Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(2), 45-52, 2024
https://doi.org/10.62574/rmpi.v4i2.136
45
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and
safety in construction
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y
seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
viviana.salgado.65@est.ucacue.edu.ec
Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8977-0356
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
jorge.torres@ucacue.edu.ec
Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7979-4303
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
mreinoso@ucacue.edu.ec
Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8250-5288
ABSTRACT
The research aims to determine the relationship between corporate social responsibility and
occupational health and safety in construction. In terms of the study population, a purposive
sampling was chosen involving three construction companies located in the Ecuadorian
Amazon region, in the provinces of Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe, with the
participation of 58 workers belonging to different labour categories, such as engineers, masters,
bricklayers, journeymen and welders. The correlation with the other variables is low (0.099 with
Support to vulnerable workers, 0.049 with Effective communication). Moderate correlations
stand out between support for vulnerable workers and teamwork organisation, as well as
between teamwork organisation and effective communication.
Descriptors: social responsibility; social behaviour; enterprises. (Source: UNESCO
Thesaurus).
RESUMEN
La investigación tiene por objetivo determinar la relación de la responsabilidad social
corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción. Se trabajó desde un tipo
de investigación descriptiva con diseño no experimental con alcance correlacional de Pearson,
en términos de la población de estudio, se optó por un muestreo intencional que involucró a
tres empresas constructoras ubicadas en la región de la Amazonia Ecuatoriana, en las
provincias de Morona Santiago y Zamora Chinchipe, con la participación de 58 trabajadores
pertenecientes a diversas categorías laborales, como ingenieros, maestros, albañiles, oficiales
y soldadores. La correlación con las demás variables es baja (0.099 con Apoyo a trabajadores
vulnerables, 0.049 con Comunicación efectiva). Se destacan correlaciones moderadas entre el
apoyo a trabajadores vulnerables y la organización del trabajo en equipo, así como entre la
organización del trabajo en equipo y la comunicación efectiva.
Descriptores: responsabilidad social; comportamiento social; empresa. (Fuente: Tesauro
UNESCO).
Received: 24/02/2024. Revised: 28/02/2024. Approved: 27/03/2024. Published: 01/04/2024.
Research articles section
Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
46
INTRODUCTION
The marked differences between regions have affected the perception of the meaning of CSR,
without understanding how it can play a relevant role in the business space, which has led to
limitations in the response capacity of certain countries, perhaps because they are still in the
early stages of developing or implementing policies and activities related to CSR (Molero-
García, 2016). In several countries, CSR is considered more theoretical than practical, largely
due to the persistence of problems such as poverty, lack of access to education and the
presence of violence in different environments, whether personal, occupational or social (Pinos,
2018).
One of the fastest growing activities worldwide in industry is construction, which is characterised
by the use of low-skilled and uneducated labour, sometimes under precarious working
conditions. Despite statements about CSR in neighbouring countries such as Colombia, there
are few positive effects in terms of improving the working conditions of their employees
(Domínguez-Díaz, 2020). In Ecuador, few companies have adopted CSR models, mostly large
corporations established in the country, although their focus is generally on environmental and
community aspects. There are even non-profit organisations that seek to influence companies
to also consider these CSR aspects in their business strategies (Tello-Caicedo et al. 2018).
Based on the above, the research aims to determine the relationship of corporate social
responsibility with occupational health and safety in construction.
METHOD
The research was worked from a descriptive type of research with non-experimental design with
Pearson's correlational scope. In terms of the study population, a purposive sampling was
chosen involving three construction companies located in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, in the
provinces of Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe, with the participation of 58 workers
belonging to different labour categories, such as engineers, masters, bricklayers, journeymen
and welders.
The data collection technique used was a survey based on the questionnaire of psychosocial
risks proposed by the Ministry of Labour of Ecuador, focusing on working conditions and the
working environment, with a total of 19 questions.
The information collected was statistically processed through Pearson's correlation analysis with
the support of the SPSS V25 statistical software. To analyse the results of the Pearson's
correlation coefficient in the table provided, it is essential to consider both the Pearson's value
and the p-value. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) ranges from -1 to 1, where:
If r is close to 1, it indicates a perfect positive correlation, meaning that the variables are highly
directly related.
If r is close to -1, it indicates a perfect negative correlation, which means that the variables are
highly inversely related.
If r is close to 0, it indicates a weak or no correlation between the variables.
On the other hand, the p-value indicates the statistical significance of the correlation. A p-value
of less than 0.05 is generally considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
Based on the information analysed, the results of the research are presented:
Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
47
Table 1. Pearson's correlation of the survey for the current study.
Variable
Plan de
Capacitaciones
No me
causa
efectos
negativos a
mi salud
física y
mental
Apoyo a
trabajadores
vulnerables
Organización
y fomento
trabajo en
equipo
Comunicación
efectiva
1. Plan de
Capacitaciones
R de
Pearson
—
Valor p
—
2. No me causa
efectos negativos
a mi salud física
y mental
R de
Pearson
0.099
—
Valor p
0.460
—
3. Apoyo a
trabajadores
vulnerables
R de
Pearson
0.321
0.217
—
Valor p
0.014
0.102
—
4. Organización y
fomento trabajo
en equipo
R de
Pearson
0.494
0.143
0.446
—
Valor p
< .001
0.285
< .001
—
5. Comunicación
efectiva
R de
Pearson
0.555
0.049
0.433
0.555
—
Valor p
< .001
0.712
< .001
< .001
—
In table 1, the correlation with all other variables is 0 or very close to 0, suggesting a weak or no
correlation.
