OHS Professional Development and Accreditation in Developing World

Abstract

Historically, the lack of a defined body of knowledge was identified as inhibiting development of OHS professional, the quality of OHS advice and recognition of the profession. The development of a certification process for OHS professionals is inhibited by lack of agreement on the required knowledge. Personal capability is an important factor influencing individual performance. The objective of this study is to develop a capability framework for OHS professionals and investigate the attributes and tasks contributing to their capability to achieve greater safety performance. Method: In this study, 116 participants (116 OHS professionals) completed self-administered questionnaires. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed that the capability framework for OHS professionals comprised four levels. It clarifies the roles and required attributes and tasks together with the challenges experienced along the way. It further explores a process for development of capability of OHS professional by suggesting a curriculum that will help establish and guide training programmes in each competence for safety professionals as a way to help them better carry out their tasks and hence manage safety in construction works. Impact on industry: This study discusses possible reasons for the influence of the attributes and tasks and explains how the results can contribute to the development of safety capabilities and curricula.