The Role of Contracting Enterprises in Health and Safety Performance in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Abstract

Abstract The health and safety of construction industry employees are often compromised by the contracting companies that employ them. This paper uses multivariate analysis to identify and classify the contracting enterprise-related factors that influence health and safety performance in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study commenced with observation of the industry’s practices and literature review. This resulted in the identification of 23 factors that were modified and developed into a questionnaire to suit the study’s purpose. A total of 635 participants were obtained through a simple random sampling method from an all-inclusive population of professionals. The questionnaires were administered to subjects both in hardcopy and electronic formats. In the case of the electronic form, Google Forms were used. Providing a safe working environment, adequate welfare facilities, safe plants and systems of work, and developing a comprehensive occupational safety and health policy, plan, and implementation are key to improving health and safety. The findings of the study suggest that robust contracting enterprise welfare responsibilities (CWR), management and leadership commitments (MLC), and clearly defined safety performance roles (SPR) are the primary drivers that directly enhance health and safety outcomes in construction environments. Based on the paper’s conclusions, it is recommended that companies adopt standardised health and safety best practices for accident reporting and demonstrate a measurable commitment to safety review activities to foster employee confidence. Furthermore, contracting enterprises (CEs) should provide adequate welfare facilities to enhance employee satisfaction and prioritise the development of occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and plans as a strategic business objective.