ACCIDENT CAUSATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. (Dissertation Sample)

Investigation into Accident Causation in the Construction Industry and the Role of Training in Risk Prevention and Safety Management Author Date Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Chapter 1: Introduction PAGEREF _Toc144878129 \h 31.1 Background and Context PAGEREF _Toc144878130 \h 31.2 The Construction Industry Landscape: Balancing Progress and Risk PAGEREF _Toc144878131 \h 31.3 General Characteristics of the Global Construction Industry PAGEREF _Toc144878132 \h 31.4 Problem Statement PAGEREF _Toc144878133 \h 51.5 Aim and Objectives PAGEREF _Toc144878134 \h 71.6 Research Questions PAGEREF _Toc144878135 \h 81.7 Scope and Limitations PAGEREF _Toc144878136 \h 81.8 Structure of Dissertation PAGEREF _Toc144878137 \h 81.9 Summary PAGEREF _Toc144878138 \h 9Chapter 2: Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc144878139 \h 102.1 The Theory of Causality PAGEREF _Toc144878140 \h 102.2 Accident causation theories/models PAGEREF _Toc144878141 \h 112.2.1 Accident Propensity Theory PAGEREF _Toc144878142 \h 112.2.2 Heinrich's Domino Theory (Heinrich et al. 1931; Heinrich 1941) PAGEREF _Toc144878143 \h 112.2.3 Epidemiological/latent failure models PAGEREF _Toc144878144 \h 122.2.4 Notes PAGEREF _Toc144878145 \h 132.2.5 System Theory Models PAGEREF _Toc144878146 \h 132. 3 State of Research in Accident Causation Globally PAGEREF _Toc144878147 \h 142.3.1 Accident analysis and risk factors PAGEREF _Toc144878148 \h 142.3.2 Risk assessment and prevention PAGEREF _Toc144878149 \h 162.3.3 Country/industry specific studies PAGEREF _Toc144878150 \h 202.3.4 Accident Causation Theories and Models PAGEREF _Toc144878151 \h 212.3.5 Risk Perception Studies PAGEREF _Toc144878152 \h 222.3.6 Construction Accident Data Analysis PAGEREF _Toc144878153 \h 242.3.7 Construction Accident Prevention PAGEREF _Toc144878154 \h 262.3.8 Statistical analysis and reviews PAGEREF _Toc144878155 \h 282.3.9 Researches with a General Character PAGEREF _Toc144878156 \h 292.4 Literature Review Part Two PAGEREF _Toc144878157 \h 322.4.1. Introduction PAGEREF _Toc144878158 \h 322.5 Types and Modalities of Safety Training PAGEREF _Toc144878159 \h 332.5.1 Orientation PAGEREF _Toc144878160 \h 332.5.2 Task-specific Safety Training Programs PAGEREF _Toc144878161 \h 342.5.3 Role of Supervisors and Managers PAGEREF _Toc144878162 \h 342.5.4 Refresher Training PAGEREF _Toc144878163 \h 352.5.5 Modalities for Safety Training Programs PAGEREF _Toc144878164 \h 352.6 Relationship between Training and Reduction of Accidents/Injuries in the Construction Industry PAGEREF _Toc144878165 \h 362.7 Impact of Training on Safety Behaviors, Knowledge, and Attitudes in the Construction Industry PAGEREF _Toc144878166 \h 372.8 Factors Influencing Training Effectiveness in Construction Safety PAGEREF _Toc144878167 \h 372.9 Assessing Methodologies for Measuring Training Effectiveness PAGEREF _Toc144878168 \h 382.9.1 Surveys and Questionnaires PAGEREF _Toc144878169 \h 392.9.2 Injury Rate Comparisons PAGEREF _Toc144878170 \h 392.9.3 Video or Direct Observations PAGEREF _Toc144878171 \h 392.9.4 Large Database Analyses PAGEREF _Toc144878172 \h 392.10 Training Approaches in High-Risk Industries PAGEREF _Toc144878173 \h 392.11 Regulatory Frameworks for Training PAGEREF _Toc144878174 \h 402.11.1 Regulatory Differences PAGEREF _Toc144878175 \h 402.11.2 Harmonization Efforts PAGEREF _Toc144878176 \h 402.11.3 Training Quality Considerations PAGEREF _Toc144878177 \h 412.12 Best Practices and Lessons PAGEREF _Toc144878178 \h 412.13 Role of Digital Technologies in Enhancing Training Delivery PAGEREF _Toc144878179 \h 412.14 Training's Role in Fostering Safety Culture Transformation PAGEREF _Toc144878180 \h 422.15 Development of a Proactive Mindset PAGEREF _Toc144878181 \h 422.16 Continuous Learning Reinforces Culture PAGEREF _Toc144878182 \h 432.17 Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc144878183 \h 43Reference List PAGEREF _Toc144878184 \h 48 Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Background and Context For millennia, the construction sector has shaped and guided societies, urban areas, and national economies. Nevertheless, the safety of the workers who bring these ideals to life is a concern that cannot be ignored despite the construction industry's many marvels. Accidents and injuries are possible on construction sites because of the many moving parts. The construction industry is frequently highlighted in studies on workplace accidents due to its significant economic and societal impacts and disproportionately high rates of fatalities. Despite its massive turnover and employment volume, the construction industry is plagued by serious accidents and hidden workplace dangers due to its current economic and social employment issues. When it comes to the safety and well-being of the people who commit themselves to shaping our future, knowing what factors contribute to accidents is not only an academic study goal