Improving H&S by Limiting Transport Externalities in South Africa

Winston M. Shakantu1 & Fidelis A. Emuze2

1Professor, Department of Construction Management, PO Box 77000 Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa Tel: (041) 504 2394 Fax: (041) 504 2345 E-mail: [email protected]
2Research Associate, Built Environment Research Centre, PO Box 77000 Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa Tel: (041) 504 2399 Fax: (041) 504 2345 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The paper reviews construction transport externalities and their effect on construction workers and public health and safety (H&S) and the contribution of reverse logistics to the reduction of these externalities. Qualitative approach in the form of “content analysis” led to the primary data that were generated through the study. The findings suggest that H&S issues relating to construction transport externalities have largely been ignored. This represents a huge omission as the effects of transport externality are a major cause of H&S concerns, which apart from affecting construction workers, also affect the general public. It can be argued that these findings, which may lead to injuries and accidents, work against lean construction philosophy. The safeguarding of H&S and welfare of construction workers has been a central theme for most H&S research. In particular, much of the literature and guidance on construction H&S has been directed towards reducing the number of accidents on the job and job related physical ailments.

Keywords

Construction, Health and Safety (H&S), Construction Traffic, Transport Externalities, South Africa

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Reference

Shakantu, W. M. & Emuze, F. A. 2012. Improving H&S by Limiting Transport Externalities in South Africa, 20th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

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