Title: Knowledge Management integration in Occupational Health and Safety systems in the construction industry

Authors: Mario Fargnoli, Margherita De Minicis, Giulio Di Gravio

Addresses: Department of Rural Development, COSVIR III Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies, via xx Settembre, 20 Rome 00187, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Rome ''La Sapienza'', via Eudossiana, 18 Rome 00187, Italy. ' Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Rome ''La Sapienza'', via Eudossiana, 18 Rome 00187, Italy

Abstract: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is still a critical problem in the construction industry characterised by many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The role of knowledge in improving safety performances has been deeply investigated, suggesting the integration of Knowledge Management (KM) issues in the traditional approach to OHS management systems. On these considerations, a KM tool, specifically designed for SMEs in the construction field, was developed. Its architecture extends the document and content management features allowing users an easy aggregation and capitalisation of information from different sources, facilitating the creation of corporate memory throughout different companies.

Keywords: OHS management systems; KM; knowledge management; knowledge capitalisation; safety culture; construction industry; occupational health and safety; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; corporate memory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2011.042298

International Journal of Product Development, 2011 Vol.14 No.1/2/3/4, pp.165 - 185

Published online: 27 Feb 2015 *

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