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Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Occupational Safety and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 107383

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Antonio López Arquillos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economics and Business Administration, School of Industrial Engineers, University of Malaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain
Interests: occupational health and safety management; risk assessment methods; wearables for worker monitoring; construction safety; prevention through design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A Special Issue on “Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention” is being organized in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. For detailed information on the journal, I refer you to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph. 

Occupational accidents negatively affect not only to the worker injured, but also companies, governments, organizations, and society in general. A better understanding of such accidents (risks, causes, influence factors, personal variables, etc.) will help us to come up with more effective preventive measures and create safer workplaces. 

In order to improve our understanding of the problem, this Special Issue on “Occupational accidents and risk prevention” aims to provide an overview of the most recent research related to occupational accidents. Original research articles are welcomed on but not limited to the following topics:

  • Occupational risk assessment (hazard prevention and management);
  • Accident analysis (causation, characterization of workers, accidents models, official records, etc.);
  • New technology for the prevention of accidents (densors, IoT, big data, machine learning);
  • Economic aspects of accidents (organizations, workers, insurance companies, etc.);
  • Promotion of safety at the workplace (training for safety, procedures, signals, communication).

Dr. Antonio López Arquillos
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • occupational accidents
  • risk assessment
  • prevention
  • wearables
  • workplace
  • safety
  • accident
  • injury
  • causation
  • IoT

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (27 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 1499 KiB  
Article
Occupational Traffic Accidents among Teachers in Spain
by Vicente Joaquín Delgado-Fernández, María del Carmen Rey-Merchán, Antonio López-Arquillos and Sang D. Choi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095175 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Occupational traffic accidents are a leading cause of injuries or deaths among workers. Teachers in Spain are especially concerned about the problem of commuting due to their particular labor conditions. Multiple work-related factors are associated with the risk and severity of occupational traffic-related [...] Read more.
Occupational traffic accidents are a leading cause of injuries or deaths among workers. Teachers in Spain are especially concerned about the problem of commuting due to their particular labor conditions. Multiple work-related factors are associated with the risk and severity of occupational traffic-related motor vehicle crashes. The objective of this research is to analyze the influence of the variables associated with the severity of occupational traffic accidents among teachers in Spain. A logistic regression model was used for the current study. The odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the injured worker on a sample of 20,190 occupational traffic accidents suffered by teachers. The results showed that women, Spanish nationality, younger than 55 years, and those driving a car were more likely to suffer a light crash. In contrast, men, foreign nationalities, older than 55 years, and those riding a motorbike were more likely to suffer a serious crash. Based on these findings, motor vehicle safety training could be designed and adapted to the riskiest profiles. Additionally, effective mobility plans for commuting could help reduce work-related traffic accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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14 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
What Influences Miners’ Safety Risk Perception?
by Shu Zhang, Xinyu Hua, Ganghai Huang, Xiuzhi Shi and Dandan Li
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073817 - 23 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2128
Abstract
The risks faced by the mining industry have always been prominent for every walk of life in China. As the direct cause of accidents, individual unsafe behaviors are closely related to their risk perception. So, it is important to explore the factors affecting [...] Read more.
The risks faced by the mining industry have always been prominent for every walk of life in China. As the direct cause of accidents, individual unsafe behaviors are closely related to their risk perception. So, it is important to explore the factors affecting miners’ risk perception and analyze the influencing mechanisms between these factors and risk perception. The questionnaire survey method was used to collect the data of risk perception from nearly 400 respondents working in metal mines in China. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to analyze and process collected data. The impact of four factors affecting miners’ risk perception was verified, namely: organizational safety atmosphere, organizational trust, knowledge level, and risk communication. Then, regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation model analysis were used to examine the effect of the four influencing factors on miners’ risk perception. The four influencing factors all have a positive impact on miners’ risk perception; knowledge level has the largest explained variation of miners’ risk perception, followed by risk communication. Organizational trust and organizational safety atmosphere have an indirect and positive impact on miners’ risk perception intermediated by knowledge level and risk communication. The results offer four important aspects of mine safety management to help miners establish quick and accurate risk perception, thereby reducing unsafe behaviors and avoiding accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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14 pages, 827 KiB  
Article
Power Distance Belief and Workplace Communication: The Mediating Role of Fear of Authority
by Yuwan Dai, Hao Li, Wenting Xie and Tianyi Deng
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2932; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052932 - 2 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7973
Abstract
Power distance is the degree of acceptance of unequal distribution of power in societies. In a high power distance context, the acceptance of inequality conflicts with the operation of modern organizations, which causes obstacles to workplace communication or even triggers workplace accidents due [...] Read more.