All p-values are greater than 0.05, indicating that there is no significant correlation between the
Training Plan and the other variables.
For the variable "It does not cause negative effects on my physical and mental health":
The correlation with the other variables is low (0.099 with Supporting vulnerable workers, 0.049
with Effective communication).
All p-values are greater than 0.05, suggesting that there is no significant correlation between
this variable and the other variables.
For the variable "Support for vulnerable workers":
A moderate correlation is observed with Organisation and teamwork promotion (0.446).
The p-value is less than 0.05 for the correlation with Organisation and promotion of teamwork,
indicating a significant correlation.
For the variable "Organisation and teamwork promotion":
A moderate correlation is observed with Effective communication (0.555).
All p-values are less than 0.05, suggesting significant correlations with all other variables.
For the variable "Effective Communication":
Moderate correlation is observed with Organisation and teamwork fostering (0.555).
All p-values are less than 0.05, suggesting significant correlations with all other variables.
Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
48
Table 2. Pearson's correlation of the survey for the current study.
Variable
Ayuda técnica y
administrativa
Instalaciones y
equipos
adecuados
Pausas
activas
Estado física
y mental
saludable
Acceso a
la atención
1. Ayuda técnica y
administrativa
R de
Pearson
—
Valor p
—
2. Instalaciones y
equipos
adecuados
R de
Pearson
0.033
—
Valor p
0.807
—
3. Pausas activas
R de
Pearson
0.065
0.652
—
Valor p
0.629
< .001
—
4. Estado física y
mental
saludable
R de
Pearson
0.025
0.713
0.652
—
Valor p
0.850
< .001
< .001
—
5. Acceso a la
atención
R de
Pearson
0.131
0.635
0.505
0.460
—
Valor p
0.329
< .001
< .001
< .001
—
In table 2, the analysis of Pearson correlations between the variables reveals interesting
patterns in the evaluated work context. Firstly, the variable "Technical and administrative help"
does not show a significant correlation with any other variable, as both the Pearson value and
the p-value are not significant.
As for "Adequate facilities and equipment", there is a very weak and non-significant correlation
(0.033) with "Technical and administrative help", suggesting a low association between these
two variables.
The presence of "Active breaks" shows a positive and significant correlation with "Adequate
facilities and equipment" and "Healthy physical and mental state". This indicates that the
implementation of active breaks is positively associated with the availability of adequate facilities
and equipment, as well as with the perception of a healthy physical and mental state.
The variable "Healthy physical and mental state" also correlates positively with "Access to care",
suggesting that those who perceive a healthy state are more likely to have access to care.
Access to care' shows significant correlations with all variables, highlighting its importance in
occupational well-being. These results suggest that active breaks and availability of adequate
facilities are associated with a healthy physical and mental state, and that access to care is also
linked to these factors, this analysis highlights the importance of considering factors such as
active breaks and adequate facilities to promote well-being in the work environment.
Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
49
Table 4. Pearson correlation of the survey for the present study.
Variable
Libre de
conductas
sexuales
Buen
ambiente
laboral
Autoidentificación
étnica
Acoso
laboral
1. Libre de conductas
sexuales
R de
Pearson
—
Valor p
—
2. Buen ambiente
laboral
R de
Pearson
0.253
—
Valor p
0.056
—
3. Autoidentificación
étnica
R de
Pearson
0.202
0.065
—
Valor p
0.128
0.626
—
4. Acoso laboral
R de
Pearson
0.069
0.125
0.092
—
Valor p
0.608
0.350
0.491
—
In table 3, the analysis of Pearson correlations between the variables gives an insight into the
relationships in the assessed work environment. Firstly, the variable "Free of sexual behaviour"
does not show a significant correlation with any other variable, as the Pearson and p-values are
not significant.
The perception of a "Good working environment" shows a moderate positive correlation but not
statistically with "Ethnic self-identification" (0.065). This suggests a trend towards a positive
association between a good work environment and ethnic self-identification, although it does not
reach statistical significance.
Ethnic self-identification" does not correlate significantly with any of the other variables,
indicating that perceived ethnic identity is not associated with the absence of sexual behaviour,
a good work environment or bullying.
The variable "Workplace bullying" shows low and non-significant correlations with the other
variables. This suggests that the perception of harassment at work is not related to the absence
of sexual behaviour, good working environment or ethnic self-identification in this specific
context.
This analysis indicates that the perception of a good work environment might have a positive
trend with ethnic self-identification, although this relationship does not reach statistical
significance. In addition, absence of sexual behaviour, ethnic self-identification and bullying do
not show significant correlations in this dataset.
