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ANALYSIS ON CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTS IN CONSTRUCTION AND ITS SAFETY

MEASURES

Article · January 2016

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 IJMTES | International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Science ISSN: 2348-3121

ANALYSIS ON CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTS IN

CONSTRUCTION AND ITS SAFETY MEASURES
M. Ramya1, T.D. Ramadasan2
1
(Department of Civil,PG Student,Adhiparasakthi Engineering College,Melmaruvathur,India,ramyamani009@gmail.com)
2
(Department of Civil,Assistant Professor,Adhiparasakthi Engineering College,Melmaruvathur,India, tdrdasan@gmail.com)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Abstract—Accidents in construction projects, specifically in building works occurs most frequently. Those accidents may results in fatal,
serious injuries or a near miss of workers involved and other consequences such as lost of work days and the industry bad image. Thus
accident prevention is required through improving continuously health and safety in construction. Therefore, analyzing the factors leading to
accidents is primarily important. The objective of this paper is to sort out the factors causing accidents in construction, rate the different
causes and recommend the necessary safety measures to be provided in the workplace. A questionnaire was formulated to conduct survey
from various individuals in construction starting from unskilled labor to tradesman. The respondents were around 50. The questionnaire
contains two parts, the first part contains the general characteristics of the individual and the second part contains the factors causing the
accidents in the construction. The factors were analyzed using SPSS tool. Suitable recommendations are suggested for the safety in the
construction workplace. The study concluded that unsafe working conditions, stuck between tools and equipments and scaffolding failure are
the most vital factors causing accidents and provision of adequate safety measures for workers on site will improve the performance and also
enhance the building industry’s productivity.

Keywords— Causes for accidents, Questionnaires, SPSS, Safety measures

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. INTRODUCTION (vii) Scaffolding Accidents

(viii) Construction Vehicle Accidents
Construction work is considered to be one of the most
(ix) Stepladder Misuse
hazardous industrial activities in the country. The rate of
(x) Electrocutions and Power Tool Accidents
injury in the construction industry is higher than any other
(xi) Slips and Trips
industry. Every year many people fall victim to injury, harm
(xii) Fire
and even death caused by accidents on construction site.
Investigation techniques reporting system identifies what
Accident is an unplanned and unexpected occurrence which
type of accident occur and how they occurred. This project
upsets a planned sequence of work resulting to loss of
focuses on the role of management, human and behavior and
production. Control of accident is vital in the construction
projects nature in construction industry. These accidents in
industry employers are required to access risk and take
the building construction results in death and serious injuries
practical measures to protect, ensure safety and health of
of workers involved and the project aims in understanding
their workers, minimizing risk by means of continuous
the causes and nature of accidents in building sites. Other
surveillance and monitoring of where accidents are likely to
consequences such as lost of work days and the industry bad
occur. Proper safety is necessary for preventing accidents in
image. In order to overcome the effects of accidents, this
construction. The major causes of accidents are related to
project involves the study and analysis of the different types
unique nature of the industry, human behavior, difficult work
of accidents in building construction industries.
site conditions, poor safety management which results in
unsafe work methods and procedures. Accidents results in 3. SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
human losses and substantial economic cost. This study
For many years safety professional have been aware that the
presents an analysis of construction accidents in Tamil Nadu
majority of workplace accidents are triggered by unsafe
along with causes of accidents so that corrective measures
behaviors, and that their control is one of the keys to
can be taken to decrease causalities, resulting in a safer
successful accident prevention. However, many
construction industry.
organizations, even those companies with low accident rate
2. CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTS have been frustrated by their inability to control unsafe acts.
Every worker involved in a construction process must
There are numerous and an enumerable cause of accidents
understand their rights and liabilities. The law facilitates the
that occurs on site. It is the duty of the site manager or
management of safety and health in a workplace. If an
supervisor to identify these causes and identify the ways of
individual breaks the law, they will be the one personally
eliminating them.
liable for the consequences of their actions. The main
The major causes of accidents were identified as:
distinction in terms of liability here is between civil and
(i) Individual factors
criminal liability. Civil liability gives a person right to obtain
(ii) Site Conditions
redress from another person, e.g., the ability to sue for
(iii) Falling Hazards
damages for personal injury. For there to be an award of
(iv) Unsafe working conditions
damages, the injured party has to suffer an actual loss, be it
(v) Struck by Tools, Equipment and Falling Objects
personal injury, property damage or financial loss arising
(vi) Trenching and Excavation Hazards

