Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of research on the level of health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire survey was conducted on construction projects to establish the level of awareness and implementation of construction H&S. Physical observations were also conducted on construction sites in order to relate questionnaire responses to what actually obtained on construction sites. The study was limited to Gaborone and the immediate surrounding areas. Findings: Findings from the research reveal that the level of H&S awareness is low, H&S legislation is not complied with, the management of contractors is not committed to H&S implementation, there is a lack of H&S management systems, procedures, and protocol, and clients and designers do not participate in the implementation of H&S. Originality/value: The importance of construction H&S has been recognised by various researchers. This paper provides an insight on the level of awareness and implementation of H&S in Botswana's construction industry and should be viewed in the context of an effort to improve H&S.