Construction Incidents: What can be done
The construction industry plays a vital role in building the infrastructure and buildings that shape our world. However, due to the nature of the work involving heavy equipment, working at heights, and inherent hazards, construction is also the industry that faces the highest number of fatal accidents and safety incidents. The latest statistics from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) paint an alarming picture of the state of safety incidents in construction. In 2022/23, 45 construction workers died in work-related incidents, a staggering 70% increase from five years ago. Falls from height were the leading cause of death, responsible for 50 fatalities across all industries.
The toll of non-fatal construction safety incidents was also substantial, with 4,038 reported incidents, 62% of which incapacitated workers for more than seven days. Once again, falls from height topped the list, accounting for a third of all injuries, followed by slips and trips (30%), being struck by a moving object (14%), and handling injuries (7%).
Beyond accidents, work-related ill health is a pervasive problem in construction. There were 69,000 workers suffering from occupational illnesses, with musculoskeletal disorders afflicting 54%, and a further 16,000 experiencing mental health issues such as workplace-related stress. The industry’s hazardous nature also took a toll on respiratory health, with 4,000 workers developing lung problems.
The economic impact of construction incidents and ill health is staggering – 2.6 million working days are lost annually, costing the industry £1.3 billion in 2021/22 alone. For health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) professionals, tackling this crisis is imperative. Here, we examine the root causes of safety incidents in construction and explore proven strategies for prevention.
Understanding the Causes of Construction Incidents
To prevent construction incidents and ill health, we first need to understand the underlying factors that contribute to their occurrence. The HSE data provides valuable insights into the most common hazards:
Falls from height
Working at height is an inherent part of construction, but it also poses the greatest risk. Inadequate fall protection, improper use of ladders and scaffolding, and lack of training are common culprits. Preventing falls requires a comprehensive approach encompassing proper planning, equipment, procedures, and competency.
Slips, trips and handling injuries
Construction sites are dynamic environments with ever-changing hazards underfoot. Cluttered walkways, trailing cables, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery conditions can all lead to slips and trips. Manual handling of heavy materials and awkward loads also takes a toll over time, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Good housekeeping, safe walking routes, and mechanical aids are key controls.
Moving vehicles and objects
With multiple trades and subcontractors working in close proximity, construction sites are a hive of activity. Workers on foot are at risk of being struck by moving plants, vehicles or falling objects. Effective segregation of pedestrians and vehicles, exclusion zones, and high-visibility PPE are crucial safeguards.
Health hazards
Construction workers are exposed to a wide range of health hazards, from physical stressors like noise, vibration and manual labour to chemical risks like silica dust, asbestos and lead. Long-term exposure can lead to devastating illnesses like cancer, lung disease, hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders. Substituting harmful substances, providing appropriate PPE, and health surveillance are important control measures.
Mental health
The tough, macho culture of construction (which still exists unfortunately), coupled with job insecurity, long hours and time away from family can take a heavy toll on mental health. In fact, the suicide rate among contruction workers has been growing each year since 2017; they are now 3.7 times more likely to take their own lives than those in other sectors. Stigma around discussing these issues compounds the problem. Creating a supportive, inclusive work environment with access to resources and training is essential, alongside consideration of working conditions and operations.
By understanding these root causes, construction firms can take targeted action to eliminate hazards and reduce the risk of construction safety incidents. But where should they start?
Strategies for Prevention
Tackling the complex web of factors that contribute to construction incidents and ill health requires a multi-pronged approach. Key elements include:
1. Safety Leadership
Creating a culture of safety starts at the top. Senior leaders need to consistently demonstrate their commitment to safety through their words and actions. This means setting clear expectations, providing necessary resources, and holding everyone accountable. Regular site visits, safety stand-downs, and personal engagement with the workforce are powerful ways to show that safety is a core value.
2. Risk Management
Identifying and controlling hazards is the foundation of effective safety management. This requires a systematic approach to risk assessment, involving workers in the process. Hierarchy of controls should be applied to eliminate hazards at the source where possible, substituting safer alternatives, engineering out risks, and using PPE as a last resort. Regular site inspections and monitoring are essential to catch emerging risks.
