An Occupational Health and Safety Performance Management Framework for Small-Scale Contractors in Developing Countries

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance management for small-scale contractors in developing countries, particularly in the construction industry. It highlights the critical role of OH&S in reducing workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities while improving productivity and competitive advantage. By addressing the unique challenges faced by small-scale contractors, such as limited access to resources and poor implementation of OH&S practices, the book aims to bridge the gap in knowledge and practice in these regions.

The author team conceptualises a framework specifically designed for small-scale contractors to measure, benchmark, and improve their OH&S performance. It examines the current state of OH&S in developing countries, identifies key issues, and provides actionable strategies to enhance safety and health management. The framework is presented as a practical tool for contractors, organisations, and regulatory bodies to adopt and implement, ensuring long-term benefits such as reduced incidents and improved operational efficiency. Additionally, the book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, offering theoretical insights into OH&S performance management and its application in small-scale contracting firms.

This book is intended for a diverse audience, including small-scale contractors, policymakers, health and safety regulators, project managers, and stakeholders in the construction industry. It is particularly beneficial for those in developing economies seeking to improve OH&S practices and performance. Researchers and academics will also find the book useful as a foundation for further studies in OH&S management, while organisations can use the framework as a guide to enhance safety standards and compliance.

Mwewa Mambwe is an accomplished real estate and infrastructure management professional with multidisciplinary experience spanning real estate management, project and construction management, occupational health and safety, land administration, and infrastructure development. She holds a PhD in Construction Management from the University of Johannesburg, a Master of Engineering in Project Management from the University of Zambia, a BSc in Real Estate, and a Diploma in Land Surveying from the Copperbelt University. Dr Mambwe's research interests primarily focus on construction health, safety, wellness, and environment, particularly regarding small-scale contractors in Zambia. Her scholarly work explores occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance management frameworks, organisational safety culture, and employee well-being factors. She also focuses on real estate and asset management, risk management, and the influence of infrastructure projects on property values.

Erastus Mishengu Mwanaumo is a professor of Infrastructure Construction Management and Economics in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Zambia, and Director of Research and Development at the University of Zambia and has served as acting Director of Research and Development since 2023. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), a Fellow of the Engineers Institute of Zambia (FEIZ), a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveying (FZIQS), a Member of the Institute of Directors Zambia (IoDZ), the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA), and the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (DRBF), and a Professional Registered Construction Project Manager with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). Professor Mwanaumo has practical industry experience in multi-million dollar (US) construction projects and contract management, project management, advisory services as well as working as a health and safety practitioner. He consults with multilateral and international development partners.

Wellington Didibhuku Thwala is a professor of Construction Project Management and Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa. His research interests include project management, construction management, construction health and safety, engineering design management, economic and social infrastructure delivery, and business competitive intelligence. He offers research support and advice on construction-related issues to the Construction Industry in South Africa and the government. Prof Thwala has extensive experience in providing consultancy for project leadership and management of construction projects and in teaching project management subjects at the post-graduate level. He has extensive industry experience with a research focus on sustainable construction, leadership, and project management. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation. He also serves as an editorial board member of various reputable international journals.

Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa is a professor at the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Before joining academia, he was involved as a quantity surveyor on several infrastructural projects, both in Nigeria and South Africa. Professor Aigbavboa is the immediate past Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has extensive knowledge in practice, research, training, and teaching. He is currently the Director of the Construction Industry Development Board Centre of Excellence and the Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre at the University of Johannesburg. He is also the author of seven research books that were published with Springer Nature and CRC Press. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation (accredited by the DoHET) and has received national and international recognition in his field of research. He is rated by the South African National Research Foundation.

Sampa Chisumbe is a construction professional with varied practical work, academic, and research experience in urban housing, construction engineering, construction management, as well as occupational health and safety. Chisumbe is a lecturer at the Copperbelt University, Zambia, in the School of Built Environment. He obtained his BSc in Construction Management in 2014 from the Copperbelt University, Zambia. In 2017, he graduated with a Master of Engineering degree in Construction Management from the University of Zambia. Thereafter, he obtained his PhD in Construction Management from the University of Johannesburg in 2022. He is a guest associate editor within the section Modeling and Optimization for Decision Support in Frontiers in Sustainability. Dr Chisumbe is also a researcher at the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment under the CIDB Centre of Excellence, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has conducted research in a number of areas, some of which include urban housing development, digital construction, construction health safety and welfare, procurement, construction productivity, and circular economy.