Unveiling Key Determinants of Organizational Welfare and Health (OSH) Implementation in the Philippine Construction Industry: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Approach

Abstract

Enhancing the safety, health and well-being of construction workers is a central challenge that faces the Philippine Construction Industry which has one of among highest accident rates in Southeast Asia as reported by the (PSA 2023). This study uses Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to the data of the surveys on 320 construction workers in Caraga, Philippines for identifying significant factors affecting OSH implementation. The EFA identified four factors: (1) Organizational Commitment to Welfare and Health, (2) Competence of People Implementing Welfare, (3) Effective Communication and Reporting for Welfare, and (optionally) (4) External Pressures and Company Characteristics. Internal variables, like active promotion of welfare standards, robust welfare guidelines, and employee participation, emerged as the most important for effective OSH implementation. These findings align with previous research on the importance of a strong welfare culture [1]. Technical challenges like inconsistent adherence to welfare protocols and insufficient training resources is also revealed in this study [2]. By addressing these factors, construction companies can significantly enhance their OSH systems and create a safer work environment for their workforce.