Employee Related Factors Affecting Minor

Occupational Accidents in the Construction Site

ANDHRM – E – 12 – 056

Lahiru Pramod Mendis

A project report submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirements of the

Advanced National Diploma in Human Resource Management

National Institute of Business Management

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Date of Submission: 9th of June 2013

Signature Page

Declaration

I Lahiru Pramod Mendis hereby declare that this project report entitled “Human

Related Factros Affecting Occupational Accidents in the Construction Site”,

submitted by me, under the guidance of Mr Y. Rathnayake, for the partial fulfillment

of the requirement for the award of Advanced National Diploma in Human Resource

Management by NIBM is my own and has not been submitted to any other University

or Institute or published earlier.

Lahiru Pramod Mendis

I hereby confirm that I have supervised this student (Mr. Lahiru Pramod Mendis) in

preparing this project report.

…………………………………..
Mr. Y. Rathnayake

i
 Dedication

I am dedicating this project to the dearest figures in my life.

To my dear teachers, parents, brothers and friends.

ii
Acknowledgement

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and deep regards to my

supervisor Mr. Y. Rathnayake for his exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant

encouragement throughout the course of this project. Also I would like to express my

deepest gratitude to Mr. Kolitha Ranawaka for the initial guidance given and always

encouraging us to do a high quality piece of work and Mrs. Pavithra Wickramasooriya

for the support, guidance and encouragement given throughout the course.

I also take this opportunity to express a deep sense of gratitude to Mr. Anura Perera

the consultant engineer of the construction site & the staff of N & A Engineering

Services Private Limited, for their cordial support, valuable information and guidance,

which helped me in completing this task through various stages.

Lastly, I thank almighty, my parents, brothers, and friends for their constant

encouragement without which this assignment would not be possible.

iii
Executive Summary

This project is based on the employee related factors affecting occupational accidents

in construction sites. The study was conducted with N & A Engineering services (Pvt)

Ltd. The research issue is the uncontrollable minor accident rates in the construction

sites of the above mentioned company. Objectives of this study is to Determine

employee related factors which increases the risk of accidents and determine HR

related remedies to reduce number of accidents in construction sites.

A theoretical background has been prepared including the definitions of the accidents;

common types of accident types occur in construction sites and some findings of

previously conducted researches on human factor affecting accidents.

Data has been collected from construction workers by structured interviews using a

questionnaire. The data collected has been analyzed using tables and charts.

According to the results of the analysis, age groups, marital status, availability of

vocational trainings, smoking and alcohol habits of employees have a significant

effect on facing accidents.

Recommendations such as introducing incentive schemes, Conducting effective

training programs on safety and the importance of maintaining good health,

conducting pre recruitment medical checkups ect., can be introduced to reduce the

impact of human related factors mentioned.

Finally a conclusion has been drawn.

iv
Table of Contents

Signature Page.......................................................................................................................i

Dedication............................................................................................................................ii

Acknowledgement...............................................................................................................iii

Executive Summary.............................................................................................................iv

Table of Contents..................................................................................................................v

List of Tables......................................................................................................................vii

List of Figures...................................................................................................................viii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION...............................................................................1

1.1 Introduction to N & A Engineering Services Private Limited and the Construction

Industry of Sri Lanka............................................................................................................1

1.2 Introduction to the Project...............................................................................................3

1.3 Research Issue: Unreduced Minor Accidents in Construction Sites................................4

1.4 Objectives of the Project.................................................................................................5

1.5 Scope of the Project........................................................................................................5

1.6 Methodology...................................................................................................................6

1.7 Expected Limitations......................................................................................................7

CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND...................................................8

2.1 What are Occupational Accidents...................................................................................8

2.2 Cost of an accident..........................................................................................................9

2.3 Causes of Occupational Accidents..................................................................................9

2.4 Common Types of Accidents in Construction Sites......................................................11

v
 2.4.1 Construction Site Falls...........................................................................................11

