Risk Management Strategies for Employee Health and Safety During Urgent Infrastructure Projects in the South African Energy Sector
Thembinkosi Mbolekwa, Dr Mohlomi Raliile and Prof. Theo C Haupt
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64755/JMHL9471
Keywords: Construction, Energy, Health and Safety, Risk Management, Urgent Infrastructure Projects
ABSTRACT
Risk management (RM) in urgent infrastructure projects in the South African energy sector/company is paramount, as operational failures have far-reaching consequences on employees. Such projects must be undertaken rapidly to respond to challenges associated with equipment failures, maintenance needs, or external factors that threaten essential services. However, the lack of effective RM strategies during these projects resulted in accidents and fatalities. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to identify existing gaps within current frameworks and propose actionable strategies that promote employees’ health and safety (H&S) and project RM in the energy sector. Using a quantitative research approach, the research gathered numerical data on incidents, H&S practices, and employee perceptions regarding H&S through surveys and analysis of internal reports on accidents and H&S protocol adherence during urgent projects. The findings revealed that the South African energy company’s RM practices are important during urgent infrastructure projects. While strengths in training, physical H&S protocols, and risk reporting are evident, the gaps remain in addressing specific risk awareness, psychological H&S, and inter-departmental communication. This study is important as it addresses a gap in the existing literature, where prior studies related to H&S practices in infrastructure projects have overlooked the specific challenges related to urgent infrastructure projects.
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