Awareness Levels of Small-Scale Contractors Regarding the Provision of Welfare Facilities on Construction Sites in Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Welfare facilities on construction sites are critical to ensure workers' health, safety, and well-being. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on the awareness level of welfare facilities provisions, especially those focusing on small-scale contractors (G1-G3) in Sarawak. Hence, this study explores small-scale contractors' awareness levels regarding welfare facilities in Sarawak, Malaysia. To address this issue, the researchers employed a thorough quantitative research methodology with cross-sectional descriptive analysis, delivering a well-organized questionnaire survey primarily to small-scale contractors in Sarawak. The respondents with convenience sampling were chosen from the contractor registry of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), specifically from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A total of 27 questionnaires were handed out, and 283 replies were gathered. The data collected from a survey utilizing a 5-point Likert Scale were analyzed using Excel and SPSS software. The research findings show that small-scale contractors are highly aware of toilet facilities, washing facilities, changing rooms and lockers, and rest facilities. Nevertheless, they are moderately aware of the drinking water based on the mean score. Therefore, the report proposes enhanced regulatory enforcement and the establishment of focused training initiatives to enhance contractors' understanding and compliance with welfare standards, particularly with the provision of drinking water. These findings are essential for improving occupational health and safety protocols within the construction industry in Sarawak.