3. Training and Competency
Construction work requires specialised skills and knowledge to perform safely. Employers have a duty to provide workers with the information, instruction and training they need to work without risk to their health. This includes induction training for new starters, as well as ongoing refresher training and upskilling. Particular attention should be paid to high-risk activities like working at height, confined spaces, and energy isolation.
4. Incident Investigation
When construction safety incidents or near misses occur, it’s crucial to investigate them thoroughly and identify root causes to prevent recurrence. The Kelvin TOP-SET methodology provides a structured, logical and practical evidence-based approach to incident investigation. By gathering data from all relevant sources, analysing it objectively, and applying the hierarchy of controls, investigators can arrive at effective preventive actions. Training like the Kelvin TOP-SET Senior Investigator programme can equip safety professionals with the skills to lead robust investigations when a construction incident does occur.
5. Worker Engagement
Ultimately, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Engaging construction workers in safety initiatives, empowering them to be aware of and speak up about hazards, and involving them in decision-making are key to building a strong safety culture. This can be achieved through safety committees, toolbox talks, suggestion schemes, and behavioural safety programmes. Recognising and rewarding safe behaviours reinforces the message that safety is a priority.
6. Health and Wellbeing
Preventing work-related ill health requires a proactive approach to managing health risks. This includes conducting health risk assessments, implementing controls like dust suppression and noise reduction, providing appropriate PPE, and offering health surveillance where required. Promoting general health and wellbeing through initiatives like stress management, healthy eating, good sleep hygiene and physical activity can also help build resilience. Creating the right conditions for work are also important for minimising risk to mental health as part of a company’s duty of care.
7. Innovation and Technology
The construction industry is embracing new technologies that have the potential to transform safety. From wearable sensors that monitor workers’ vital signs and alert them to hazards, to drones that can inspect hard-to-reach areas, to AI-powered analytics that can predict and prevent incidents, the opportunities are vast. Investing in these cutting-edge solutions can help construction firms stay ahead of the curve and protect their workers. Sound solutions do not always have to be expensive, e.g. all TOP-SET-trained Investigators are equipped with digital tools to run investigations using online collaboration platforms such as Miro or Microsoft Whiteboard, so there’s no additional need for expensive software.
The Way Forward
The latest HSE statistics serve as a stark reminder of the unacceptable toll of construction safety incidents and ill health. Behind every number is a person – a valued worker, a cherished family member, a part of the community. The impact of each loss is significant, not just for those directly affected, but for the industry as a whole.
Preventing these incidents from occurring, and crucially, from recurring, must be a top priority for every construction firm. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by thoroughly investigating incidents when they do happen. By identifying the root causes and contributing factors, construction companies can develop targeted interventions to address the underlying issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.
However, conducting effective incident investigations requires specific skills and knowledge. This is where professional training, such as the Kelvin TOP-SET incident investigation methodology, can make a real difference.
The importance of incident investigation training cannot be overstated, especially for organisations with new team members or those who have not had previous training. Courses like the Kelvin TOP-SET Senior Investigator Course equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead investigations into serious construction incidents, and to produce consistent and high-quality incident reports and SMART Actions that drive real change.
Of course, incident investigation is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly move the needle on safety, construction firms need to take a holistic approach that encompasses fostering a strong safety culture, proactive risk management, worker engagement, health and wellbeing, and leveraging technology. By creating an environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility and is integrated into every aspect of operations, construction companies can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of incidents.
The industry has made strides in recent years, with many firms implementing robust safety management systems and investing in training and technology. However, there is still much work to be done. It will require ongoing commitment, collaboration, and continuous improvement from all stakeholders to drive the necessary changes.
The construction industry faces a significant challenge in tackling the unacceptable toll of safety incidents and ill health. By prioritising incident prevention, investing in high-quality investigation training, and taking a comprehensive approach to safety management, construction firms can create safer, healthier workplaces for all. The benefits – both human and economic – of getting safety right are immense. It’s up to every organisation to seize this opportunity and to work tirelessly towards the goal of zero harm.