DISCUSSION
Within the CSR when talking about occupational health and safety (OHS) is a topic of great
interest, it is articulated within the social dimension and is linked to the working conditions of
employees where its purpose is to achieve an adequate, safe and healthy working environment
so it is not correct to only consider the health of workers as a means to achieve a good image
but as a social responsibility (Martínez-Barranco & Yandun-Burbano, 2017).
It is evident the importance that CSR has gained in the business world, which is understood in
this framework as a business philosophy for both sustainability and competitiveness, promoting
economic development in line with ethical, social and environmental values (Lara-Manjarrez &
Sánchez-Gutiérrez, 2021). Maintaining a safe work environment not only contributes to retaining
skilled workers, but also guides projects towards preventing accidents that, should they occur,
could result in injuries, schedule delays, and legal and regulatory problems. Moreover, an
outstanding safety record not only enhances a company's reputation, but also makes it more
Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
50
competitive in an environment in which OHS is progressively gaining importance with the CSR
management model, thus becoming an investment that yields concrete benefits (Martínez-
Oropesa & Montero-Martínez, 2015).
CSR emerges between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries as a voluntary response from
industry, as it showed influence in resolving conflicts with society by creating standards and
guidelines established through partnerships between government and business, contributing to
development and sustainability. It can be noted that around 1930, companies started to
implement CSR practices, although at that time they were not called CSR. These social actions
were aimed at addressing the rising unemployment and poverty experienced during the Great
Depression in countries such as the United States and in the regions of Europe and Latin
America (Palacio-Flórez, 2020).
Corporate social responsibility contributes to profit generation and competitiveness by
combining two essential objectives of companies, which is to make profit and meet the demands
of society (Lara-Manjarrez & Sánchez-Gutiérrez, 2021). As such, CSR is the subject of attention
from governments, researchers and entities, who evaluate companies' commitment to protecting
the environment, supporting society and boosting economic development. Consequently,
companies must develop ethical and responsible strategies that consider all their stakeholders:
partners, employees, customers, community, suppliers, government authorities and agencies
(López-Salazar et al. 2017). The relevance of human capital in companies has led to CSR
initiatives being proposed in the field of human resources, highlighting the importance of
implementing programmes that encompass and focus on values such as continuous training,
teamwork, recognition, benefits, health and safety for workers.
Being an activity considered high risk, occupational accidents in the construction sector in
Ecuador, as in many countries, are a cause for concern and demonstrating a commitment to
employees also offers advantages to companies, which undoubtedly leads to improved
productivity, efficiency, achievement of objectives and quality in the operations carried out,
resulting in better financial performance and a strengthened corporate image (López-Salazar et
al. 2017). However, at present, although it may be somewhat paradoxical, many employers still
show resistance to allocate economic resources for the implementation of safety and health,
despite understanding and accepting this reality (Martínez-Oropesa & Montero-Martínez, 2015).
The importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in contemporary business is
undeniable. It is conceived as an essential business philosophy for both sustainability and
competitiveness. CSR promotes economic development in harmony with ethical, social and
environmental values. This approach extends to the field of human capital, where the need to
implement ethical and responsible human resources programmes is emphasised. However,
despite recognising the importance of occupational health and safety (OHS) within CSR, in
high-risk sectors such as construction, there is still resistance from some employers to allocate
resources for its implementation and despite all efforts, occupational accidents and illnesses
continue to be a reality (Ormaza-Andrade et al. 2020).
This is sometimes due to a lack of adoption of the necessary measures, either because of a
lack of knowledge, the influence of economic factors or, above all, the ingrained work culture.
The prevention of occupational risks is recognised as one of the most effective ways to improve
working conditions and quality of life in general and is directly related to CSR. The identification
of risks in the workplace can broaden the understanding to pay attention to factors that
previously went unnoticed by improving workplaces and creating a suitable working
environment. This phenomenon reveals a paradox where, despite understanding the reality and
importance of OHS, there is a reluctance to invest in measures that could improve both
productivity and corporate image (Córdova-Hernández et al. 2023), (Pimenta et al. 2022).
CONCLUSION
Significant divergences between regions have led to disparate perceptions of the meaning and
applicability of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This phenomenon has impacted on the
understanding of how CSR can play a relevant role in the business environment, especially in
Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
51
those countries that are in the early stages of developing or implementing CSR-related policies.
In a number of contexts, CSR is seen more as a theoretical concept than a practical one, with
fundamental problems such as poverty, lack of access to education and the presence of
violence in various environments persisting. Furthermore, in sectors such as construction,
despite the declaration of commitments to CSR, there is limited impact on improving the working
conditions of employees.
FUNDING
Non-monetary
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in the research.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To the Graduate Academic Unit for encouraging research processes in their Master's
programmes.
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Revista Multidisciplinaria Perspectivas Investigativas
Multidisciplinary Journal Investigative Perspectives
Vol. 4(1), 45-52, 2024
Relación de la responsabilidad social corporativa con la salud y seguridad ocupacional en la construcción
Relationship of corporate social responsibility to occupational health and safety in construction
Viviana Carolina Salgado-Rodríguez
Jorge Andrés Torres-Jerves
Marco Benito Reinoso-Avecillas
52
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