Mechanism of action for accidents in the construction industry in Spain

Abstract

The construction industry is considered one of the most hazardous industries worldwide when it comes to worker safety and health. The present study characterises the mechanism of action of accidents in the construction industry through the knowledge of the most frequently identified circumstances and the most commonly violated preventive measures. To achieve the stated objective, the analysis of 241 investigations of occupational accidents that occurred in the construction sector in Spain between 2009 and 2014 was carried out, which were conducted by OHS technical advisors. Thus, by means of a detailed reading of each of the investigation reports that make up the sample, the deviation variable was identified according to the European Statistic on Accidents at Work (ESAW) procedure. Next, and in accordance with the literature published on the subject, the preventive measures recommended in the accident investigation reports analyzed were identified. The results obtained show that one out of every three analyzed accidents is the result of people falling from heights, with a greater number of preventive actions being proposed as opposed to corrective actions