CIVIL ENGINEERING

2nd Sem. AY 2017-2018

Common Accidents in the Construction

Industry: Their causes and prevention

A research project in partial fulfillment of the requirement

for the course SAFETY MANAGEMENT

JULIA BIEN FLORENCIO

2015-100452/CIV153

ENGR. CRESENCIA M. VAHDANIPOUR

Professor
 Common Accidents in the Construction Industry:
Their causes and prevention

I. BACKGROUND

Construction Industry is a vital sector that contributes greatly in the

economic growth of a nation. Construction is defined as “dredging,
excavating, and grading of land and other activity associated with
buildings, structures, or other types of real property such as bridges, dams,
roads.” (Business Dictionary, 2018) Operations in major economic sectors
such as agriculture, manufacture, mining, public administration,
communication, transport and etc. would nearly be impossible without the
infrastructures erected to cater its services. “GDP From Construction in
Philippines increased to 226644.32 PHP Million in the fourth quarter of
2017 from 204223.78 PHP Million in the third quarter of 2017. GDP From
Construction in Philippines averaged 146908.30 PHP Million from 2008
until 2017, reaching an all-time high of 241418.76 PHP Million in the
second quarter of 2017.” (Trading Economics, 2017)

However, the risk on a Construction Industry is comparably high

which contributes to most of occupational threats. “Construction is a high
hazard industry that comprises a wide range of activities
involving construction, alteration, and/or repair. Examples include
residential construction, bridge erection, roadway paving, excavations,
demolitions, and large-scale painting jobs. Construction workers engage in
many activities that may expose them to serious hazards, such as falling
from rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction
equipment, electrocutions, silica dust, and asbestos.” (United States
Department of Labor, 2017)

“The Philippine Government estimates that 2.2 million Filipino

workers in medium and large enterprises enjoy effective occupational
safety and health (OSH) protection and services. In other words, 17 of 18
persons in the nation’s workforce of 38.8 million do not benefit from
acceptable working conditions.” (Macapanpan, 2016) Safe and healthy
working environment is not assured in all work places most specifically in
Construction Industry since it is a high hazard work. Government,
employers and workers must participate to ensure a sound working
environment where laws, rights and duties are defined in order to prevent
accidents.
 Accident is defined as “an unfortunate incident that happens
unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.”
(Oxford Dictionary, 2018) It was first coined during the Middle English
Period of Chaucer’s writings which means “something that happens.”
Accidents are not limited to physical injuries because it can also result to
damage in equipment and material. Generally, “Accidents are defined as
unplanned occurrences which result in injuries, fatalities, loss of production
or damage to property and assets.” (Raouf, 2011)

Prevention of accidents is extremely difficult without understanding its

roots and causes. One of the universally accepted theory is the Domino
Theory of Accident Causation of Herbert W. Heinrich. “According to W.H.
Heinrich (1931), who developed the so-called domino theory, 88% of all
accidents are caused by unsafe acts of people, 10% by unsafe actions and
2% by “acts of God”. He proposed a “five-factor accident sequence” in
which each factor would actuate the next step in the manner of toppling
dominoes lined up in a row. ” (Raouf, 2011) He also indicated the sequence
of accident factors is as follows: ancestry and social environment, worker
fault, unsafe act together with mechanical and physical hazard, accident,
and damage or injury.

Another leading theory is Multiple Causation Theory which states that

a single accident can be a cause of several contributory factors, causes
and sub-causes, and that certain combination gives rise to such accident.
“According to this theory, the contributory factors can be grouped into the
following two categories. Behavioral: This category includes factors
pertaining to the worker, such as improper attitude, lack of knowledge, lack
of skills, and inadequate physical and mental condition.
Environmental: This category includes improper guarding of other
hazardous work elements and degradation of equipment through use and
unsafe procedures.” (Rhodes, 2015)

Lastly, Dan Petersen’s Incident Theory is one of the most remarkable

explanations for the roots and causes of an accident. He implied that
“Behind every unsafe condition, there is a management system that could
have allowed that hazard to exist. Behind every unsafe behavior or unsafe
act, there is a reason that those people engage in those behaviors. A lot of
times, that has to do with the management system -- the way people are
measured and rewarded, the culture of the organization that leads unsafe
behavior to be OK.” (Minter, 1996)
 One of the remarkable tragedies on a site happened on January 27,
2011 during a construction project of Eton Property Group’s luxurious
condominium, leaving 10 people dead due to the appalling working
conditions. “The workers had been installing glass windows on the
32nd floor. News reports vary, but the suspended electric lift had a
maximum carrying capacity of five or six people. There were 11 men
crowded into the gondola. At shortly after 11 am, the ropes on which the
gondola were suspended gave way and it collapsed, falling 21 stories and
landing on a safety net that was perforated at numerous points by twisted
metal bars.” (Santolan, 2011) During the investigation, it was revealed that
there were no safety harnesses provided for the employees and the lift had
no operator to control it. Even the job site had no permit to operate a
gondola (lift). Life is carelessly wasted due to unsafe work measures.