2.4.2 Crane Accidents.....................................................................................................12

2.4.3 Scaffolding Accidents............................................................................................12

2.4.4 Run Over by Operating Equipment/ Vehicles........................................................12

2.4.5 Electric Shock........................................................................................................13

2.4.6 Trench Collapses....................................................................................................13

2.4.7 Fires and Explosions in Construction Site..............................................................13

2.4.8 Welding Accidents on a construction site..............................................................13

2.4.9 Cutting Accidents...................................................................................................14

2.4.10 Building Collapse on construction site.................................................................14

2.4.11 Gas Explosions on a construction site..................................................................14

2.5 Conclusions on Occupational Accidents of Various Researches...................................15

CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS........................................................................................16

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS.....................................................20

CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION............................26

5.1 Conclusions..................................................................................................................26

5.2 Recommendations.........................................................................................................27

Appendix 1: Questionnaire........................................................................................28

Appendix 2: Data Collected from Workers.............................................................30

References...................................................................................................................33

vi
List of Tables

Table 1.1 Statistics on Accident Rates in the Construction Industry.........................................2

Table 3.1: Distribution of Accidents among Age Groups......................................................16

Table 4.3: Ratios of Workers Faced to accidents in Age Groups............................................20

Table 4.4: Accident Ratios Based on the Marital Status.........................................................21

Table 4.5: Accidents Base on the Availability of Vocational Training...................................22

Table 4.6: Accident Ratios of Workers Who Smoke & Who Consumes Alcohol...................23

Table 4.5 : Percentages of Health Issues.................................................................................24

vii
List of Figures

Figure 3.1: Age Group Distribution of Accidents...................................................................16

Figure 3.2: Distribution of Accidents Based on Experience in the Field.................................17

Figure 3.3: Distribution of Accidents Based on the Marital Status.........................................17

Figure 3.4: Accident Distribution Based on the Availability of a Vocational Training...........18

Figure 3.5: Habit of Smoking among Workers.......................................................................19

Figure 3.6: Alcohol Consumption of Workers........................................................................19

viii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to N & A Engineering Services Private Limited and

the Construction Industry of Sri Lanka

Construction industry is one of the fastest growing industries in Sri Lanka. Specially

after the end of the ethnic conflicts in Sri Lanka there is a significant boom in the

construction industry. Large number of reconstruction activities is undertaken in the

North and the East of the country. The other regions of the country are also expected

to see significant development activities such as highways, commercial buildings,

hotels etc.

In the Sri Lankan context construction is the 4th largest sector, contributing 6-7% to

GDP over past decade responsible for more than 50% of Gross Domestic Fixed

Capital Formation (GDFCF).Also construction industry provides employment to 4-

5% of labour force.

Some Special Features of the Sri Lankan Industry are male dominated, most of the

activity happens in the Western Province, has very high backward linkages – Buy

mainly from manufacturing followed by Services sector, sell mainly to the Services

sector.

There are several legislation such as Workmen’s Compensation Ordinance No 19 of

1934, Factories Ordinance No 45 of 1942, Employment of Women, young Persons &

Children Act No 47 of 1956 etc,to cover the workers of the construction industry.

Contributing to the high rate of accidents is a main characteristic of the industry

which distinguishes it from the rest of the manufacturing sector. According to the

1
available information at the Labour Department, the statistics of fatal and non fatal

accident reports are shown below. Every year 2500 to 3000 accidents were reported to

Industrial Safety Division of Labour Department. Out of those accidents 40 to 60

were fatal and around 30% were due to constructions methods.

Table 1.1 Statistics on Accident Rates in the Construction Industry

(Source: Department of Labour)

N & A Engineering Services Private Limited

Vision

"Our Vision Is To Emerge as the Leading Construction Company In Sri Lanka And

Gradual Growth into the International Market"

N & A Engineering Services, which is now one of Sri Lanka’s premier construction

engineering firms, was established in 1995 as a small scaled company with a new

vision. As the time pass the company developed in bounds and leaps to the level of a

top class construction firm using modern Technology. The Chairman/ Managing

Director Mr. Nimal Premasiri is the far sighted successor of this giant establishment

also the, who gives the leadership to bring this company to an excellent standard of

this competitive world of business. Well qualified & dedicated work force is the plus

factor behind great success of this company.

