Alex Acheampong
Exploring the multidimensional challenges in integrating Design for Safety (DfS) in the Ghanaian construction industry
Acheampong, Alex; Adjei, Elvis Konadu; Adade-Boateng, Anita Odame; Kissi, Ernest; Manu, Patrick; Atibila, David Wireko
Authors
Elvis Konadu Adjei
Anita Odame Adade-Boateng
Ernest Kissi
Patrick Manu Patrick.Manu@uwe.ac.uk
Professor of Innovative Construction and Project Management
David Wireko Atibila
Abstract
Purpose: The uptake of Design for Safety (DfS) practices in developing countries like Ghana has been limited. This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the barriers across regulatory, organizational, cultural and educational dimensions that restrict DfS assimilation in the Ghanaian construction sector. Identifying the key impediments can inform policy initiatives and industry efforts to facilitate safer construction. Design/methodology/approach: A postpositive philosophy underpinned the quantitative research. Multi-stage research was used. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was designed and given to six industry experts to assess clarity, relevance and effectiveness after a thorough literature review. In all, 164 professionals were reached to take part in the study using purposive sampling and consequently snowballing. “Variables” were ranked using mean score ranking and normalization techniques; exploratory factor analysis was then used to group variables into clusters. Findings: Emergent findings revealed four distinct clusters of challenges; Design Process and Communication Challenges; Regulatory and Expertise Limitations; Planning and Education Constraints; and Attitudinal and Perception Barriers. These findings help identify targeted solutions to overcome barriers including developing robust regulatory frameworks, promoting collaboration among stakeholders and cultivating a positive safety culture. Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the integration of DfS in the context of the developing construction industry in Ghana. This study expands the knowledge base to drive further research in enhancing construction safety in developing countries. Practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges are proposed.
Citation
Acheampong, A., Adjei, E. K., Adade-Boateng, A. O., Kissi, E., Manu, P., & Atibila, D. W. (in press). Exploring the multidimensional challenges in integrating Design for Safety (DfS) in the Ghanaian construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, https://doi.org/10.1108/jedt-11-2023-0481
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Acceptance Date | Apr 13, 2024 |
Online Publication Date | May 17, 2024 |
Deposit Date | May 20, 2024 |
Publicly Available Date | Jun 18, 2024 |
Journal | Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology |
Print ISSN | 1726-0531 |
Electronic ISSN | 1726-0531 |
Publisher | Emerald |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/jedt-11-2023-0481 |
Public URL | https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12003066 |
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Exploring the multidimensional challenges in integrating Design for Safety (DfS) in the Ghanaian construction industry
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This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please visit Marketplace
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