Causes of accidents and how to minimise

Causes of accidents on a construction site

Unsafe acts (human causes)

• Not using PPE; carelessness; horseplay; working under the influence of alcohol.
• Lack of training or skill; fatigue and haste.
• Ignoring instructions and safety rules.

Unsafe conditions (physical causes)

• Poor scaffolding and formwork, unprotected edges and openings.
• Unsafe excavation without shoring; slope failure.
• Faulty electrical wiring, no earthing; exposed live wires.
• Poor housekeeping; slippery or cluttered floors.
• Poor lighting, noise, dust and bad weather.
• Defective tools, machines and cranes; unguarded moving parts.
• Fire hazards, bad storage of materials.

Management causes

• No safety policy or officer; poor supervision.
• Time pressure and cost cutting; lack of training and induction.
• Poor planning of the site layout.

Minimising accidents

1. Prepare and follow a site safety plan; appoint a safety officer.
2. Train workers (induction, toolbox talks) and supervise them.
3. Compulsory PPE.
4. Safe scaffolds, formwork, shoring, guard rails and nets.
5. Electrical safety: earthing, RCCB, trained electricians.
6. Good housekeeping, lighting and clear access.
7. Fire protection and first aid.
8. Regular inspections and quick correction of hazards; accident record and analysis.
9. Safety rewards and discipline.

Factors to reduce accidents when working with machines

• Only trained, licensed operators and helpers.
• Regular maintenance and checks (brakes, hooks, ropes, hydraulics) before each use.
• Guards on moving parts; warning horns and lights; reversing alarms.
• Do not exceed the rated load or work on unstable ground; use outriggers.
• A signaller for crane and heavy equipment movements; clear zone with barricades.
• Keep workers outside the swing radius and under no suspended load.
• Safe fuelling, and locked-out power when repairing.
• Proper parking, wheel chocks and a ban on carrying passengers.