There is a saying that “Prevention is better than cure.” People must

be prepared for the potential risks at their workplaces and must find a
solution for it. Government and private sectors actively participates to the
programs and movements to lessen the construction risks. “The
Occupation Safety and Health Center (OSHC) together with the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded private
institutions and government organizations to ensure the safety and health
of their workers. In a Kapihan sa PIA forum, OSHC, an attached agency of
DOLE, has intensified awareness on workers’ safety and health especially
in the construction industry or in hazardous occupations.” (Tilos, 2018) If
construction firms and sectors did not comply to occupational safety and
health standards: stoppage orders will be issued to the entire operation of
an establishment.

Unfortunately, there’s still a considerable number of site projects who

disregards occupational health and safety. “Seven out of every 10
establishments in construction industry implemented the following
occupational safety and health policies/programs: accident prevention
program (78.9%); accident investigation program (70.5%); and drug-free
workplace policy program (68.1%); DOLE-approved construction safety
and health (67.5%); and monitoring/ surveillance of occupational and work-
related injuries and illnesses (67.2%).” (Philippine Statistics Authority,
2017)
II. DISCUSSION

The 2015 Integrated Survey on Labor & Employment of Philippine

Statistics Authority presented an alarming number of Occupational Injuries
of Construction Industry which rages up to 2, 115. 1, 399 of it only requires
first aid or medical treatment on the day of accident and was able his
normal duties again. From this, we can infer that about 34% of occupational
accidents requires serious and major medical treatment because of the
degree of severity of the work place hazard.

“Occupational accident – an unexpected and unplanned occurrence,

including acts of violence arising out of or in connection with work which
results in one or more workers incurring a personal injury, disease and
death. It can occur outside the usual workplace/premises of the
establishment while the worker is on business on behalf of his/her
employer, i.e., in another establishment or while on travel, transport or in
road traffic.” (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2017) The fatality of a case will
depend on its level of injury as it can cause permanent or temporary
incapacity of a worker or equipment.

When it comes to Construction Industry, hazards and risks are likely

specially if safety measures are disregarded. Listed below are 10 Common
Construction Accidents (Pat Maloney, 2015):

1. Falls from high heights or scaffolding – Construction workers

are often required to work at very high heights, on scaffolding and ladders,
in windows and on roofs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these
accidents account for 34 percent of all on-the-job deaths of construction
workers.

2. Slips and falls – From stray tools and materials to uneven ground
or holes, there are many hazards on a construction site that could lead to
a dangerous slip, trip, or fall.

3. Electrocutions – Due to the fact that construction sites are a work

in progress, there is often exposed wiring, power lines, and unfinished
electrical systems around. Coming in contact with these could lead to
electrocution or shock.

4. Falling debris, materials or objects – On projects with multiple

levels, it is common for falling tools, building materials, or beams to strike
workers below.
5. Getting caught in-between objects or materials – Construction sites
are filled with heavy machinery, tools, and materials. Often, workers find
themselves stuck in between immovable objects, machinery, or fallen
debris.

6. Fires and explosions – Because of unfinished piping, leaking gases,

and incomplete electrical systems, fires and explosions are a common
occurrence on construction sites.

7. Overexertion – Hours of hard labor, often in extremely hot or humid

conditions, can cause workers to overexert themselves and even fall victim
to heat stroke.

8. Machinery accidents – Construction workers use a lot of heavy

machinery in their work. From cranes and bulldozers to jackhammers and
nail guns, an error or accident with these tools can be very dangerous.

9. Getting hit by a vehicle – Construction sites are often located near or

adjacent to roads or highways. At times, drivers can be distracted by the
work, and if a driver is not looking or it is dark out, it is possible for a worker
to get hit by a passing vehicle or truck.

10. Trench collapses – Trenches are often a necessity on construction

sites. If a trench collapses while a worker is inside, it could cause them to
be hit with tools, machinery, or materials or bury them in the surrounding
dirt.

But just like what Peterson said in his Incident Theory, a hazard only exists
because there is a management that allowed it to exist. For short, we have
the power to have control over it. If we can determine potential harm ahead
of time, then we can also prepare prevention methods to counter it. Listed
below are some rules to follow to minimize work risks (Pat Maloney, 2015):

1. Be aware of the risks around you. Common hazards on construction

sites include falling debris and materials, live electrical wiring, and falls from
high heights.