Power distance is the degree of acceptance of unequal distribution of power in societies. In a high power distance context, the acceptance of inequality conflicts with the operation of modern organizations, which causes obstacles to workplace communication or even triggers workplace accidents due to ineffective communication. We conducted four studies (N = 1063) to explore the relations between and mechanisms of power distance belief and workplace communication. In Study 1, the participants with high power distance belief had ineffective workplace communication—specifically ineffective communication with superiors—but no difference in communication with subordinates and colleagues. We further focused on the mechanism underlying the relationship between power distance belief and communication with superiors. A questionnaire study (Study 2) was conducted in three stages over a three-month period, and an experimental study (Study 3) indicated that fear of authority mediated the negative effect of high power distance on communication with superiors. A cross-culture study (Study 4) re-tested the hypotheses among Chinese and U.S. participants. This research provides insight into the mechanisms that explain the relationship between power distance belief and workplace communication, indicating that fear of authority is significant. Organizations should pay attention to power distance belief and fear of authority, as they may lead to workplace accidents due to communication disasters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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18 pages, 4762 KiB  
Article
Methodology for the Determination of a Process Safety Culture Index and Safety Culture Maturity Level in Industries
by Dorota Siuta, Bożena Kukfisz, Aneta Kuczyńska and Piotr Tomasz Mitkowski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2668; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19052668 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4436
Abstract
A mature of safety culture is crucial to preventing and mitigating accidents, incidents, and unsafe behaviors in the process industry, so as to make it more sustainable and economically responsible. Measurement, investigation, and assessment of the safety culture using interviews, questionnaires, behavior observation, [...] Read more.
A mature of safety culture is crucial to preventing and mitigating accidents, incidents, and unsafe behaviors in the process industry, so as to make it more sustainable and economically responsible. Measurement, investigation, and assessment of the safety culture using interviews, questionnaires, behavior observation, reviewing documentation, and its impact on the safety performances of an organization is complicated, challenging, and requires a commitment to all employees. The aim of this study was to propose a novel, unique semi-quantitative methodology for the determination of a total process safety culture index and parametric model of process safety culture maturity in an organization based on the Bradley model. The methodology includes a questionnaire concerning different process safety culture factors, calculation procedures, and a graphical tool. In addition, three quantitative survey indicators were proposed: indicators of direct communication, average communication time, and the applicability rate of the proposed changes by employees. A fully-developed total process safety culture index allows for identifying, hierarchizing, and benchmarking different factors of the safety culture among companies and sectors. Moreover, it will enable identifying the area of actions required to improve safety practices and elements applied to the organization analyzed. The proposed methodology was verified in a case study of one energy company with three locations in Poland and can be easily applied to different industrial fields, including logistics and warehousing, the food industry, the paper industry, security services, fire services, and environmental and other agencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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20 pages, 2382 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the National Fatality Rate in Construction Industry Using Time-Series Approach and Equivalent Evaluation Conditions
by Yukyung Shim, Jaemin Jeong, Jaewook Jeong, Jaehyun Lee and Yongwoo Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042312 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3016
Abstract
Fatality rates such as fatalities per full-time equivalent workers are officially used to compare the risk level of the construction industry among various countries. However, each country evaluates the fatality rate using different conditions. This paper presents the comparison of fatality rates of [...] Read more.
Fatality rates such as fatalities per full-time equivalent workers are officially used to compare the risk level of the construction industry among various countries. However, each country evaluates the fatality rate using different conditions. This paper presents the comparison of fatality rates of various countries using conventional (national data) and pair (equivalent condition) methods through a time-series approach. The research was conducted in three stages. The risk level was evaluated in order in South Korea (1.54), Japan (0.84), Mexico (0.83), China (0.70), United Kingdom (0.15), and Singapore (0.13) in terms of national data. However, the risk level was re-evaluated in order in China (2.27), South Korea (2.05), Mexico (1.23), Singapore (0.98), Japan (0.80), and United Kingdom (0.47) in terms of equivalent conditions. The risk level of each can be changed when the fatality rate is compared under given equivalent conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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23 pages, 1086 KiB  
Article
Is Injury an Occupational Hazard for Horseracing Staff?
by Emma Davies, Will McConn-Palfreyman, John K. Parker, Lorna J. Cameron and Jane M. Williams
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042054 - 12 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2475
Abstract
Occupational health is a key priority for the horseracing industry, yet little research on occupational injuries exists. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of injury in British horseracing staff during a 12-month period. An online retrospective survey was answered by 352 [...] Read more.
Occupational health is a key priority for the horseracing industry, yet little research on occupational injuries exists. This study investigated the prevalence and the effect of injury in British horseracing staff during a 12-month period. An online retrospective survey was answered by 352 participants, identifying self-reported injury prevalence, injury management practices and attitudes towards workplace injury reporting. Chi Squared tests for independence were undertaken. A total of 310 (88.1%) staff reported injuries; risk factors for injury type included self-perceived job security, working hours, and perceived job control. Physical limitations, loss of confidence, workplace changes, and lifestyle implications were reported as consequences of injury. A total of 75.3% (n = 134) of staff were likely to seek time-off following fractures, but only 48.6% (n = 86) would take time-off for concussion. Attitudes towards injury management were influenced by financial circumstances, perceived staff shortages, previous injury experiences, and perceived employer expectations. The high self-reported injury prevalence could result in decreased workforce efficiency, poor physical health, and negative implications on retention and career longevity. The perception of invisible injuries, i.e., concussion, and subsequent management, should be of immediate concern to racing organizations. This paper identifies recommendations to enhance the safety and wellbeing of horseracing staff. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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17 pages, 1185 KiB  
Article
Supporting Occupational Health and Safety Risk Assessment Skills: A Case Study of Five Companies
by Minna Rantala, Maria Lindholm and Sari Tappura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1720; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031720 - 2 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3709
Abstract
Financial burden due to poor occupational safety practices remains high although occupational health and safety (OHS) have improved in recent years. Conducting risk assessment is one way to improve OHS. Workplaces may not have sufficient expertise in risk assessment. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Financial burden due to poor occupational safety practices remains high although occupational health and safety (OHS) have improved in recent years. Conducting risk assessment is one way to improve OHS. Workplaces may not have sufficient expertise in risk assessment. The aim of this study was to identify the needed OHS risk assessment skills, current support in the workplaces and the ways to improve risk assessment skills. This study was conducted with the Delphi survey for OHS experts (n = 13) and with interviews (n = 41) in the case companies. OHS experts agreed that the most significant skills were for employees to identify hazards and minimize risks in one’s work; for supervisors to influence others with a good example; and for OHS experts to understand and manage the wholeness of safety practices and understand and manage the meaning, concepts, and criteria of risk assessment. The current main support methods were learning at work, training and written instructions. However, many of the interviewees felt that they had not received risk assessment training and that the support depended on their activity. Finally, the OHS experts determined that the most feasible ways to improve risk assessment skills were training, coaching and giving clear instructions. Likewise, the interviewees suggested various training methods. Based on these results, concrete development plans to improve risk assessment skills can be made. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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24 pages, 7702 KiB  
Article
Study of Occupational Safety Risks in Prefabricated Building Hoisting Construction Based on HFACS-PH and SEM
by Yinghui Song, Junwu Wang, Denghui Liu and Feng Guo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031550 - 29 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3581
Abstract
As the concern for environmental pollution and occupational safety caused by the construction industry is gradually increasing worldwide, the prefabricated building model has become a type of construction promoted by sustainable societies. In China, the management codes of prefabricated buildings are not mature [...] Read more.
