Sustainability learning for improved safe work environments for construction semi-skilled workers in Zimbabwe

Purpose Despite “decent work” being pertinent, as situated in the International Labour Organisation's “Decent Work Agenda”, one of its substantive elements on the need for safe work environments remains a concern for semi-skilled construction workers. Evidently, sustainability learning objectives within this element must be identified and implemented as a remedy. Therefore, the aim of the reported study was to reveal sustainability learning objectives that are significant towards attaining safe work environments, through also assessing statistically significant differences due to demographic variables. Design/methodology/approach The design of this research followed a quantitative questionnaire survey strategy to obtain insights from semi-skilled workers and site/project managers in Zimbabwe. Findings Knowledge of relevant prevention strategies to foster positive physical and mental well-being in the workplace was considered the most critical sustainability learning objective. Semi-skilled workers revealed the most interest in objectives that affected their socio-economic beings while site/project managers preferred those that had more economic value to the organisations they work for. Educational levels are also critical when instituting any training interventions. Research limitations/implications The absence of a database for semi-skilled workers was a limitation towards achieving the practical significance of the findings. Due to semi-skilled workers significantly contributing to unsafe work environments, structured on-the-job training schemes that are sufficiently planned, monitored and controlled are recommended. Originality/value The determination of sustainability learning objectives for construction semi-skilled workers, through on-the-job training schemes, will contribute to the improvement of safe work environments.