The Correlation Between Safety Practices in Construction and Occupational Health (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Since the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 there has been a push for 'safe and healthful' working conditions in the workplace (OSHA, 2009). Significant advances have taken place in the construction and industrial fields in the area of occupational safety. The term 'safety culture' has even emerged for the emphasis on safety that is taking place within many companies. Creating a safety culture is the process of implementing programs within a company with a safety officer and/or committee with regular meetings and training sessions. Often, daily safety meetings or briefings take place to ensure there is a focus on safe work practices. Companies recognize the need for a total commitment to safety so much so that safety has become part of the strategic planning for many construction companies (Goetsch, 2003 page 34). There are reputable statistics and data to show that the rate of workplace accidents leading to injury and death has decreased due to these efforts. Even with the dramatic improvements in safety there are still a large number of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry each year (Farooqui, 2008). Perhaps safety programs, or the safety culture need to incorporate a wider scope for their health and safety programs. The effort on safety seems to have left very little concern and resources for the health aspect referred to as occupational health and safety. The OSHA regulations and enforcement within the construction industry have more to do with safe work practices, equipment and procedures, and very little to do with maintaining health among company personnel.