As the concern for environmental pollution and occupational safety caused by the construction industry is gradually increasing worldwide, the prefabricated building model has become a type of construction promoted by sustainable societies. In China, the management codes of prefabricated buildings are not mature enough and safety accidents occur frequently during the construction process. Therefore, how to analyze and determine the main factors that affect the safety of the construction of prefabricated buildings has become a problem to protect the lives and health of construction workers. In this study, we focused our research on the accident-prone component-hoisting construction phase. First, through the questionnaire and accident data, the traditional human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS) was improved into the HFACS–prefabricated building hoisting (PH) risk model. This study also established a comprehensive safety prevention and control system for the component-hoisting process of prefabricated buildings by combining the factor analysis of using structural equation modeling (SEM). The prevention and control measures to avoid the occurrence of prefabricated building component-hoisting accidents were also proposed from four aspects: external environment, organizational factors, prerequisites for triggering accidents, and unsafe leadership behaviors. The results showed the following: (1) For the external environment, occupational safety and health system standards should be established and safety supervision responsibilities should be implemented. (2) For organizational factors, safety management systems should be improved with more capital investment. (3) For unsafe leadership behaviors, safety education and training should be strengthened to ensure workers’ optimal physical and psychological states. (4) For the prerequisite of accidents, it is necessary to create a good hoisting work environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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13 pages, 330 KiB  
Article
Implementation Determinants of Zimbabwe National Occupational Safety and Health Policy in Willowvale Industrial Area, Zimbabwe
by Tarisayi Mkungunugwa, Patrick Opiyo Owili, Adamson Sinjani Muula and Hsien-Wen Kuo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031424 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3493
Abstract
Zimbabwe introduced the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy (ZNOSHP) in August 2014 with the vision and mission to eliminate occupational accidents, injuries, diseases, and fatalities and to promote Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). This study was therefore aimed at exploring the individual- [...] Read more.
Zimbabwe introduced the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy (ZNOSHP) in August 2014 with the vision and mission to eliminate occupational accidents, injuries, diseases, and fatalities and to promote Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). This study was therefore aimed at exploring the individual- and organizational-level determinants of ZNOSHP’s implementation. Data were collected from 309 workers in the Willowvale industrial area in Harare, Zimbabwe. Negative binomial regression models were used to explore the determinants of ZNOSHP’s implementation. After adjustment, participant’s knowledge of ZNOSHP (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR = 1.32; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.19–1.46; p ≤ 0.001), production department (IRR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.26; p ≤ 0.05), company years of operation (IRR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.21–1.46; p ≤ 0.001), participants who identified several implementation barriers (IRR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.25; p ≤ 0.001), and agricultural industry were associated with higher rates of ZNOSHP’s implementation. In conclusion, individual- and organizational-level determinants of implementation of OSH standards were explored, and positive associations were found. Policy implementation, enforcement, and follow up strategies need to be developed in order to ensure adherence to safety measures. This study should be extended to other parts of Zimbabwe in order to develop evidence-based policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
9 pages, 353 KiB  
Article
Perceived Stress at Work and Associated Factors among E-Waste Workers in French-Speaking West Africa
by Nonvignon Marius Kêdoté, Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh, Steve Biko Tobada, Aymeric Joaquin Darboux, Pérince Fonton, Marthe Sandrine Sanon Lompo and Julius Fobil
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020851 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2310
Abstract
Perceived stress at work is an important risk factor that affects the mental and physical health of workers. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with perceived stress in the informal electronic and electrical equipment waste processing sector in French-speaking [...] Read more.