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 IJMTES | International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Science ISSN: 2348-3121

from tort or contract law. Criminal liability is a more serious Conduction of meta‐ analyses to test hypothesized pathways
offence that involves imprisonment and more serious between safety climate and related constructs and safety
punishment. behaviors, injuries, and incidents [10]. The leading and
Safety at work is a complex phenomenon and a subjective lagging relationships between safety climate and four types
area of study. This is because industrial safety has undergone of safety incidents, suggesting that safety climate has a
significant changes over the past decade. Safety is a varying “shelf life” depending on the type of incidents being
collective co-operation of all persons involved in the considered [11] .
construction industry ranging from contractor, operatives, Human error was considered to be an undesirable human
supervisors and even general public. As the saying goes, the decision or action that reduces or has the potential for
best and most effective way to do any job is through safe reducing the effectiveness, safety or system performance
way. Effective safety approaches and remedial actions may [12].
be taken to prevent and minimize reoccurrences in the future Safety training shall be provided by the Contractor to all his
with help of factual statistical data. Moreover, participants in workers as well as those appointed by his sub-contractors
the construction industry have to learn and understand etc, at least once every 6 months, through a faculty which
applicable legal rules. possess the minimum qualification of Safety Officer as
mentioned in Building and other construction workers
4. LITERATURE REVIEW (regulation of employment and conditions of service) Act,
Construction workers work on unsheltered environment 1996 and rules made their under along with minimum
adverse weather conditions should be avoided because experience of seven years in Construction area 10 in Power
continuous exposure to adverse weather could lead to general Industry [13].
discomfort and illness [1]. The nature of fall accidents in
construction project a case of Indonesia” the paper involves 5. DATA NALYSIS USING STATISTICAL PACK
fall accident in construction building works are the most Raw data collected was first sorted, edited, coded and
frequent accidents those accidents may results in death and then entered into a computer spreadsheet. The data was then
serious injuries of workers involved and other consequences analysed using SPSS (spreadsheet). The response rate for
such as lost of work days and the industry bad image [2]. each item in the questionnaire and site observation schedule
The causes of accidents were the poor safety awareness and the overall percentage of returns from the sample size
from top leaders, lack of training, lack of organizational were also determined. Appropriate graphical representations
commitment, lack of technical guidance, uncontrolled were obtained as well. The analysed data was finally
operation, unwillingness to input resources for safety, lack of presented using descriptive methods for easy interpretation
certified skill labour, unsafe equipment, lack of first aid and to enable comparisons and inferences to be drawn.
measures, lack of rigorous enforcement of safety regulation,
making such predictions must be based on knowledge about
past accidents [3]. Disasters as related to construction are
events or actions which causes severe damages to
construction products, processes and stakeholders. Various
acts of God that cause casualties on sites are rain, flooding,
wind, earthquake, landslide [4],[5]. It is much easier to carry
out construction works on site during the dry season than the
wet season in event of rain workers on scaffold may lose his
balance and step or slid of the plank hence resulting to fall
[6].
The type of equipment and machineries, site condition,
nature of the industry, management attitude and method, and
human elements can directly influence the safety
performance in construction industry [7]. An
Analysis of accidents statistics is Malaysian construction
sector. The construction industry undoubtedly plays a
significant role in the development process of a country
contributing towards employment and economic growth [8].
Safety related research which tends to be more qualitative in
nature, addressing “what” factors are important for success
as opposed to “how much” is appropriate to achieve
successful safety outcomes [9].
Construction firms adopt safety system that seeks to prevent
the occurrence of accidents rather than essentially managing
accident cases and victims by paying medical bills and
compensation.

