Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Causes of Accidents in Construction Projects
Causes of Accidents in Construction Projects
Course title:
CIVIL ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Submitted by:
GROUP N0 03
ALI RAZA
UW-13-CE-Bsc-011
IRFAN ALI
UW-13-CE-Bsc-003
MUHAMMAD ABUZAR
UW-13-CE-Bsc-001
MASOOD CHANDIO
UW-13-CE-Bsc-027
RAJA ZULQERNAIN
UW-13-CE-Bsc-044
Submitted to:
SIR SHAMIR JANJUA
WEC
CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS IN
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Acknowledgment:
Countless gratitude to Almighty ALLAH, Who is then omnipotent, omnipresent & HE, who
blessed with the chance and choice, health and courage, and knowledge enabled us to complete
this project.
All respect for the HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W.W), who is forever a torch of
knowledge and guidance to humanity & enables us to shape our life according to the teachings of
ISLAM, & endowed us an exemplary guidance in every sphere of life.
I acknowledge the services of Mr. Shamir Janjua in helping and guiding me in compiling and
presenting the present report. In fact it would not have been possible for me to accomplish this
task without his help.
I dedicate this work to my Parents, to whom I am very thankful as they encouraged me and
provided me all the necessary resources that had made possible for me to be able to accomplish
this task.
Regards
Ali RAZA
Contents
Abstract...................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction................................................................................................................ 6
Causes of Accidents in Construction projects.............................................................7
Falling objects............................................................................................... 7
Defective equipment..................................................................................... 8
Scaffolding Accidents.................................................................................... 8
Stepladder Misuse......................................................................................... 8
Exposure to irritants...................................................................................... 8
Struck-By....................................................................................................... 9
Recommendations.................................................................................................... 11
References................................................................................................................ 12
Abstract
Fall accidents in construction projects, particularly building works, are the most frequent
accidents. Those accidents may results in death and serious injuries of workers involved and
other consequences such as lost of work days and the industry bad image. Robust accident
prevention is required through improving continously health and safety in construction.
Therefore, understanding triggering events and their factors leading to accidents are of important
input. The objective of this report to find the causes of accident cases
It is expected the knowledge shared in this paper assist all people involved in construction
projects to plan an accident prevention strategy properly.
Introduction
Anyone involved in the construction industry would know that construction safety accidents are
part and parcel of the industry. However, this only means that you should be doing all you can to
make sure that they don't occur.
The next best thing to completely eliminating accidents is reducing them, or at least reducing the
risk of them occurring.
If you want to achieve this goal, you have to first understand what the main causes of accidents
and deaths are on construction sites. Providing a solution to a problem is not impossible without
first knowing the causes of a problem.
Falling objects
Defective equipment
Scaffolding Accidents
Stepladder Misuse
Exposure to irritants
Excessive noise/vibrating tool hazards
Struck-By
Trenching & Evacuation
Electrocutions and Power Tool Accidents
Construction Vehicle Accidents
Slip/Trip and falls.
Fires and Explosions
High Lead Levels
Repetitive Motion Injuries, Heat Stroke, and Other Overexertion
Trench or Building Collapses
Falling objects
In a similar scenario you may be working on a construction site when an object is dropped onto
you from above without any warning or the ability on your part to move out of the way causing
an injury to you which makes it impossible for you to continue working. Injuries could vary from
minor cuts and bruises to more serious crush injuries and head and brain injuries
Again, your employer is responsible for your health and safety whilst you are on the construction
site whether they are the main contractor or not and they are required by law to keep you
reasonably safe whilst you are in their employment.
Defective equipment
If your employer provides you with power tools to allow you to complete your job then they are
responsible for keeping that work equipment in a good working order and for carrying out
repairs to the equipment should it become defective. In the event that the work equipment
becomes defective and as a result of that defect you are injured your employer would be
liable for the defective equipment and responsible to compensate you for your injuries.
Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding accidents cause large numbers of deaths and injuries every year. Most accidents are
caused by scaffold equipment failure, inadequate scaffolding safety training, lack of personal fall
protective systems, or improper scaffolding equipment operation. In addition, materials and tools
falling off scaffolding may also cause injuries.
Stepladder Misuse
The majority of falls in construction accidents are due to stepladder misuse or failures. Ladder
injuries include loss of balance, improperly ladder setting up, loss of balance, and exceeding the
ladder weight capacity, etc. Information on the causes of ladder injuries, ladder types, ladder
misuse and safe ladder practices can be found in the document of Ladder Safety in
Construction developed by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Exposure to irritants
The final thing to consider whilst looking at common accidents in construction is to consider
contact with irritants either through inhaling gasses or substances such as carbon monoxide or
asbestos dust. Some of these irritants can have devastating consequences on your health and life.
If you consider that any of the items discussed in the article affect you in any way please contact
a personal injury solicitor who can advise you further in the event that you wish to consider
making a personal injury claim against the responsible party
Struck-By
This category refers to dangerous contact between humans and heavy equipment. In the great
majority of cases, cranes and trucks are the main cause of accidents and deaths. Apart from
heavy vehicles, you must also watch out for falling objects and unstable walls.
Recommendations
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.
Keep it clean. Put up tools and materials when youre 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.
Take part in any training provided. Additionally, dont operate any equipment youre
not qualified or trained to use.
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.
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.
Wear safety gear. Always wear the recommended safety equipment for your job.
Whether its a hard hat, goggles, gloves, or protective suit, these items could save your
life.
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.
Were you or someone you love injured in construction site accidents? You could be due
compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
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