Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides background on migration-related labor movement, introduces cultural intelligence as an important competence for OSH managers, and describes examples of how occupational safety and health practices may differ across cultural contexts. It aims to generic competencies in occupational safety and health. The book offers a description of the background to the construction program for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the development of a leadership program for managers and supervisors, and processes of cultural change initiated by the construction program. The construction program was funded by the British government and commissioned and monitored by the Olympic Delivery Authority. The construction work was performed by a set of main contractors in a competitive setting. Waterman describes the difficulties encountered on a large construction site.