The effects of unsatisfactory working conditions on productivity in the construction industry

The construction industry has been experiencing chronic problems such as poor health and safety (H&S), inferior working conditions, and non-achievement of quality, which have had an adverse effect on construction productivity, overall performance, and image. A descriptive survey was conducted among medium to large general contractor (GC) members of the East Cape Master Builders Association (ECMBA). The salient findings include: construction workers are exposed to excessive noise levels; material shortages affect productivity more than other related factors; the non-achievement of quality negatively affects the image of the construction industry more than other factors; construction worker morale and satisfaction is substantially affected by inadequate supervision; the quality of life of construction workers is rated between poor to near poor, and working conditions on construction sites are rated as poor to average. It can be concluded that unsatisfactory working conditions negatively affect productivity in the construction industry. Furthermore, the image of the construction industry is tarnished. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.