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 IJMTES | International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Science ISSN: 2348-3121

Fig.1. Frequency Analysis

Fig.4. Occupation of the Respondents

The above table represents the frequency distribution of the

Fig.2. Frequency Distribution
The above graph represents the frequency distribution of the
age of the respondents. 6.7 percent of the respondents belong
to the age group between 31 to 35 years and above 40 years.
The majority of the respondents, 46.7 percent are between
the age group 25 to 30 years. Also 20 percent of the
respondents belong to the age group below 25 years and age
group between 36 to 40 years.
Figure.3 shows the desktop view of SPSS software for the
chi-square test.
occupation of the respondents. 23.3 percent of the
respondents belong to Site Engineer. 20 percent of the
respondents belong to Junior Engineer. 10 percent of the
respondents are belonging to Project manager and labour.
Followed by 6.7 percent of the respondents belongs to
General Manager, Supervisor, Executive Engineer, Mason
and Contractor, Also 3.3 percent of the respondents are Field
Surveyor.
Based on the responses from the various personnel in
construction, the data was analysed and arrived at the
following values using chi-square test.
Table.1. Chi-Square test
Factors Mean SD Chi- p-
Square value

Individual Factors 2.987 0.621 9.333 .407

Site Conditions 3.613 0.525 12.000 .151

Falling Hazards 3.473 2.282 10.333 .412

Unsafe Working Conditions 3.056 1.175 24.600 .002

Struck by Tools, Equipment and

2.825 0.746 20.000 .018
Falling Objects

Trenching and Excavation Hazards 2.929 0.662 10.133 .683

Scaffolding Accidents 2.917 1.053 19.133 .039

Construction Vehicle Accidents 3.040 1.878 19.400 .079

Stepladder Misuse 2.833 0.844 13.200 .280

Electrocutions and Power Tool

2.793 1.022 12.000 .528
Accidents

Slips and Trips 3.420 2.744 5.400 .714

Fire 2.843 0.481 18.533 .100

Fig.3. Chi-Square test

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 IJMTES | International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Science ISSN: 2348-3121

Chi-square test was used to find the most preferred weekly

contributory factors causing accidents in construction safety
meetings
workplace. The results of the technique and the chi-square
(χ²) statistic are presented in above table. It is found that Training
among the twelve factors three factors have significant program
outcome like unsafe working conditions the χ² = 24.600 is 9
for the 2.9
highly significant at 0.002 level, regarding struck by tools, implement 1.242 7.80
ed job at 0
equipment and falling objects the χ² =20.00 is significant at site
0.018 and scaffolding accidents the χ² = 18.133 is significant
at 0.039 level. Remaining nine factors do not significant Written/
outcome. known
procedure 2.6
10 .994 7.00
Table.2. Respondents Opinion about Other Queries for
assigned 7
job
Friedm
an Chi- Multip Lack of
Sl. square le appreciatio
Other Mea Mean 2.7
N SD value Compa 11 n after the
Quarries n Rank 1.040 7.35
o. and rison completion 7
signific Test of job
ant
Worker
Improper 2.5 not
1 design 1.106 6.05 wearing 3.9 10.8
0 12 .785
personal
protective 3 7
Appropriat
e personal equipment
safety 2.5
2 1.251 6.63
procedures Worker
were not 7 was
specified suffering 3.4
13 1.432 9.12
from
health 7
Lack of
supervisio problems
n and
control on Physical
2.5
3 worker’s .973 6.53 fatigue 3.9 10.6
14 .740
adherence 3 caused the
to wear accident 3 8
safety
items 12,14
Table.2 represent Friedman’s test that was used to find the
13, 6
Safety most preferred other queries on contributory factors causing
regulations 2.2 77.571 9,8,11, accident among respondents.
4 1.073 5.38
were not
followed 3 P=.000
10 The results of the technique and the chi-square (χ²) statistic
2, 3, 7, are presented in Table 16. It is found that the χ² = 19.468 is
1 significant at 0.001 level. On examination of the mean ranks
No safety
2.1
5 engineer at 1.074 5.20 4, 5 obtained by each other quarries of the respondents, it is seen
side 3 that worker not wearing personal protective equipment and
physical fatigue caused the accident is the most important to
Manageme other quarries perceived by the respondents while occur the
nt is
pushing accident in site area followed by the second level Worker
2.9 was suffering from health problems and management is
6 work 1.129 8.50
regardless 7 pushing work regardless of workers ability, followed by the
of workers third level training program for the implemented job at site,
ability
absence or lack of weekly safety meetings, Lack of
Safety
appreciation after the completion of job and Written/ known
items were procedure for assigned job, followed by fourth level
2.4
7 not 1.165 6.37 Appropriate personal safety procedures were not specified,
available 3 Lack of supervision and control on worker’s adherence to
at site
wear safety items and Safety items were not available at site,
Improper design and finally fifth level importance to Safety
Absence 2.7
8 or lack of 1.223 7.52 regulations were not followed and No safety engineer at side.
7

