Key factors in preventing serious construction injuries and fatalities

Factors that contribute to high-severity injuries and fatalities in the construction industry differ significantly from those causing low-severity injuries, according to recent research.

It found that the absence of direct controls and failure to follow work plans are predominant factors in serious injuries and fatalities. 

“Our results indicate that the control of high-energy hazards through effective work planning, discipline, and execution is vital for targeting serious injuries and fatalities,” said the research authors, Arnaldo Bayona, Matthew Hallowell, and Siddharth Bhandari from the University of Colorado, in their paper, The things that hurt people are not the same as the things that kill people: key differences in the proximal causes of low- and high-severity construction injuries.

The research, published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, involved a detailed examination of 38 incidents from various construction sectors, including utilities, oil and gas, commercial, pipeline, and specialised trades.

The incidents were classified into three categories: serious injuries and fatalities, potential serious injuries and fatalities, and low-severity injuries. 

The research team used a standardised data collection template to assess the presence of seven hypothesised factors and then analysed the data using Fisher’s exact test to determine statistical significance.

The study found that in 92 per cent of serious injury and fatality cases, there was either no work plan, or the work plan was not followed. 

In contrast, this factor was present in only 23 per cent of low-severity injury cases. “Proper work planning and execution are critical in managing high-energy hazards, which are often the precursors to serious injuries and fatalities,” the researchers said.

Direct controls (safeguards specifically targeted at mitigating high-energy hazards) were absent in all serious injury and fatality cases but only in 8 per cent of low-severity injury cases. 

The absence of such controls was a common thread in the serious injury and fatality incidents reviewed. “Our study reinforces the need for rigorous enforcement of direct controls to prevent serious injuries,” the authors note.

Contrary to common safety practices that focus heavily on human error and behaviour, the study found no significant difference in human factors such as risk normalisation, poor hazard recognition, and unfamiliarity with tasks between serious injury and fatality and low-severity injury cases. “Although human factors are crucial for overall safety, they do not differentiate between high and low-severity injuries,” the study said.

For OHS professionals seeking to enhance safety protocols, the study highlighted the importance of focusing on specific control measures and work planning to mitigate high-severity risks:
1. Enhancing control measures: Effective control of high-energy hazards should be a priority. OHS professionals need to ensure that appropriate direct controls are in place and rigorously followed. Regular audits and inspections can help identify gaps in control measures."

2. Improving work planning: Detailed and well-structured work plans that are strictly adhered to can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities. OHS leaders should emphasise the importance of comprehensive planning and execution, ensuring that all team members understand and follow the established protocols.

3. Targeted safety training: While traditional safety training often focuses broadly on human behaviour, this study suggests that specific training on recognising and managing high-energy hazards can be more effective. Tailored training programs that address the unique risks associated with different types of construction work can enhance safety outcomes.

4. Adopting a differentiated approach: The findings underscore the need for a differentiated approach to injury prevention. OHS professionals should move beyond the one-size-fits-all model of the safety pyramid and develop strategies that specifically target the factors contributing to serious injuries and fatalities.

5. Collaborative safety culture: Building a safety culture that encourages collaboration and open communication is crucial. Workers should feel empowered to report potential hazards and suggest improvements to safety practices without fear of retribution.