Opposing influences on construction plant and machinery health and safety innovations

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims 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 of health and safety (H&S) performance. Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative meta-analysis of data distributed among a sample of published research in the field, and it uses inductive reasoning based on informal, qualitative and interpretative analysis. Findings Nearly all PMH&S innovations (positive influences) originate from original equipment manufacturers 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/value 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).