Perceived stress at work is an important risk factor that affects the mental and physical health of workers. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with perceived stress in the informal electronic and electrical equipment waste processing sector in French-speaking West Africa. From 14 to 21 November 2019, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among e-waste workers in five countries in the French-speaking West African region, and participants were selected by stratified random sampling. Participants were interviewed on socio-demographic variables and characteristics related to e-waste management activities using a questionnaire incorporating Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (10-item version). Factors associated with perceived stress were determined by multivariate logistic regression. A total of 740 e-waste workers were interviewed. The mean age of the workers was 34.59 ± 11.65 years, with extremes of 14 and 74 years. Most of the interviewees were repairers (43.11%). The prevalence of perceived stress among the e-waste workers was 76.76%. Insufficient income, number of working days per week, perceived violence at work, and the interference of work with family responsibilities or leisure were the risk factors that were the most associated with perceived stress. The high prevalence of perceived stress and its associated factors call for consideration and improvement of the working conditions of e-waste workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
18 pages, 7396 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Construction Safety Information Sharing System Based on Linked Data, Ontologies, and Knowledge Graph Technologies
by Akeem Pedro, Anh-Tuan Pham-Hang, Phong Thanh Nguyen and Hai Chien Pham
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020794 - 11 Jan 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3087
Abstract
Accident, injury, and fatality rates remain disproportionately high in the construction industry. Information from past mishaps provides an opportunity to acquire insights, gather lessons learned, and systematically improve safety outcomes. Advances in data science and industry 4.0 present new unprecedented opportunities for the [...] Read more.
Accident, injury, and fatality rates remain disproportionately high in the construction industry. Information from past mishaps provides an opportunity to acquire insights, gather lessons learned, and systematically improve safety outcomes. Advances in data science and industry 4.0 present new unprecedented opportunities for the industry to leverage, share, and reuse safety information more efficiently. However, potential benefits of information sharing are missed due to accident data being inconsistently formatted, non-machine-readable, and inaccessible. Hence, learning opportunities and insights cannot be captured and disseminated to proactively prevent accidents. To address these issues, a novel information sharing system is proposed utilizing linked data, ontologies, and knowledge graph technologies. An ontological approach is developed to semantically model safety information and formalize knowledge pertaining to accident cases. A multi-algorithmic approach is developed for automatically processing and converting accident case data to a resource description framework (RDF), and the SPARQL protocol is deployed to enable query functionalities. Trials and test scenarios utilizing a dataset of 200 real accident cases confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the system in improving information access, retrieval, and reusability. The proposed development facilitates a new “open” information sharing paradigm with major implications for industry 4.0 and data-driven applications in construction safety management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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31 pages, 34045 KiB  
Article
Human Factor Risk Modeling for Shipyard Operation by Mapping Fuzzy Fault Tree into Bayesian Network
by Yang Liu, Xiaoxue Ma, Weiliang Qiao, Huiwen Luo and Peilong He
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010297 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
The operational activities conducted in a shipyard are exposed to high risk associated with human factors. To investigate human factors involved in shipyard operational accidents, a double-nested model was proposed in the present study. The modified human factor analysis classification system (HFACS) was [...] Read more.
The operational activities conducted in a shipyard are exposed to high risk associated with human factors. To investigate human factors involved in shipyard operational accidents, a double-nested model was proposed in the present study. The modified human factor analysis classification system (HFACS) was applied to identify the human factors involved in the accidents, the results of which were then converted into diverse components of a fault tree and, as a result, a single-level nested model was established. For the development of a double-nested model, the structured fault tree was mapped into a Bayesian network (BN), which can be simulated with the obtained prior probabilities of parent nodes and the conditional probability table by fuzzy theory and expert elicitation. Finally, the developed BN model is simulated for various scenarios to analyze the identified human factors by means of structural analysis, path dependencies and sensitivity analysis. The general interpretation of these analysis verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology to evaluate the human factor risks involved in operational accidents in a shipyard. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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13 pages, 411 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Falls from Height Variables in Occupational Accidents
by María del Carmen Rey-Merchán, Jesús M. Gómez-de-Gabriel, Antonio López-Arquillos and Sang D. Choi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413417 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3479
Abstract
Fall-from-height accidents are linked to severe and fatal consequences for impacted workers. A better understanding of the related variables is necessary to improve worker safety. This study analyzed all fall-from-height occupational accidents recorded in Spain from 2009 to 2019, selected significant variables, and [...] Read more.
Fall-from-height accidents are linked to severe and fatal consequences for impacted workers. A better understanding of the related variables is necessary to improve worker safety. This study analyzed all fall-from-height occupational accidents recorded in Spain from 2009 to 2019, selected significant variables, and evaluated the influence concerning the seriousness of the falls from height. Based on a total of 290,583 fall-from-height accidents, the study shows that a male inexperienced worker in a small company working in a non-habitual workplace is more likely to suffer fatal consequences once the accident happens. An improved knowledge of fall-from-height accidents will improve safety conditions. The workers should be trained and informed about their specific risk depending on the variables analyzed. Safety training should consider more risky profiles. Results from the current study can help identify suitable fall prevention and risk mitigation actions in safety programs for companies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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11 pages, 317 KiB  
Article
Personal Safety and Fear of Sexual Harassment among Female Garment Workers in Bangladesh
by Muhammad Akram Uzzaman, Zamadonda Nokuthula Xulu-Kasaba and Muhammad Ehsanul Haque
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13406; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413406 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 15815
Abstract
Personal safety and fear of sexual harassment may discourage women from participating at work and in public life, limiting their life opportunities. The study proposed to determine personal safety and fear of sexual harassment among female garment workers in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study [...] Read more.
