OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE environment
H&S REGULATIONS BY CONTRACTORS 21 Safety system includes:
CAUSES DERIVED FROM THE LITERATURE 21.1 Failure of active/passive
REVIEW safety system
The literature review identified the causes of 21.2 Inadequate guarding
non-compliance with H&S regulations by contractors 21.3 Insufficient PPE
as follows (see Table 1).

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 A study of the causes and effects of contractors’ non-compliance with the health and safety regulations in the South African construction industry 187

CAUSES DERIVED FROM THE FIELD STUDY EFFECTS OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE
Figures 1 and 2 represent the results of the survey H&S REGULATIONS BY CONTRACTORS
questionnaires completed by contractors and H&S EFFECTS DERIVED FROM THE LITERATURE
officers with regard to the types of site accidents REVIEW
and causes of non-compliance with the H&S The literature review revealed the following as the
construction regulations in KwaZulu-Natal. effects of non-compliance with H&S regulations by
Analysis of the interviews carried out with H&S contractors (see Table 2).
officers and H&S representatives revealed that the Smallwood and Haupt (2006) agreed that accidents
main reasons for non-conformance with H&S can marginalize the project team’s efforts at achieving
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regulations on sites included a lack of commitment the project deliverables on time and within budget
by management, poor leadership by safety officers due to the direct and indirect costs associated with
and lack of awareness by management and clients accidents. It can also lead to substantial bad publicity,
of the importance of optimum H&S practices. which may tarnish the name of the client and strain
Supervisors lacked the enforcement of H&S relations among project stakeholders.
procedures such as ensuring correct use of PPE at
all times. The poor choice of sub-contractors also EFFECTS DERIVED FROM THE FIELD STUDY
has a negative H&S impact as they are appointed Figure 3 shows the results of the survey
without their company policies being scrutinized. questionnaires completed by contractors and H&S

FIGURE 1 Responses of the types of accidents on construction sites

FIGURE 2 Responses of the causes of non-compliance with H&S regulations

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 188 A.A.E. OTHMAN

TABLE 2 Causes of non-compliance with the H&S regulations officers with regard to the effects of non-compliance
by contractors to the H&S construction regulations in KwaZulu-Natal:
NO. EFFECTS REFERENCE On interview basis with the relevant professionals,
1 Direct costs it is found that some irrecoverable costs exist. These
1.1 Physical injury/fatality to Abdul Hamid et al. may not be a proven cost or be quantifiable;
persons (2008) however time may reveal that these unaccounted
1.2 Damage to property costs could prove significant. On analysis of the
1.3 Workmen’s’ compensation Smallwood (2002), interviews, it has been noted that the Department of
1.4 Liability insurance premiums Levitt and Samelson Labour (DoL) is at times complacent with regard to
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1.5 The lowered moral of (1994) the carrying out of thorough site inspections.
supervisors and workers
1.6 Attractiveness to client as a RESEARCH FINDINGS AND
result of perceived holistic RECOMMENDATIONS
quality FINDINGS DERIVED FROM LITERATURE
1.7 Socio-economic loss to REVIEW
families of the deceased/ l The H&S Act states that all companies must comply
injured with the fundamental principles relating to the
1.8 Money paid annually to Geminiani and implementation of the H&S plan and this must be
victims of work related Smallwood (2008) adhered to at all times.
accidents l The contractors are responsible for the supervision
1.9 Public liability insurances of their employees to ensure their safety with
2 Indirect costs borne by contractors Smallwood and regard to their working environment and
2.1 Reduced productivity by the Haupt (2006) procedures. In addition, risk assessment must be
returned worker/(s) & the conducted to identify all the hazards present on
workforce site and thereafter the findings must be
2.2 Clean up costs incorporated into the H&S plan to be implemented.
2.3 Replacement costs lost Similarly, the contractor is also responsible for the
worker preparation of a fall protection plan to which all fall
2.4 Costs of delays related matters can be traced and compared.
2.5 Costs of supervision l The most common accidents that occur on
2.6 Time lost construction sites are falls, stepping or striking
2.7 Costs related to against objects, mishandling of machinery, injury
rescheduling caused by earthmoving vehicles, fires and
2.8 Costs of transportation for explosions. The main cause of these accidents is
injured party negligence on the part of the labourers. They either
2.9 Wages paid for unproductive do not use their PPE because they view it as
injured party uncomfortable and impractical or they do not utilize
2.10 Damage to and loss of Smallwood (1995) their PPE in the correct manner.
materials, plant and l Contractors and safety officers should adopt and
equipment implement appropriate methods such as risk
2.11 Damage to the environment assessment, safe working procedures and H&S
2.12 Human suffering by the induction if they wish to effectively eradicate the
injured and his/her family occurrence of incidents and fatalities on
2.13 Uninsured cost which are construction sites.
invariably included in the l An accident reaction system, training of both
contractors’ cost structure employers and employees and the correct use of
PPE is imperative in the development of an

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 A study of the causes and effects of contractors’ non-compliance with the health and safety regulations in the South African construction industry 189
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FIGURE 3 Responses of the effects of non-compliance with the H&S

regulations

effective H&S plan to achieve a safe working management disregards safety aspects. Deadlines
environment and excellent H&S performance. and productivity take priority over implementation
l The costs of accidents are not tracked by of proper safety procedures at all times and
contractors and as a result this amount exceeds supervisors fail to train their employees and make
expectations by the end of the project. The direct sure they fully understand the risks present on site.
and indirect costs associated with accidents are Analysis of the survey questionnaires revealed that
compensation insurance for employees, the most crucial effects of site accidents on a
damage to materials, plant and equipment, project are: 14% due to repair of damages and
damage to the environment, loss of productivity replacement of injured parties, 11% due to
and bad publicity. insurance, compensation to affected parties, loss
of productivity during accident, loss of productivity
by injured party and professional fees for medical
FINDINGS DERIVED FROM THE FIELD STUDY care.
l On a scale of 5, respondents to the questionnaires
ranked the causes of accidents as: electric shocks
(3.39 out of 5), cutting off of limbs (3.18 out of 5), RECOMMENDATIONS
falls from heights (2.82 out of 5), other was specified Health and Safety is one of the greatest challenges
as minor cuts and bruises (2.72 out of 5) and that face the South African construction industry.
stepping or striking against objects (2.6 out of 5). Although a number of acts and regulations are in
l Respondents to the questionnaires stated that the place, the number of site incidents have increased
causes of non-compliance to H&S regulations are: over the years. Through literature review, survey
48% due to negligence and carelessness of questionnaires and interviews, the research identified
labourers, 24% due to labourers not wearing their the different causes and effects of non-compliance to
PPE and fall protection equipment, 15% due to the H&S regulation in construction sites. The research
unskilled labour who have not been educated on recommendations are directed to construction firms
safe procedures to be adopted and 13% due to and the government as follows:
lack of supervision.
l Results of the interviews showed that the main RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONSTRUCTION
cause of non-adherence to H&S regulations on FIRMS
construction sites lies with the top management. It l Construction firms should make it their goal to
is due to their double standards that the educate and increase the awareness of their labour

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT

 190 A.A.E. OTHMAN

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