but a crucial one. Working allows people to support themselves financially, which is important for their self-worth and social standing. While doing one's job is important, it may also pose hazards that, if not mitigated, can harm one's bodily, mental, and emotional well-being. In recent years, businesses in both the private and governmental sectors have increasingly focused on reducing the prevalence of workplace accidents. This is because there is an immediate problem with pinpointing where threats to the individuals tasked with running the business come from. Consequently, it is essential to investigate the cause of these catastrophes and to implement security measures that minimize these risks and prevent human loss, injuries, and economic impact, which can be significant for businesses to endure. Given the severity of the problem, an investigation into the root causes of workplace fatalities in the construction sector has been deemed necessary. 1.2 The Construction Industry Landscape: Balancing Progress and Risk The construction industry is characterized by its complexity, combining various elements such as heavy machinery, intricate processes, elevated structures, and a diverse workforce. When left unaddressed, this complexity inherently brings about many risk factors that can culminate in accidents with severe consequences. The National Safety Council (USA) identified four high-risk sectors in 2021, with the construction industry leading the list with the highest number of workplace fatalities (NSC Facts, 2023). Accidents in the construction sector can take many forms, ranging from falls and equipment-related incidents to electrocutions and structural collapses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) links the majority of these incidents to four primary hazards, known as the Fatal Four: falls from heights, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2017 data, the construction industry accounted for 20.7% of all workplace fatalities, with the Fatal Four responsible for nearly 60% of these deaths. (NASP, CSMC, and Understanding Workplace Safety). Each accident not only endangers workers' lives but can also lead to project delays, increased costs, legal implications, and damage to a company's reputation. 1.3 General Characteristics of the Global Construction Industry In recent years, the construction sector has witnessed an increase in both income {Barbosa, 2017 #808} and employment {Sáez-de-Guinoa, 2022 #807}. It's one of the most well-known and quickly developing industrial zones in the world {Fay, 2011 #809}. It's crucial to the economy's success. There are a lot of individuals working in the construction sector. Low-wage, temporary employment of migrant workers is commonplace in the global construction industry (International Labor Organization, 2017).As may be predicted, the vast majority of employees are male. Small companies dominate the construction industry. Eighty-two percent of the construction workforce is employed by third parties (International Labour Organization, 2006). Many people living in the construction industry rely on the field's largest manufacturers. This raises the issue of security. The construction business is notorious for employing people with lesser levels of education. Seventy-five percent of the global construction workforce consists of workers with fewer than eight years of experience (International Labor Organization, 2020). Again, only 18% of the workforce has a four-year degree, whereas only 8% of the working population is employed in the construction business (ILO, 2020). Workplace health problems are more common among low-skilled workers, and job descriptions are shaped in large part by individuals' levels of education and training. In the construction industry, younger employees are disproportionately affected by workplace accidents. According to studies released in 2020, workers between the ages of 17 and 20 saw the greatest incidence of workplace accidents (National Safety Council, n.d) see figure 1. Between the ages of 25 and 34, the World Health Organization reports the highest rate of workplace accidents across all industries. Another research indicated that most accidents occurred among participants aged 20 to 24 (Sandoval & James, 2022). Young employees have a higher risk of accidents, according to research done in 2022 (Sandoval & James 2022). Construction workers' pay is much lower than the national median. This pay gap becomes most apparent when contrasted to other fields, like office employment (Van Tam et al. 2021). Accidents leading to death were less common among females. Two-thirds of injured employees in a U.S. study were found to be younger than 60 years old(Baidwan et al. 2018) See figure 2 As was previously said, construction laborers often have a limited academic background. Accident rates fall as training levels rise. However, individuals with less experience are more likely to have repeat incidents. Insufficient levels of education among construction workers ha...