N & A Engineering Services has obtained the ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Standard and

has been graded as “M1” by the ICTAD. Also there are many other prestigious awards

2
such as NCASL Excellence Building Award for 2003 and NCASL Excellence

Building Merit Award for 2005 was offered to the company for the services rendered

to the nation.

N & A Engineering Services uses the finest construction equipment and machinery

manufactured by the most dependable manufacturers in the World in order to maintain

safety and quality. Company looks forward to expand their business targets to further

to the international arena in near future.

1.2 Introduction to the Project

This project is for the partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Advance National

Diploma in Human Resource Management Programme conducted by National

Institute of Business Management (NIBM).

This study will be focused on identifying the human related factors affecting the

occupational accidents in construction sites. If an accident occurs in a construction

site both the victim(s) and the organization are equally responsible for the disaster.

But in the reality major portion of the fault goes to the construction firm at the time

when the accident occurs.

In this study the work place accidents faced by civil engineering workers will be

compared with their personal factors. Finally to identify the most significant human

related factors and discover methodologies to overcome the impact of such factors

and reduce work place accidents at construction sites of N & A Engineering Services

(pvt) Ltd.

3
1.3 Research Issue: Unreduced Minor Accidents in Construction Sites

The construction sector has highest number of work related accidents in Sri Lanka.

According to the Labour Department the highest frequency of fall-related fatalities

was experienced by the construction industry. Also the second highest frequency of

electrocution was experienced by the construction industry.

Being one of the largest industries in Sri Lanka which employs 4%-5% of the work

force and having higher possibilities to meet with accidents it needs to be concerned

more about the occupational health, safety and welfare of its employees.

When looking at N & A Engineering Services (Pvt) Ltd., they have been able to

almost eliminate major and fatal accidents in their construction sites. For the last two

years there were no major or fatal injuries taken place in the company. They have

taken following measures to ensure safety of its employees.

 Providing high quality safety equipment to workers.

 Hold a safety meeting on every Monday and improve the awareness on

safety.

 Fine of Rs. 200.00 will be charged from workers for disregarding

safety rules.

 Providing a basic training on safety equipment and practices at the

recruitment.

 Maintaining good housekeeping practices at sites.

 Closely observe employees and identifying unfit and those who are

appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and put them into

light duties at the ground level.

4
But the problem is while maintaining such type of a procedure; still they are having

minor accidents in construction sites at an average rate of 30- 40 accidents per site

annually. While the company has enforced safety rules and has provided standard

safety equipment they have been unable to eliminate or reduce the rate of minor

accidents in sites.

According to the site manager they have to face difficulties when such type of things

happens. Some of them are,

 Absenteeism

 Reduction of the performance of the worker.

 Difficult to accomplish the daily targets.

 Employees leave the job

1.4 Objectives of the Project

 Determine employee related factors which increases the risk of accidents.

 Determine HR related remedies to reduce number of accidents in construction

sites.

1.5 Scope of the Project

This study will focus only on the occupational accidents. It will study the impact of

various factors such as age, experience, professional qualifications, marital status,

number of dependents, attitude towards PPE (personal protective equipments) and

health and safety trainings received of the worker on the number of accidents faced.

The number of accidents faced by the worker during last three year will be taken in to

consideration in the study. Also in this study only the civil engineering workers are

5
considered and the executive grade employees such as site managers, engineers, and

other officials are not considered.

1.6 Methodology

Data will be collected from construction workers by structured interviews using a

questionnaire. Also the views of site engineers on reasons to accident will be collected

by discussing with such officers. The questionnaire used is attached at the end.

