Can higher education and the fairness, inclusion and respect agenda help achieve safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work in construction?

Ani Raiden, Craig Thomson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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Abstract

Construction employment numbers are expanding, yet the industry continues to experience growing demand for workers. This is a considerable challenge given that it is skilled people: carpenters, joiners, and construction managers, that are in highest demand. Attracting and retaining diverse talent is one key requirement of the industry skills plan in the UK, and the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) set up task groups to investigate different routes into construction and how national and local organisations could work together across the industry. Fairness, inclusion and respect (FIR) were some of the central themes in the body of work, with a view that inclusive construction sites not only help meet the demand for increasing number of workers by keeping talent in the industry and attracting new entrants; inclusive sites also facilitate the development of a healthy working environment. Research identifies the image of the industry, gender, ethnicity, and disability as of specific concern in the context of construction and the built environment. These issues intersect in complex ways to create an environment that is not attractive to new entrants generally and especially those from underrepresented groups. FIR is an important aspect of ensuring the ILO/ UN declaration about safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work can be met. Thus, one CLC task group set to investigate how Higher Education (HE) providers attract a diverse and inclusive student body so as to enhance the long-term development of the workforce. This paper discusses the long-standing, high-level commitment to the principles of FIR within HE admissions, together with recommendations on developing the experience and learning on FIR so that graduates from construction courses are well equipped to enhancing the work environment in the future.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDigital Transformation of Health and Safety in Construction (CIBW099W123): Book of Proceedings
EditorsEmuze Fidelis, Fred Sherratt, Alfredo Soeiro
PublisherCIB
Pages491-500
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9789727523092
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jun 2023
EventCIB W099 & W123 Annual International Conference - University of Porto, FEUP, Porto, Portugal
Duration: 21 Jun 202322 Jun 2023
https://paginas.fe.up.pt/~cibw099w123/ (Link to conference website)

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)None

Conference

ConferenceCIB W099 & W123 Annual International Conference
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityPorto
Period21/06/2322/06/23
OtherDigital Transformation of Health and Safety in Construction
Internet address

Keywords

  • healthy work environment
  • diversity
  • fairness
  • inclusion
  • respect

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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