Abstract

MOYO, Livington  and  SMALLWOOD, John. H&S factors linked to absenteeism in small and medium-sized contractors. JCMAN [online]. 2024, vol.21, n.1, pp.298-323. ISSN 1815-7440.  https://doi.org/10.35683/jcman1065.257.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The construction industry is characterised by high rates of accidents linked to workplace absenteeism. Absenteeism disrupts project timelines, leads to breaches of contractual agreements, increased labour costs, and hinders overall productivity. While absenteeism among construction workers is a well-documented concern, there is a need for a more nuanced understanding of specific health and safety (H) factors that contribute to absenteeism among small and medium-sized contractors. Hence, this research seeks to assess the relationship between H factors and absenteeism among small and medium-sized contractors in the Johannesburg metropolitan area. The research aims to influence the adoption of management practices that can assist contractors in mitigating absenteeism through enhanced H performance in the construction industry. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This study used a cross-sectional design to determine a correlation between H factors and absenteeism among construction workers employed by small and medium contractors. A simple random sampling technique was used to select research participants, to give each construction worker an equal opportunity to participate in this study, and to minimise biased representation. Epi Info^TM 7.2 statistical software for epidemiology was used to determine the sample size. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire over a period of three months. The questionnaire and the informed consent forms were translated orally to research participants with a low level of literacy. The data was analysed using the IBM SPSS^TM Statistics version 26. The data was presented and analysed using data frequency distributions, contingency tables, and t-tests of Independence. FINDINGS: The research findings indicate varying degrees of intercorrelation between various independent variables and absenteeism, a dependent variable measured by Cramér's V. However, such relationships were found to be generally weak to moderate in strength. A medium practical significance was observed between workplace stress causes and absenteeism, implying that increased workplace stress led to a noticeable but not overwhelming increase in absenteeism. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: Understanding H factors linked to absenteeism among contractors should influence the adoption of strategies to manage absenteeism through enhanced H performance in the construction industry. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Research findings can be used to assess the impact of absenteeism on productivity, quality of work, and contractor reputation. Furthermore, they can be used to enhance H consciousness among construction workers, contractors, and other relevant stakeholders. H consciousness is vital in creating a healthy and safe workplace and improving construction workers' wellbeing, linked to decreased absenteeism among contractors. JEL CLASSIFICATION: J28

Keywords : Absenteeism; construction; construction workers; exposure; health and safety.

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