Data to be collected from workers

 Age of the worker

 Experience of the worker

 Marital status- married single

 Number of dependents

 Education- primary, other

 Vocational training received

 Safety trainings received

 Attitude on PPE

 Number of accidents faced during last three years

 Smoking & alcohol habits

 Health issues

6
1.7 Expected Limitations

Following limitations can be expected when conducting the study

 Workers are reluctant to provide their information.

 Workers provide false information.

 Organizations may not allow collecting some of the information required.

 Workers may misunderstand the purpose of this project as a type of

performance evaluation.

7
CHAPTER 2: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 What are Occupational Accidents

An occupational can be defined as a sudden event which causes a physical injury or

physical injuries to an employee/employees working on the employment in the

organization. Accident is not an expected event, it is an unexpected occurrence.

The nature of an accident may vary from industry to industry. Various types of

accidents may occur and they are not possible to mention certainly.

Accidents can be classified in to two major categories as major accidents and minor

accidents according to the gravity of the results. If an accident results in a death or a

serious disablement it is a major accident. If an accident results in a cut or a scratch or

wound which does not disable an employee seriously it is a minor incident.

Disablement is loss of ability to work and it may be either temporary or permanent. If

the injury recovers later the injury is temporary. If the disablement will never get

recovered fully the disablement is permanent.

The disablement may be also total or partial. If the disablement incapacitates the

employee to work further, it is total. In partial disablement the employee can work but

the capacity is reduced.

Compensation will be given base on the reduction of the earning capacity of the

employee. If a person totally losses his earning capacity that person is entitled to a full

compensation. Otherwise that person is entitled to a partial compensation.

8
2.2 Cost of an accident

The cost of an accident cannot be estimated exactly. The damages may result in both

direct and indirect costs to both employer and employee.

In the view point of employee the direct costs are pain and suffering, loss of income,

the possible loss of the job, health care costs, etc. There may be indirect costs such as

sufferings caused to families and dependents.

In the view of employer the direct costs are payment for work not performed, medical

and compensation, repair or replacement of damaged equipment, temporary halt in

production, administration costs etc. The indirect costs may be there such as worker

replacement, new worker training, time devoted to investigations, writing reports, and

negative influence on labour relations, poor health and safety conditions in the work

place result in poor public relations.

2.3 Causes of Occupational Accidents

Four major causes for accidents can be identified as follows

Causes relating to machine  Uncovered dangerous parts in

machines

 Not covering moving parts

properly

 Defects in machines

 Using machinery without proper

maintenance

 Operating machines at

9
 uncontrollable speeds

Causes relating to humans  Poor health

 Lack of training

 Lack of competence

 Fatigue

 Negligence

 Frustration

 Lack of right discipline

Causes relating to work environment  Inadequate space for movement

 Inappropriate ventilation, lighting

levels, sound levels

 Slippery floors

 Improperly arranged tools and

equipment

 Cables laid on the floor without

adhering to standards.

 Inappropriate work place layouts

 Inappropriate temperature levels

Miscellaneous Causes  Week housekeeping

 Unsafe storage

 Overloading

10
  Poor supervision

 Leakages in electric cables

 Improper safety devices

 Long working hours

2.4 Common Types of Accidents in Construction Sites

The construction work site is often a chaotic place with an incredibly high amount of

action taking place. Workers and machines move about in a frenzy, with everyone

focused on the task at hand. In such an environment, construction accidents can take

place.

Some of the most common types of construction accidents include construction site

falls, crane accidents, scaffolding accidents, workers being run-over by operating

equipment, electrical accidents, trench collapses, fires and explosions, and welding

accidents. Each of these mishaps can be equally tragic and equally deadly, and each of

these accidents can be completely avoided through effective safety measures.

2.4.1 Construction Site Falls

Many of the deaths or injuries that result from falls can and should be prevented.

