Study of the Influence of Training in Occupational Safety and Health in the Human Factors of the Construction Sector

Abstract

In the international context, the issue of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Civil Construction sector is still a problem related to a lack of safety culture, lack of resources and means, short implementation times, lack of effective supervision, the lack of basic or sectoral training of some actors in this industry, among other causes. Construction accidents cause many human tragedies, discourage workers, interrupt the construction process, adversely affect the costs, productivity and reputation of this industry and slow down the progress of society (Integrating Safety and Health Performance into Construction, 1997). Portugal is one of the countries of the European Union that has one of the highest labor loss rates, with a higher incidence in the Civil Construction sector. The importance of this sector to the Portuguese economy is very well known, since it is a direct source of employment of workers. Its activity moves several sectors, upstream and downstream of its production chain, which is why it is considered one of the driving forces of the national economy, not only because of its specific weight in wealth creation but also in employment, taking into account the Its obvious multiplier effect, and is therefore a fundamental activity for the growth of the economy. This is a sector with a low-skilled workforce, presenting a great precariousness and job instability, offering low salaries and demanding high levels of income. It is also characterized by a large and constant displacement of personnel from site to site, who are also required a frequent change of place and job within each work. It also requires a great deal of versatility on the part of workers in that it has a huge diversity of activities and professions. Therefore it is urgent to change this paradigm, in favor of occupational safety and prevention.