Evaluating the health and safety practices of construction small and medium-sized enterprise leaders

The construction industry is a high-risk industry and a top-five contributor to non-fatal injuries in the UK. The industry is dependent on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and reportable accidents are most often attributable to the SME sector. This study focuses on the role of the leader (Owners/Directors) of SMEs in improving health and safety performance. An initial study with six construction health and safety experts was undertaken before qualitative semi-structured interviews with thirty-two Owners/Directors of Construction SMEs. These interviews evaluate the experience and perceptions of the construction leader’s practices through a '4P', Qualitative analysis. Focusing on the leader’s characteristics revealed that leaders tend to seek similar positive attitudes and behaviours within followers. It was also found that Leaders consistently try to positively change the follower’s understanding and behaviour, sometimes overlooking negative behaviour due to pressures from the main contractor to comply with the programme of work.