Common construction site falls include roof related falls, crane falls, scaffolding falls,

and elevator shaft falls, falls resulting from holes in flooring, faulty or unsafe ladders

and falling objects. Proper protection equipment and safety precautions are necessary

to protect the lives of workers and preserve the well-being of their families.

11
2.4.2 Crane Accidents

The creation and use of cranes have allowed humans to build structures. Although

cranes have improved along with technology over the years, crane accidents still

occur that can result in injury or death.

Crane accident deaths can arise from a number of factors, including lightning, high

winds, defective cranes, falls, electrocution, and other hazards associated with

construction at heights. Many crane accidents can be avoided with proper training and

safety procedures.

2.4.3 Scaffolding Accidents

It is estimated that 65 percent of the construction industry works on scaffolds

frequently. This accounts for 2.3 million construction workers who are at risk for

scaffolding accidents to directly affect them and their families. The use of scaffolding

is pervasive and necessary in the construction industry.

Most of the scaffold accidents connected the event with planking or supports giving

way or the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. Most scaffolding

accidents can be avoided through proper training and preventative measures.

2.4.4 Run Over by Operating Equipment/ Vehicles

The construction site is an extremely busy work environment. There are

circumstances when construction workers are run-over or injured by operating

equipment (Bulldozers, Forklifts, and Backhoes). Accidents such as this can occur at

any worksite, but risks are increased when working on highways or near busy roads

12
with heavy equipment. In these environments workers must be vigilant and

meticulous when practicing safety standards.

2.4.5 Electric Shock

Electric shock occurs when the body comes into contact with electric current. The

harmfulness of an electric shock is dependent upon the voltage, current, and duration

of exposure. Construction workers are at risk of experiencing electric shock whenever

they are exposed to cables or machines carrying electric current.

2.4.6 Trench Collapses

Trenches are present wherever buried utilities are constructed or repaired. When a

trench collapses workers may easily become crushed under the weight of heavy soil

from above. One cubic yard of soil weighs about as much as a mid-sized automobile,

and suffocation can occur with only a couple feet of soil on top of the victim. It is

vital that appropriate safety measures are taken during the building process to ensure

the safety of all workers involved.

2.4.7 Fires and Explosions in Construction Site

A fire plan should exist at construction sites so that workers can be safely evacuated

in the event of fires and explosions. These accidents can result in a great number of

injuries, including burns that can result in extensive pain and even death. Fires and

explosions are perhaps the most dynamic and tragic construction accidents that can

occur.

2.4.8 Welding Accidents on a construction site

Welding accidents can run the range of a wide variety of other serious construction-

related mishaps. Welders can be exposed to gases, electricity, toxic fumes, and high

temperatures that can separately or in combination pose significant health risks. It is

13
important for safety precautions to be established and in use by welders to avoid

accidents.

2.4.9 Cutting Accidents

During the construction process many materials need to be altered to fit specific

needs. It is very common for extensive cutting to take place at any worksite to ensure

the proper fit of building materials. Wood, concrete, glass, plastics, and metals must

all be manipulated and often the only tools that can perform this job are very sharp

and dangerous to handle.

2.4.10 Building Collapse on construction site

Building collapse can be caused by bad design, faulty construction, foundation failure,

extraordinary loads, unexpected failure, or any combination of these causes. It is the

most unfortunate accident a construction worker can experience. Victims may be

injured, crushed or killed as debris and materials fall down around them.

2.4.11 Gas Explosions on a construction site

Gas explosions are caused by an ignition source coming into contact with a gas leak.

Construction workers must always remain alert to the presence of gas leaks. Gas can

be a silent killer, filling an area with flammable toxins while going unnoticed by most

people. When a flame or other source of ignition is introduced to a gaseous

environment, the resulting gas explosion can be catastrophic.Gas explosions are

preventable throughout effective safety procedures.

