Citation

Flannery J, Ajayi SO, Oyegoke AS. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-16.

Affiliation

School of Built Environment and Engineering , Leeds Beckett University , United Kingdom , Email: A.Oyegoke@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2019.1601376

PMID

30935301

Abstract

The study investigates the factors contributing to the menace of Alcohol and Substance Misuse (ASM) in the construction industry, and its mitigation. Sequential exploratory mixed method design, involving interview and questionnaire were used for collecting data that were subsequently analysed using thematic analysis, factor analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test.

FINDINGS suggest that the problem of ASM is largely caused and exacerbated by mental strain, site working conditions, male dominance and ineffective HR management. Screening and educational approaches were confirmed as the carrot and stick methods for mitigating the menace in the construction industry. The finding implies that by making construction companies more accountable for the wellbeing of their workers, a change could be brought in the industry. These changes could be incentivised by initiatives like PREVENT to mitigate the crisis currently endemic in construction. The study suggests some practical measures for tackling the menace of ASM that is bedevilling the construction.

Language: en

Keywords

Alcohol; Construction Industry; Mental Health; Occupational Safety; Substance Misuse