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 IJMTES | International Journal of Modern Trends in Engineering and Science
6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
From the analysis of the data given by various respondents it
found that the unsafe working conditions, stuck by tools and
equipments and scaffolding failure are the most significant
factors causing accident in the jobsite. Also from the querries
other than the major factors it is found from the analysis that
workers no wearing personal protective equipment, physical
fatigue during the work and the health problems of the
workers significantly causes tje accidents to occur in
construction workplace.
The owners of projects are the primary consumers of
construction services, the sources of project finances, and, in
many cases, the end users of the facilities. They are often at
the pivotal position of the projects. Traditionally, owners
have not been directly involved in construction safety, often
in order to avoid economic losses and legal entanglements
resulting from injuries. With the increase of accident costs
and legal cases involving owners as the third-party
defendants, owners have come to realize the importance of
safety [14]. As for improving workers' performance and
hence their safety at the sites, it is important to educate and
explain safety principles and their importance in every
industry and workplace. Also the employers should be
provided with training courses and programs to increase
attention to safety and to prepare plans for sudden accidents
and disasters. The management should observe the
performance of inexperienced workers to see if they need
further orientation and/or training [15].
Specific strategies for reducing the likelihood or negative
consequences of human errors can be achieved by selecting
people with the capabilities and skills required to perform a
job. This will result in fewer errors being made and proper
training of personnel [16].
Guidelines on construction design and management must be
followed. Code of practice in construction at highly
hazardous workplace is recommended [17]. As far as safety
is concerned increased attention should be directed towards
determining the effects of weather on construction site
accident frequency [18], [19]. Dealing with the extreme
weather conditions in building project can be done through
reorganizing the business hours to suit the difficult weather
conditions, especially in summer, and adopting the two shifts
at construction sites [20].
7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In this paper various causes for accidents in construction
workplace are identified. According to the statistical
analysis, it is found that, most common accidents types in
Tamil Nadu occurs due to unsafe working conditions (64%),
struck by tools, equipment and falling objects (52%) , and
scaffolding accidents (48%).
The survey therefore recommends that:
The reinforcement bars after used in construction site has to
be evacuated immediately. Required quantity of rebars has to
be placed in jobsite rather than additional. Sloping, benching,
shoring techniques help the workers from accidents due to
open excavations. Suitable personal protective equipment
like Goggles of face shield for the protection of eyes shall be
provided for worker engaged in welding, cutting, chipping,
Volume: 03 Issue: 06 2016 www.ijmtes.com
ISSN: 2348-3121
grinding or similar operations which may cause hazard to his
eyes. Use of earplugs/muffs and anti-vibration gloves shall
be ensured to protect the workers from the impact of
exposure to such dangers.
Protect yourself from being pinned between equipment,
Materials, or Other Objects. It is necessary to be aware at all
times that equipment around you and stay a safe distance
from it. Never place yourself between moving materials and
an immovable structure, vehicle, or stacked materials make
sure that all loads carried by equipment are stable and
secured Stay out of the swing radius or cranes and other
equipment. Wear a seatbelt, if required, to avoid being
thrown from a vehicle and then potentially being crushed by
the vehicle if it tips over
Standards for scaffolding material and jointing method,
workers housing and amenities are to be necessarily
provided. Scaffolds and their components shall be capable of
supporting without failure at least four times the maximum
intended load. Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any
cause shall be immediately repaired and shall not be used
until repairs have been completed. Scaffolds and other
devices mentioned or described in this section shall be
maintained in safe condition. Scaffolds shall not be altered or
moved horizontally while they are in use or occupied. An
access ladder or equivalent safe access shall be provided.
The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb, and
securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and
displacement.
8. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to thank head of the department Mr.
A. Krishnamoorthi for his valuable guidance to carry out this
project successfully and also to my professors, respondents
who supported me by providing the necessary data.
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