Client-led promotion of health and safety through the procurement process on public construction projects in developing countries. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boadu, Elijah Frimpong; Sunindijo, Riza Yosia; Wang, Cynthia Changxin; Frimpong, Samuel
• Is Part Of: Safety science. Volume 147(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Health and safety -- Public clients -- Procurement process -- Construction industry -- Developing countries; Industrial accidents -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Travail -- Accidents -- Périodiques; 363.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2021.105605
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-7535

Abstract

Highlights: Framework for promoting health and safety in the construction procurement process. Intergrating health and safety into construction procurement. Procurement decisions, practices and actions which promote construction health and safety. Client's approach to considering health and safety in construction procuement. Abstract: Public clients are increasingly expected to integrate health and safety (H&S) matters into their procurement decisions and practices to promote H&S on their projects. However, there is limited guidance on how clients, particularly those in developing countries, can promote H&S matters through the procurement of public projects. This study proposes a framework that provides clients with practical guidance on how to promote construction H&S in the procurement of public projects. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 public clients and contractors who have extensive experience in the procurement process for public projects. Data was subjected to both deductive and inductive thematic analysis. It was found that H&S can be promoted within the various stages of the construction procurement process by implementing key management actions, such as setting and communicating clear H&S objectives and targets, appointing competent designers, providing for H&S in project estimates, assigning adequate weight to H&S criterion, selecting competent contractors, ensuring adequate H&S provisions in contract, collecting periodic reports on H&S from contractors, among others. This study contributes to the broader research on construction H&S improvement in developing countries by providing a framework which could serve as a practical guidance material for promoting H&S in public procurement.