A framework for managing contextual influence on health and safety in construction projects

This study examines the construction environment in developing countries towards developing a conceptual framework for managing contextual influence on health and safety (H&S) in construction projects. This is on the grounds that the solution to the challenging state of H&S in developing countries depends on understanding the internal and external environment that construction contractors operate in. While the contextual environments of construction contractors in developing countries continue to receive little attention, according to literature review; the little attention does not proffer process-based solutions for companies. In filling the above gap, an existing framework in literature is modified, demonstrating how contextual influence on H&S can be managed in construction activities. This framework will enable organisations to identify the contextual factors (CFs) that will impact on H&S and rank the perceived impact, degree of dynamism, influenceability, producing the outcome of calculated level of awareness for proportionate attention. While identifying the CFs could significantly challenge the use of the tool, the level of awareness it creates puts the organisation that adopts it at the forefront of H&S management.