14
2.5 Conclusions on Occupational Accidents of Various Researches

 Young untrained and new employees generally sustain injuries more

frequently than older trained and experienced employees

 Those addicted to alcoholism and drugs, those who suffer from boredom,

fatigue including exhibitionism generally account for a higher rate of accidents

 The way management motivates the employees affects the rate and frequency

of accidents.

 Unmarried employees generally have more accidents than married employees.

 Accidents are more frequent during night shift.

 Female employees have a better safety record than their male counterparts.

 Worker who work under stress or who feel their jobs are insecure seem to

have more accidents than those who do not.

15
CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS

Data has been collected from workers in the construction site. The collected data can
be found in the Appendix 2.

1. When considering the age groups of worker who has met with accidents it is as

follows

Table 3.1: Distribution of Accidents among Age Groups

Age Group Percentage (%)

21 – 30 Years 50%

31 – 40 Years 25%

41 – 50 Years 16.66%

Above 50 Years 8.33%

8%

17%
21 – 30 Years
31 – 40 Years
50%
41 – 50 Years
Above 50 Years

25%

Figure 3.1: Age Group Distribution of Accidents

Workers in the age group of 21 – 30 years have faced to accidents more than the

workers in other age groups.

16
2. When looking at the experience in the field it can be noted that nearly 43% of the

workers have less than 1year of experience in the construction field.

33.33%
Workers With Less
Than 1 Year Experience
Workers With More
Than 1 Year Experience
66.66%

Figure 3.2: Distribution of Accidents Based on Experience in the Field

3. When looking at data set 1 it can be noted that nearly 33% 0f the workers are

unmarried (single)

42%
Single
Married
58%

Figure 3.3: Distribution of Accidents Based on the Marital Status

17
4. Though unmarried some of the workers are looking after their parents and siblings

with their earnings, so they also have dependents. So a logical connection between the

accident rate and the number of dependants cannot be found.

5. Also nearly 87% of the workers don’t have a vocational training.

16%

Have a Vocational Train-

ing
No Vocatioal Training

84%

Figure 3.4: Accident Distribution Based on the Availability of a Vocational Training

6. All the employees have received training on using personal protective equipment

and all the workers have a positive attitude towards personal protective equipment

7. 40% of the workers have met with minor injuries (cuts in legs, arms, fore head etc.)

within last two years. Also no one has met with any serious injuries.

8. About 23% of the workers are having some health issues. Asthma and headaches

are the most common among them. Also one has undergone a heart surgery.

9. According to the site engineers the turnover rate among construction workers is a

very high value.

18
10. Also it can be noted that the majority of the workers in this data set have smoking

and alcohol habits (Use occasionally or frequently). Nearly 64% of the workers are

smokers and nearly 90% of the workers use alcohols.

36%

Smokers
Non Smokers

64%

Figure 3.5: Habit of Smoking among Workers

10%

Consumes Alcohol
Not Consume Alcohol

90%

Figure 3.6: Alcohol Consumption of Workers

19
CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

1. Higher Accident Rates in the 21 – 30 Years Age Group

According to the findings of the collected data a conclusion can be given that a

worker in the age group of 21 – 30 year is more likely to face accidents. But also a

comparison can be done as follows,

Table 4.2: Ratios of Workers Faced to accidents in Age Groups

Age Group Total No. of No. of Workers Accident Ratio

21 – 30 Years Workers
12 6Met with 12 : 6

31 – 40 Years 9 3 9:3

41 – 50 Years 5 2 5:2

Above 50 Years 4 1 4:1

Even when workers who met with accidents are compared with the total number of

workers of the respective age group, the highest ratio is shown by the age group of 21

– 30 years.

This can be due to some characteristics of the young person’s such as less experience

in the work environment, nature of taking risks, nature of ignoring dangers,

overconfidence and less responsibilities compared to other age groups etc.

But if a larger population is considered there may be change in these results.

20
 2. 43% of the workers have less than 1year of experience in the construction

field.

According to the data collected it is noticeable that nearly 43% of the sample has

experience less than 1 year in the construction field.