Personal safety and fear of sexual harassment may discourage women from participating at work and in public life, limiting their life opportunities. The study proposed to determine personal safety and fear of sexual harassment among female garment workers in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 female garment workers from Dhaka and Chittagong cities. Participants were selected using snowballing sampling techniques with the data collected by using anonymised questionnaires. The Pearson product–moment correlation and analysis of variance were employed using SPSS version 27.0. Results showed that 25% of the participants perceived that they were most likely to be sexually harassed by their manager and 25% never felt safe going to work. Age and the marital status of the participants were significantly associated with personal safety and fear of sexual harassment (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis found a significant positive correlation between personal safety and the fear of sexual harassment [r (201) = 0.85 **, p < 0.05], among the participants. A deep commitment from leadership with cooperation at all levels of the organisations is required to address these acts of violence and organisational conditions, rather than a form of unreflective compliance or a ‘gender-neutral’ approach that fails to recognise individual needs and maintain gender inequality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
10 pages, 828 KiB  
Article
Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology/Cardiology—Is State-of-the-Art Equipment Used?
by Christiane Behr-Meenen, Heiner von Boetticher, Jan Felix Kersten and Albert Nienhaus
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13131; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413131 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3033
Abstract
Interventional radiology/cardiology is one of the fields with the highest radiation doses for workers. For this reason, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published new recommendations in 2018 to shield staff from radiation. This study sets out to establish the extent to [...] Read more.
Interventional radiology/cardiology is one of the fields with the highest radiation doses for workers. For this reason, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published new recommendations in 2018 to shield staff from radiation. This study sets out to establish the extent to which these recommendations are observed in Germany. For the study, areas were selected which are known to have relatively high radiation exposure along with good conditions for radiological protection—interventional cardiology, radiology and vascular surgery. The study was advertised with the aid of an information flyer which was distributed via organisations including the German Cardiac Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie- Herz- und Kreislaufforschung e. V.). Everyone who participated in our study received a questionnaire to record their occupational medical history, dosimetry, working practices, existing interventional installations and personal protective equipment. The results were compared with international recommendations, especially those of the ICRP, based on state-of-the-art equipment. A total of 104 respondents from eight German clinics took part in the survey. Four participants had been medically diagnosed with cataracts. None of the participants had previously worn an additional dosimeter over their apron to determine partial-body doses. The interventional installations recommended by the ICRP have not been fitted in all examination rooms and, where they have been put in place, they are not always used consistently. Just 31 participants (36.6%) stated that they “always” wore protective lead glasses or a visor. This study revealed considerable deficits in radiological protection—especially in connection with shielding measures and dosimetric practices pertaining to the head and neck—during a range of interventions. Examination rooms without the recommended interventional installations should be upgraded in the future. According to the principle of dose minimization, there is considerable potential for improving radiation protection. Temporary measurements should be taken over the apron to determine the organ-specific equivalent dose to the lens of the eye and the head. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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15 pages, 2953 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Occupational Accidents in the Spanish Mining Sector in the Period 2009–2018
by Lluís Sanmiquel, Marc Bascompta, Josep M. Rossell and Hernan Anticoi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413122 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2282
Abstract
Occupational accidents in the Spanish mining industry have been substantially reduced over the last decades. However, the incidence rate shows higher values than other leading mining countries. In this regard, the research carried out reveals the factors influencing the high incidence rates of [...] Read more.
Occupational accidents in the Spanish mining industry have been substantially reduced over the last decades. However, the incidence rate shows higher values than other leading mining countries. In this regard, the research carried out reveals the factors influencing the high incidence rates of the Spanish mining sector, based on three scenarios: underground mining (UG), quarries and open pit mining (OP) and mineral processing plants (PP). The three most common types of accident for each scenario have been determined, considering the accidents in Spain between 2009 and 2018. The analysis also includes the main deviations, and physical activities that the injured worker was carrying out at the time of the accident. Besides, a model to predict the number of accidents based on the lost working days is also presented together with the incidence and severity risk index adjusted by the number of employees and their worked hours, respectively, in each scenario. These finding can be relevant to define the most effective measures and policies to reduce the number of accidents in the mining sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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14 pages, 3198 KiB  
Article
Semantic Network Analysis Using Construction Accident Cases to Understand Workers’ Unsafe Acts
by Suhyun Kang, Sunyoung Cho, Sungmin Yun and Sangyong Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312660 - 1 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2382
Abstract
Unsafe acts by workers are a direct cause of accidents in the labor-intensive construction industry. Previous studies have reviewed past accidents and analyzed their causes to understand the nature of the human error involved. However, these studies focused their investigations on only a [...] Read more.
