1. CONSTRUCTION SAFETY THROUGH HOUSEKEEPING: THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT
Emmanuel Aboagye-Nimo
Fidelis Emuze
Mohame Linake
Lejone Seboka

2. Overview
Housekeeping is crucial in the prevention of accidents and injuries on site
Poor housekeeping was found to have contributed to almost half of accidents that occurred in Great Britain
Good housekeeping is symptomatic of a positive safety culture
See Emuze et al (2016) for detailed discussions on housekeeping

3. Hawthorne studies/effect
The study was set up to investigate the relationship between illumination and productivity. Between 1927 and 1933
There was increase in performance of inspecting parts, assembling relays or winding coils
In pharmacology, the Hawthorne effect is often compared with the 'placebo effect’

4. Research aim
This paper aimed to explore the behavioural changes that occurred during a research project which investigated housekeeping practices using the Hawthorne Effect.

5. Research methods
Multiple case study approach
Maseru, Lesotho
Non-participant observations followed by semi-structured interviews
This paper does not focus on subsequent interviews and analysis of that data.
Using Hawthorne Effect to analyse the collected data

6. Findings from initial research
•Lack of adequate storage facilities
•Workers' toolboxes 'littered' on site, unattended creating trip hazards
•'Overcrowding' of workers due to lack of adequate working space
•Dangerous locations of electric cables and water pipes leading to trip hazards

8. Analysis of data Attack of conscience?
Data collectors were research students
Teachable moment? Heroes, Father figures
Most workers on site were experienced
On-the-job learning
Can we benefit from the Hawthorne Effect?

9. Conclusion
Similar to the Hawthorne studies, the research project was not initiated to study the observed behavioural change
The changes could have been negative or positive
The site operatives may have ‘tidied up’ to teach the observers
Experienced workers are known to play father- figure roles on site and as such tend to teach less experienced workers how to stay safe at work
Future work: action research using the methods of this study

10. Thank you