2. Keep it clean. Put up tools and materials when you’re done using them
and ensure your workspace is free of hazards. Keep all walkways clear
and free of debris to prevent unnecessary falls and slips.

part in any training provided. Additionally, don’t operate any

3. Take
equipment you’re not qualified or trained to use.
4. Report any dangerous working conditions. If you spot hazards in your
work environment, report it to your employer. If necessary, go to your union
representative or file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.

5. Maintain your tools. Before using a piece of equipment or machinery,

ensure it is in proper working order. Keep all tools and machinery on a
regular inspection schedule.

6. Wear safety gear. Always wear the recommended safety equipment for
your job. Whether it’s a hard hat, goggles, gloves, or protective suit, these
items could save your life.

7. Follow any and all guidelines set in place by OSHA or your

employer. These are designed to keep you, your colleagues, and anyone
else on the site safe.

These are not just suggestions but an actual safety measures based
on Occupational Safety and Health Standards from Department of Labor &
Employment. “The Occupational Safety and Health Standards was
formulated in 1978 in compliance with the constitutional mandate to
safeguard the worker’s social and economic well-being as well as his
physical safety and health. Adopted through the tested democratic
machinery of tripartism, the 1978 Standards is considered as a landmark in
Philippine labor and social legislation.” (Department of Labor & Employment,
1989)
III. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS

Construction Industry is indeed a high paying job but also a high

hazard work environment. Accidents and mishaps are unforeseen events
that can pose danger at any time for people and equipment inside or
outside construction sites. Above all, safety should not be disregarded as
it could drastically affect machines, capital, and most importantly human
resources. Companies and organizations need to create a safe and healthy
working environment for all workers to guarantee efficiency of the entire
project. Meanwhile, safety procedures must be regulated by government
to ensure that every establishment complies with the measures. Otherwise,
suspension orders and legal liabilities with accordance to Occupational
Safety and Health Standards should be charged to respective people.

The saying goes as “When we gamble with safety, we bet with our
lives.” Therefore, the government should strengthen control on
construction industry regarding safety issue. The Legislative Department is
urged to materialize mandatory registration of sub-contractors and irregular
construction workers. Every construction worker even on the smallest
scale should enjoy benefits of a regular worker because he is putting his
life on a great danger even by just working at this industry. If not all, benefits
such as medical and life insurance should be legislated.
IV. REFERENCES

Business Dictionary. (2018). Definition Library. Retrieved from Business

Dictionary: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/construction.html

Department of Labor & Employment. (1989). Occupational Safety & Health

Standards: As Amended. Quezon City: DOLE.

Macapanpan, M. L. (2016). Safety and health at work in the Philippines. Retrieved

from International Labour Organization:
http://www.ilo.org/manila/areasofwork/safety-and-health-at-work/lang--
en/index.htm

Minter, S. (1996, December 31). Dan Petersen: Why Safety is a People Problem.
Retrieved from EHS Today:
http://www.ehstoday.com/news/ehs_imp_32659

Oxford Dictionary. (2018). Retrieved from Oxford Dictionary:

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/accident

Pat Maloney. (2015). 10 Most Common Construction Site Incidents. Retrieved

from Law Offices of Pat Maloney: http://patmaloney.com/10-common-
construction-site-accidents/

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2017). Safety and Health in the Workplace: Cases
of Occupational Injuries. LABSTAT Updates, 4-5.

Raouf, G. (2011, March 30). Theory of Accident Causes. Retrieved from

Encyclopedia of Occupational Health & Safety:
http://www.iloencyclopaedia.org/part-viii-12633/accident-prevention/92-56-
accident-prevention/theory-of-accident-causes

Rhodes, L. (2015). Accident Causation Theories. Retrieved from Health and

Human Services - Indiana University of Pennsylvania:
http://www.hhs.iup.edu/lhrhodes/safe610lhr/safe610-03-accidInv/safe610-
03-accidInv-02-theories.html

Santolan, J. (2011, February 01). Ten workers die in construction accident in the
Philippines. International Committee of the Fourth International, p. 3.

Tilos, J. C. (2018). OSHC, DOLE ensure safety of workers in the workplace.

Philippine Information Agency, 15.
Trading Economics. (2017). Philippines GDP From Construction. Retrieved from
Trading Economics: https://tradingeconomics.com/philippines/gdp-from-
construction

United States Department of Labor. (2017). Occupational Safety and Health

Administration. Retrieved from United States Department of Labor:
https://www.osha.gov/doc/