Abstract:

The study investigated the association between occupational health and safety policies and practices (OHSPPs) and occupational health and safety (OHS) performance in the construction industry in Botswana. The study aimed to establish the association between OHSPP components of the OHS in the quantitative phase. The study data was collected from employees of construction industry companies based in Gaborone. This study used a simple random sampling method to select respondents within the selected companies, while a sample of SHE officers was purposively selected for the qualitative phase. The results demonstrated a positive association between most OHSPPs and OHS performance. Results of correlation tests indicate that for OHS performance enhancement is achieved, interventions should focus first on PPE practices followed by audit and OHS training activities. This can then be followed by OHS leadership principles. The overall results show that the mere availability of OHS policy in a construction industry without implementation does not affect OHS performance, nor does compensation improve OHS performance since this will be an after-the-fact event, hence the need for a comprehensive approach to meet the OHS needs of complex construction industries.

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