Causes and impact of work related stress amongst construction health and safety managers

Rogers, Gregory; Manu, Patrick; Mahamadu, A.-M.; Dzieko?ski, Krzysztof

Abstract

Work related stress (WRS) is a contributor to absence from work by workers in the construction industry. Whilst there has been research into WRS in the construction sector, there has been limited empirical research focussing on WRS amongst construction health and safety managers. This study therefore investigates the causes and impacts of work related stress amongst construction health and safety managers (CHSMs). A qualitative research strategy was used involving 8 semi-structured interviews with construction health and safety managers in the UK. Analysis of the data revealed the main causes of work related stress amongst CHSMs to include: travelling/commuting; long working hours; public speaking/presentations; the occurrence of an accident (e.g. fatality); too much paperwork; and work overload. Additionally, the main impacts of WRS include: impact on work performance; drinking alcohol; smoking; sleeplessness; impact on decision making; and impact on family. Whilst the findings, reflect issues of WRS similar to those reported in previous WRS studies in the construction industry, aspects also seem more prominent or pertinent to the role of the CHSM, particularly long commuting period as CHSMs often tend not to be based at a single site. Overall, the findings offer insights that could be useful to construction health and safety professionals as well as their employers, occupational safety and health professional bodies, and relevant industry stakeholders in providing appropriate WRS support for CHSMs and other professionals in the industry.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 22nd International Conference on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate
• Start Date: Nov 20, 2017
• End Date: Nov 23, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Nov 20, 2017
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Dec 19, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1126-1133
• ISBN: 9780648074243
• Keywords: occupational safety and health, occupational safety and health managers, work related stress
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/903173
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : CRIOCM 2017 22nd International Conference on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate (CRIOCM)
• Contract Date: Dec 19, 2017