Briefing: A framework for integrating health, safety and well-being into labour-only procurement

The attributes of a successful project are well-documented in the literature, including the roles of health and safety in procurement. However, integrating health and safety strategies into a labour-only procurement system (LoPS) has remained a challenge in practice and has received only a little attention in research. This study proposes measurable strategies for integrating health, safety and well-being (HS&W) into LoPS, towards improving productivity and project outcomes. The study emphasises that HS&W will improve in LoPS projects relative to contractors’ self-regulation of their HS&W culture. In addition, HS&W benefits LoPS when project stakeholders collaborate seamlessly and deploy integrated tools that support HS&W. This also includes optimising shared decision protocols involving project owners and contractors regarding materials and subcontractor selection, whereby HS&W is a critical decision parameter. Through the framework proposed in this study, stakeholders and future studies should be able to improve their understanding of the cost of HS&W and the social benefits of LoPS, particularly to developing economies around the world.