Unsafe acts by workers are a direct cause of accidents in the labor-intensive construction industry. Previous studies have reviewed past accidents and analyzed their causes to understand the nature of the human error involved. However, these studies focused their investigations on only a small number of construction accidents, even though a large number of them have been collected from various countries. Consequently, this study developed a semantic network analysis (SNA) model that uses approximately 60,000 construction accident cases to understand the nature of the human error that affects safety in the construction industry. A modified human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS) framework was used to classify major human error factors—that is, the causes of the accidents in each of the accident summaries in the accident case data—and an SNA analysis was conducted on all of the classified data to analyze correlations between the major factors that lead to unsafe acts. The results show that an overwhelming number of accidents occurred due to unintended acts such as perceptual errors (PERs) and skill-based errors (SBEs). Moreover, this study visualized the relationships between factors that affected unsafe acts based on actual construction accident case data, allowing for an intuitive understanding of the major keywords for each of the factors that lead to accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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20 pages, 8185 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Fast Test Based on Biometric Signals to Assess Mental Fatigue at the Workplace—A Pilot Study
by Mauricio A. Ramírez-Moreno, Patricio Carrillo-Tijerina, Milton Osiel Candela-Leal, Myriam Alanis-Espinosa, Juan Carlos Tudón-Martínez, Armando Roman-Flores, Ricardo A. Ramírez-Mendoza and Jorge de J. Lozoya-Santos
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211891 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4831
Abstract
Non-pathological mental fatigue is a recurring, but undesirable condition among people in the fields of office work, industry, and education. This type of mental fatigue can often lead to negative outcomes, such as performance reduction and cognitive impairment in education; loss of focus [...] Read more.
Non-pathological mental fatigue is a recurring, but undesirable condition among people in the fields of office work, industry, and education. This type of mental fatigue can often lead to negative outcomes, such as performance reduction and cognitive impairment in education; loss of focus and burnout syndrome in office work; and accidents leading to injuries or death in the transportation and manufacturing industries. Reliable mental fatigue assessment tools are promising in the improvement of performance, mental health and safety of students and workers, and at the same time, in the reduction of risks, accidents and the associated economic loss (e.g., medical fees and equipment reparations). The analysis of biometric (brain, cardiac, skin conductance) signals has proven to be effective in discerning different stages of mental fatigue; however, many of the reported studies in the literature involve the use of long fatigue-inducing tests and subject-specific models in their methodologies. Recent trends in the modeling of mental fatigue suggest the usage of non subject-specific (general) classifiers and a time reduction of calibration procedures and experimental setups. In this study, the evaluation of a fast and short-calibration mental fatigue assessment tool based on biometric signals and inter-subject modeling, using multiple linear regression, is presented. The proposed tool does not require fatigue-inducing tests, which allows fast setup and implementation. Electroencephalography, photopletismography, electrodermal activity, and skin temperature from 17 subjects were recorded, using an OpenBCI helmet and an Empatica E4 wristband. Correlations to self-reported mental fatigue levels (using the fatigue assessment scale) were calculated to find the best mental fatigue predictors. Three-class mental fatigue models were evaluated, and the best model obtained an accuracy of 88% using three features, β/θ (C3), and the α/θ (O2 and C3) ratios, from one minute of electroencephalography measurements. The results from this pilot study show the feasibility and potential of short-calibration procedures and inter-subject classifiers in mental fatigue modeling, and will contribute to the use of wearable devices for the development of tools oriented to the well-being of workers and students, and also in daily living activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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15 pages, 3496 KiB  
Article
Construction Safety during Pandemics: Learning from the Xinjia Express Hotel Collapse during COVID-19 in China
by Yu-Jie Huang, Jing Tao, Fu-Qiang Yang and Chao Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11498; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111498 - 1 Nov 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3064
Abstract
Many construction accidents occur in China each year, leading to a large number of deaths, injures, and property losses. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, little attention is paid to construction safety, resulting in severe accidents. To prevent construction accidents and learn to [...] Read more.
Many construction accidents occur in China each year, leading to a large number of deaths, injures, and property losses. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, little attention is paid to construction safety, resulting in severe accidents. To prevent construction accidents and learn to how address safety issues in future pandemics, this study proposed an improved STAMP (Systems Theoretic Accident Modeling and Processes) model to analyze the collapse accident of the Xinjia Express Hotel used for COVID-19 quarantine in China. Through the application of the STAMP approach, the causes of the construction accident and the relationship between various causal factors are analyzed from a systematic perspective. The identified causes are divided into five categories: contractors, management of organizations, technical methods, participants, and interactive feedback. Finally, safety recommendations are drawn from this study to improve construction safety and safety management in pandemics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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20 pages, 3277 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Correlation between Occupational Accidents and Economic Factors in China
by Chengwu Li, Xiangbing Wang, Chengmin Wei, Min Hao, Zhen Qiao and Yonghang He
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010781 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2228
Abstract
One of the important factors affecting the production safety of a country or region is the level of economic development. Avoiding accidents under the condition of ensuring economic development is a problem that needs in-depth research. On the basis of collecting the data [...] Read more.
One of the important factors affecting the production safety of a country or region is the level of economic development. Avoiding accidents under the condition of ensuring economic development is a problem that needs in-depth research. On the basis of collecting the data of occupational accidents and economic development indicators in China from 2000 to 2020, this paper studies the relationship between occupational accidents and five economic indicators, such as resident consumption, energy consumption, education funds, wage level and research input. The grey working accident model of Gaussian function is established, the occurrence trend of occupational accidents is quantitatively analyzed, and the accident reduction measures are suggested based on the relationship between accidents and economy. The results show that there is a strong correlation between accident and economic indicators, and the comprehensive correlation coefficient among scientific research investment, education funds and accident indicators is significantly higher than that of other economic indicators. Increasing investment in scientific research and education is conducive to improving the quality of workers and training safety professionals and can effectively reduce workplace accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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10 pages, 768 KiB  
Article
Work-Related Injuries Reported toWorkers Compensation Fund in Tanzania from 2016 to 2019
by Brenda S. Shewiyo, Hussein H. Mwanga, Ezra J. Mrema and Simon H. Mamuya
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179152 - 30 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2362
Abstract
Quality data on the magnitude and determinants of work-related injuries is an important element in the development of appropriate preventative strategies. However, there have been many challenges in obtaining quality information on work-related injuries in the developing countries. This archival study based on [...] Read more.
