Opposing influences on construction plant and machinery health and safety innovations

Abstract

Purpose: To: consider opposing influences on workplace plant and machinery health and safety (PMH&S) innovations; highlight examples of these to model PMH&S innovations’ effectiveness at the workplace; develop guidance for improvement of same and, for construction health and safety (H&S) performance. Methodology: Qualitative meta-analysis, of data distributed among a sample of published research in the field. Inductive reasoning based on informal, qualitative, interpretive analysis. Findings: Nearly all PMH&S innovations (positive influences) originate from original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and specialist companies throughout the supply chain. Negative influences that can counter these potential H&S benefits result mainly from human (in)action(s) at the workplace. These are classified (and analysed) in terms of ‘error’, ‘indifference’ and ‘lack of training’. ‘Tolerant’ H&S management is another negative influence found among these classifications. Originality: The study draws from a targeted meta-sample of research in the field, a model of positive and negative influences on PMH&S innovations that emphasises workers’ (in)action(s). Classification: Research paper