When the experience in the work environment is less there can be various problems

such as high number of mistakes, actual gravity of a hazard is not understood and etc.

So the risk of meeting with an accident of less experienced worker can be higher than

an experienced worker.

3. 33% 0f the workers are unmarried (single)

Among the victims of accidents 58% is unmarried. The total number of unmarried

workers in the sample is 33%. It seems that the risk of meeting with an accident of an

unmarried person is higher than a married person.

Table 4.3: Accident Ratios Based on the Marital Status

Marital Status Total No. of No. of Workers Accident Ratio

Workers faced to Accidents

Married 10 8 10 : 8

Single (Unmarried) 20 4 20 : 4

Even when the ratios in the above table are compared it can be noticed that unmarried

worker are more likely to meet with an accident.

Most of the time married people are having more family obligations than the

unmarried People. A responsibility is always in their minds to look after their own

safety for the sake of their wives and children. If something happens to them they

21
know that their wives and children will have to suffer. Most of the time unmarried

people have less responsibilities and obligations. This can be a reason for the higher

number of accidents among unmarried people.

4. 87% of the workers don’t have a vocational training.

According to the results of the sample the majority of the workers who have met with

accidents don’t have a vocational training. But if we consider the ratios using the total

population the result is as follows.

Table 4.4: Accidents Base on the Availability of Vocational Training

Availability of a Total No. of No. of Workers Accident Ratio

Vocational Workers Met with an

Training Accident

Having 4 2 4:2

Not Having 26 10 26 : 10

According to the ratios the risk of an accident of a worker with a vocational training is

high. But this may be due to the size of the sample. This result maybe changed in a

large sample.

But when a person undergoes a vocational training he can get knowledge on tools

used on the job, how to choose the correct tool for a job, proper handling of tools and

how to ensure the safety of him and others as well. Sometimes that person may also

receive an industrial training before going for a job. But just having a vocational

training won’t help to eliminate accidents because there are many other factors which

contribute to accidents. But the risk may be minimized.

22
 5. All the employees have received training on using personal protective

equipment and all the workers.

According to the site engineers each and every worker is given training on using

person protective equipments and personal safety. But when looking at the details of

workers who have met with accidents, it can be noticed that every person has

undergone that training. About 40% of the trained workers have met with accidents.

There may be an issue with the effectiveness of training program or else the workers

may not practicing 100% of what they learnt.

According to the site engineer the turnover rate of the construction workers is very

high. Because of this reason the organization may be reluctant to invest large sum of

money on safety trainings. Then the quality of the training program may be reduced

However providing training on safety is very important.

6. Majority of the workers in this data set have smoking and alcohol habits.

64% of the workers have the habit of smoking.

90% of the workers are consuming alcohol

Table 4.5: Accident Ratios of Workers Who Smoke & Who Consumes Alcohol

Smoking/ Alcohol Number of Number of Accident Ratio

Habits workers workers met with

accidents

Smokers 19 8 19 : 8

Consumes Alcohol 27 11 27 : 11

23
From the above table it can be seen that for 19 smokers 8 smokers have the risk of

facing accidents. Also for every 27 workers consuming alcohol 11 workers have a risk

of facing accidents.

According to the medical views long term habits of smoking and alcohol consumption

can lead to causing damages to internal organs, especially the liver and brain tissues.

Deterioration of brain cells may lead to adverse health conditions such as loss of

memory, loss of concentration and etc. This can be one reason for increased accident

rates among smokers and alcohol consumers. But in order to confirm this fact an in

depth research should be conducted

7. About 23% of the workers are having some health issues

According to the data collected 23% of the workers in sample has some health issues

Table 4.5 : Percentages of Health Issues

Health Issue No of Workers Suffering Percentage from the

Total No. of Workers

Asthma 3 10%
Head Aches 4 13%
Heart Patient 1 3%

It can be noticed that Number of workers are suffering from Asthma and Headaches.