Quality data on the magnitude and determinants of work-related injuries is an important element in the development of appropriate preventative strategies. However, there have been many challenges in obtaining quality information on work-related injuries in the developing countries. This archival study based on the data from workers’ compensation registry from the year 2016 to 2019 aimed at determining trends and factors associated with work-related injuries (WRI). Data from 4578 WRI claims reported to Workers Compensation Fund (WCF) in Tanzania were analyzed. As expected, this new workers’ compensation system had increasing participation from inception in 2016 through 2019, resulting in increasing numbers of fatal and non-fatal work-related claims. Motor traffic accidents, machine faults and falls were the most reported causes of WRI. Males had more than 2-fold increased odds of sustaining fatal injuries compared to females. More than 6-fold increased odds of fatal injuries were observed for injuries occurring during conveyance. Explosions, motor traffic accidents, and falls were more likely to result into fatal injuries. Increased odds of fatal injuries were observed in workers from transportation and storage sector; information and technology; construction and building; and electricity, gas, and steam sectors, as well as among teachers, drivers, office workers, and security guards. The current study offers some insights regarding trends and associated factors that are vital in planning and implementation of appropriate preventative strategies for work-related injuries in Tanzania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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14 pages, 431 KiB  
Article
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Workplace Accidents in Korea
by Eun-Mi Baek, Woo-Yung Kim and Yoon-Jeong Kwon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168407 - 9 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3206
Abstract
(1) Background: Although the number of people infected with COVID-19 has increased over time, its effects on workplace accidents are still poorly understood. On the one hand, COVID-19 can reduce workplace accidents through contracted economic activities or changes in work methods. On the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Although the number of people infected with COVID-19 has increased over time, its effects on workplace accidents are still poorly understood. On the one hand, COVID-19 can reduce workplace accidents through contracted economic activities or changes in work methods. On the other hand, it can increase workplace accidents by spreading in the workplace. The main purpose of this paper is to examine how COVID-19 affected workplace accidents in Korea during the early part of the pandemic. (2) Methods: This paper utilizes the administrative data on workplace accidents in Korea collected by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency. In particular, we use monthly data from February 2016 to August 2020. This period was chosen to rule out the effect from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in 2015 and to include COVID-19 effects in 2020, given the available data. To examine the impact of COVID-19 on workplace injury and illness, we estimate fixed effects regression models, allowing us to control for group and time effects. (3) Results: COVID-19 was generally found to reduce workplace accidents in Korea, particularly through a reduction in occupational diseases. However, we also found that COVID-19 increased occupational injuries for males and workers in the transportation industry. We provide some evidence that these workers experienced an increase in workload and were unable to change work methods including working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicate that to reduce workplace accidents, government interventions should be directed at workers who are unable to change work methods and who are likely to suffer an increase in work burden due to COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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17 pages, 3682 KiB  
Article
Virtual Fence System Based on IoT Paradigm to Prevent Occupational Accidents in the Construction Sector
by María del Carmen Rey-Merchán, Jesús M. Gómez-de-Gabriel, Antonio López-Arquillos and Juan A. Fernández-Madrigal
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6839; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136839 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3026
Abstract
Many occupational accidents in construction sites are caused by the intrusion of a worker into a hazardous area. Technological solutions based on RFID, BIM, or UWB can reduce accidents, but they still have some limitations.The aim of the current paper is to design [...] Read more.
Many occupational accidents in construction sites are caused by the intrusion of a worker into a hazardous area. Technological solutions based on RFID, BIM, or UWB can reduce accidents, but they still have some limitations.The aim of the current paper is to design and evaluate a new system of “virtual fences” based on Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) to avoid intrusions. First of all, the system was designed using a number of beacons, a Bayesian filter, a finite state machine, and an indicator. Secondly, its safety attributes were evaluated based on a scientific questionnaire by an expert panel following the staticized groups’ methodology. Results showed that the proposal is inexpensive and easy to integrate and configure. The selected experts evaluated positively all the attributes of the system, and provided valuable insights for further improvements. From the experts’ discussions, we concluded that successful adoption of this “virtual fence” system based on BLE beacons should consider the influence of factors such as cost savings, top management support, social acceptance, and compatibility and integration with existing systems, procedures, and company culture. In addition, legislation updates according to technical advances would help with successful adoption of any new safety system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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10 pages, 332 KiB  
Article
Differences in Workplace Risk Perception between Foreign-Born and First-Generation Mexican American Construction Workers
by Gabriel Ibarra-Mejía, Karla Gabriela Gómez-Bull and María Marisela Vargas-Salgado
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115652 - 25 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2772
Abstract
Risk perception is used to quantify risks in the industry and is influenced by different socio-demographic variables. This work aims to determine significant differences in the risk perception between Mexican American migrants and first-generation Mexican American construction workers. This study used a sample [...] Read more.
