An Investigation into Worker Consultation Engagement Approaches

摘要

Interaction and collaboration between management and the workforce has been well documented as a superior option for improvement of business performance when compared with the classical autocratic approach to management. This rationale can be easily extended to encompass the management of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) as well as the performance thereof. Despite this not enough construction employers properly involve and consult their workers on health and safety. This paper reports on a 12 month, Contract Research Report on behalf of the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The aim of the study was to research the practice of worker engagement in the management of construction health and safety. The primary hypothesis to be tested is: "Operative engagement in health and safety management has a direct and positive impact on health and safety performance". This was tested through a series of case study, intervention strategies, using various approaches to worker engagement. Initial findings show that informal verbal communication aids two-way flows of information, formal H&S training impacts on depth of issues discussed and, in general, worker perceptions improve if issues are seen to be dealt with. Lack of commitment from either management or workers have impacted on the success of the interventions. Further findings are expected when performance criteria are reviewed. One further approach is also still to be concluded. A final report will be completed for HSE by the end of May 2006.