Study on the Effects of Foremen on Safety in Construction.

摘要

Safety is a major concern in the construction industry. Accidents receive particular attention since injuries have a direct impact on the cost of insurance. Management of a construction company plays a key role in establishing the attitude towards safety. The foreman on a construction project represents the first line of supervision, a link between the work crew and upper management. The foreman has the distinction of being part of management and labor. As a journeyman craftsman, the foreman is part of the 'hands-on' labor. However, the foreman is also part of management. It is this dual role which makes the foreman the key person on the job in matters concerning production and more importantly safety. Additional responsibilities include the indoctrination and training of apprentices and new hires. Foreman differ in their styles of managing their crews. The differences may be the result of prior training, 'imprinting' resulting from work done under other foreman or even deliberate attempts on the part of a foreman to set a particular tone on the job. Although these styles vary considerably, little is known about how such practices influence safety performance.