Total Safety Management: A Strategy for Improving Organisational Performance in Chosen Construction Companies in Nigeria
Dr. M.O. Agwu, MNIM, MNISP

Abstract
The paper discusses total safety management (TSM) as a strategy for improving organisational performance (reduced accident/incident rate, improved safety practices, enhanced productivity and increased profitability) in chosen construction companies in Nigeria.TSM is a performance-oriented approach that integrates all aspects of construction safety (intention, behavior, culture and process) to achieve a safe work environment that is consistent with peak performance and continuous improvement. The objective of this research is to ascertain the extent of implementation and influence on better organisational performance (reduced accident/ incident rate, improved safety practices, enhanced productivity and increased profitability) of total safety management in the six chosen construction companies. Thus, the research question addressed the extent of implementation and influence of total safety management on better organisational performance in the six chosen construction companies. This research is based on Ken Wilber’s Integral Safety Model which views construction safety from the perspective of the construction worker as an entity consisting of four inter-dependent and complementary dimensions (intention, behavior, culture and process).It assumes that implementation of TS Mintegrates these four dimensions of construction safety into a strategic tool for better organizational performance. The research concludes that implementation of total safety management at the organisational level in construction companies in Nigeria will improve organizational performance. The research therefore recommends among others:team building, attitudinal, behavioral and structural modifications in construction safety management as a means of sustaining the gains of total safety management in the Nigerian construction industry.

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