Program > Friday > 15:15 > Session 7. Échange des connaissances en SST

Paper: Marching to a different drummer: the role of the networks in knowledge transfer in the construction sector
Author(s) and Affiliation(s):
Niki Carlan University of Waterloo
Desre Kramer, Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders,
Enzo Garritano, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
Philip Bigelow, University of Waterloo
Peter Vi, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
Richard Wells, Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Marek Plawinski, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association.
Session : 7. Échange des connaissances en SST
Day/Time: Friday at 15:15
Room: Ballroom, 2nd Floor
Objectives:

Our research is aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disabilities (MSDs) in the construction sector. We have identified 15 innovations that have the potential to reduce MSDs and we are exploring techniques to transfer knowledge about these tools, processes and messages. Because the construction sector is nonlinear in its structure, it requires creative approaches to knowledge transfer. This component of the research is focused on identifying networks which will be the future audiences for knowledge transfer.

Methods:

After receiving ethics approval, we visited worksites to identify innovations, consulted health and safety specialists and scoured trade magazines. We identified 16 companies that used 20 innovations. The innovations were evaluated by measuring work forces, vibration and muscular exertion using electromyography. We determined 15 innovations had the potential to reduce MSDs. Our previous research taught us that there are multiple paths of communication operating in the sector. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 managers to determine how they learned about innovations. We used a snowball technique and contacted 10 more people, who could adopt innovations. These interviews were conducted in-person or by phone and lasted between half and one-and-a-half hours. The majority of the interviews were taped and transcribed. When taping was not possible, the interviewers took detailed notes. Members of the research team reviewed all the data and agreed upon themes that addressed the structure of the networks.

Results:

We identified a series of complex networks operating in the construction sector. These networks include designers, trade associations, unions, health and safety committees, committees and groups organized by the CSAO, project networks where multiple companies come together, associations of unionized and non-unionized workers, apprenticeship programs, and financial committees which manage pension/benefit trust funds. Each network is structured differently and some have the potential to channel information that can improve health and safety. Four networks have a direct bearing on health and safety: the worksite/project network; the union network; the apprenticeship network; and the Construction Safety Association Ontario network.

Conclusions:

Construction is a fluid sector, which includes existing networks as communication paths. These networks, including worksite networks offer top-down and bottom-up knowledge transfer. The union network offers a potential for knowledge transfer, which has to be developed. Finally in the GTA, the government sponsored Construction Safety Association (Ontario) has played an important role as a secretariat providing the resources for labour and management to come together, providing technical training for workers and managers; and providing a forum for problem solving. Successful knowledge transfer will recognize that significant social networks exist and they can facilitate the introduction of innovations.

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