Risk perception is used to quantify risks in the industry and is influenced by different socio-demographic variables. This work aims to determine significant differences in the risk perception between Mexican American migrants and first-generation Mexican American construction workers. This study used a sample of 112 construction workers. A guided questionnaire was applied to collect socio-demographic information. For workplace risk behaviors, we used a 21-item questionnaire adapted from the previous instrument. Each question asked the participant’s perception of the frequency with which they carried out risky activities during routine work activities and the severity of the possible injuries, using a five-level Likert scale. Then, an inferential analysis was carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The main results highlight that time of residence in the United States had a significant influence (p = 0.012) on risk perception in the surveyed construction workers. On the other hand, the age and time they have been working for the organization did not significantly influence risk perception. Finally, risk perception can vary in construction workers according to different variables. It is essential to investigate the factors that influence it, to prevent risky behaviors that can lead to accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
18 pages, 1351 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Causes of Particularly Major Road Traffic Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles in China
by Mingwei Yan, Wentao Chen, Jianhao Wang, Mengmeng Zhang and Liang Zhao
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083878 - 7 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7199
Abstract
Major accidents occurred frequently in the road transportation industry, and the resulting harm to drivers, property loss, and traffic interruption are very serious. This study investigated 11 particularly major accidents involving commercial vehicles in China, and performed analysis on accident characteristics regarding the [...] Read more.
Major accidents occurred frequently in the road transportation industry, and the resulting harm to drivers, property loss, and traffic interruption are very serious. This study investigated 11 particularly major accidents involving commercial vehicles in China, and performed analysis on accident characteristics regarding the time, location, types of vehicles, and accident causation at different levels based on the 24Model. Large buses and dangerous goods vehicles were involved in 10 accidents and they all occurred on a freeway. The months from May to August, especially during the time periods of 2:00–4:00 and 14:00–16:00 every day, were the most prone to accidents. The driver’s speeding and fatigued driving, and vehicle failure were the direct causes of most of the accidents. The defects in organizational safety management involved 12 system elements, such as safety accountability, education and training, etc. Procedures are of no use if they were not followed, and there was often no effective process to assess the implementation of procedures in many organizations. The weaknesses in organizational safety culture were the source of accidents, which was mainly manifested in members’ inadequate cognition of key elements in the aspects of safety importance, safety commitment, safety management system, etc. Understanding the characteristics and root causes of accidents can help to prevent the recurrence of similar mistakes and strengthen preventative measures in road transportation enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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21 pages, 2846 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Characteristics of Fatal Accidents in the Construction Industry in China Based on Statistical Data
by Qingwei Xu and Kaili Xu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2162; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18042162 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5569
Abstract
Background: Construction activities not only provide the necessary conditions for citizens to live, but also cause fatal accidents. Methods: This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of fatal accidents in the construction industry in China based on statistical data. From 2010 to [...] Read more.
Background: Construction activities not only provide the necessary conditions for citizens to live, but also cause fatal accidents. Methods: This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of fatal accidents in the construction industry in China based on statistical data. From 2010 to 2019, there were 6005 fatal accidents in China’s construction industry causing 7275 deaths. The important features of these fatal accidents, such as the type, time of occurrence, site location, severity, and geographical region of the accident, were carefully analyzed. Results: There were 258 major and severe construction accidents causing 1037 deaths, accounting for 4.3% and 14.25% of the total number of construction accidents and deaths in this period, respectively. As an important finding, more deaths occurred in August and on Mondays. The greatest number of construction accidents took place along openings and edges, accounting for 22.9% of all fatal accidents. Taking into account their economic development level and number of employees, Qinghai and Hainan experienced a higher mortality rate than Jiangsu. Falls from a high place were the dominant type of construction accident, accounting for 51.66% of all accidents. However, collapses were the primary type of major and severe construction accident, accounting for 60.09% of such accidents. The predicted number of construction deaths in 2020 is 887 according to the GM(1,1) model. Corresponding safety measures should be adopted to improve the working environment of the construction industry. Implications: The implications of these results with respect to the characteristics of construction accidents can be regarded as the foundation for accident prevention in practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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16 pages, 3717 KiB  
Article
Exploring Precursors of Construction Accidents in China: A Grounded Theory Approach
by Zhen Li, Rui Mao, Qing Feng Meng, Xin Hu and Hong Xian Li
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020410 - 7 Jan 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2917
Abstract
The implementation of precursor management can improve safety performance of construction projects through effectively managing the correlations between construction accidents and their precursors. However, a system of comprehensive knowledge about what precursors mean within the context of construction safety is still lacking. This [...] Read more.
The implementation of precursor management can improve safety performance of construction projects through effectively managing the correlations between construction accidents and their precursors. However, a system of comprehensive knowledge about what precursors mean within the context of construction safety is still lacking. This study aims to capture the nature of precursors in the construction industry and explore the process of a precursor event evolving into a construction accident to fill this gap. Based on 135 construction accident reports in China, this study adopts grounded theory to identify different types of accident precursors and explore their interactions with the development of the accident. An indicator system of precursors for construction accidents was developed, which included two major categories of precursors: behavioral factors and physical factors and five minor categories of precursors: individual behavior factors, organizational driving factors, objective physical factors, construction environmental factors, mechanical equipment factors. In addition, a precursor management strategy that includes the three stages of identification, response and effectiveness testing was established. The results of the study reveal the correlations between precursors and construction accidents, which can promote construction professionals’ better understanding about precursors and improve their capabilities of managing precursors in practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Accidents and Risk Prevention)
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