A framework for improving the performance of health and safety officers in the construction industry

The appointment of construction health and safety officers (CHSOs) is a requirement of the South African Construction Regulations. However, several studies have indicated that the performance of CHSOs can be improved. The aim of this study was to evolve a framework for improving CHSOs' performance. A self-administered questionnaire distributed to 196 members of a national H&S association resulted in 69 responses, and a net response rate of 38.8%, The salient findings include the CHSOs in general are above average in terms of the core competencies, and combined knowledge and skills areas, however, there is potential for improvement. The proposed framework includes predictors of performance in the form of the core competencies, combined knowledge and skills areas, professional registration, and professional association, and enablers of performance in the form of H&S should be afforded status at least equal to that afforded to the other project parameters and be integrated into the construction process and activities, and CHSOs should be an integral part of site management and included in decision making.