Due to such disease the worker may not be able to concentrate on what he is doing. It

may Increase the risk of happening an accident. Also heart patients may get sudden

heart attacks. Such moment may lead into an accident harming both that person as

well as others. Also according to the site engineers at the recruitment interviews the

24
workers are reluctant to discover their health issues to the employer thinking that they

will be disqualified.

25
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusions

Accidents can be categorized in to two major categories as major accidents and minor

accidents based on the nature and gravity of injuries. Weather it is minor or major an

accident is an unaccepted occurrence. It is the responsibility of both employer as well

as the employee to eliminate accidents from the working environment.

In this study it has tried to identify some factors which depend on the person which

may contribute to the risk of meeting with an accident. According to the results the

young workers have a tendency of accidents, unmarried workers are have tendency of

facing accidents than married workers, workers with vocational trainings report low

accident rates, workers who smokes and consume alcohol has a greater tendency of

facing accidents.

Recommendations such as introducing incentive schemes, Conducting effective

training programs on safety and the importance of maintaining good health,

conducting pre recruitment medical checkups ect., can be introduced to reduce the

impact of human related factors mentioned.

26
5.2 Recommendations

1. Workers at young ages should be given a special attention at the safety

trainings.

2. The workers should be given a good knowledge on possible accidents at

construction sites using images or video clips and the gravity (side effects,

lifetime sufferings) of such accidents to their health.

3. Conduct pre recruitment medical checkups to identify the serious health issues

such as heart problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, etc. which can be

dangerous for construction worker.

4. Encourage workers to obtain a vocational training from a recognized institute.

A special allowance can be added for the salary for having such qualification.

It will motivate workers to get such qualification.

5. Offer an incentive scheme for workers for maintaining zero accidents. Also a

reward should be given for the officers (Site engineers, Technical officers, and

Safety officers) for maintaining zero accidents of a site. By this method the

commitment of both parties can be obtained towards reducing accidents.

6. Workers with very little experience in the field should not be assigned for

risky tasks at once. First they should be assigned for light and least risky tasks,

then gradually train them for heavier and risky tasks.

7. Conduct awareness programs for workers on the harmful effects of usage of

alcohol and cigarettes. Supply necessary equipment for safety officers at sites

to check weather an employee is under the influence of alcohol at work hours.

Develop rules for being under the influence of alcohol at the construction site

and enforce them strictly.

27
Appendix 1: Questionnaire

Questionnaire on Occupational Accidents

1. Name …………………………………………………………………………...
2. Age …………………………………….

Below 20 21 – 30 years 31 – 40 years 41 -50 years Above 51

2. Experience in the field

Below 5 5 – 10 years 10 -15 years 15 – 20 years Above 20

3. Marital status Married Single

Yes
4. Do you have any dependents? No

5. Highest Educational Qualification ..................………………………………...

6. Vocational training Yes No

7. Attended Safety trainings Yes No

If yes year training was received ……………

8. Smoking & alcohol habits

Smoking
Ex Never Sometimes Frequently

Alcohol
Ex Never Sometimes Frequently
9. Any serious health problems: Diabetes /High blood pressure/ Epilepsy /
Ischaemic Heart Disease /Asthma / any other
………………………………

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10. Attitude on PPE Like Dislike

If dislikes, Reasons…………………………………………………………………

11. Number of accidents faced during last two years ……………………….

12.Nature of the accident

………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………

29
 Experience in the Field
(Years/Months/Days)

Have Dependants

Educational Level
No. of

Safety Trainings
Have Vocational

Attitude on PPE
Marital Status
Accidents

Received
Training
Worker

Smoking Alcohol
faced during
Age

Health issues
Last 2 years

Ex N S F Ex N S F Major Minor
Woker 1 28 9 Years Married YES O/ Level NO YES     S       S   Asthma Like    
Woker 2 22 8 Years Single NO O/ Level NO YES       F     S     Like    
Woker 3 23 8 Years Single YES Grade 10 NO YES   N         S     Like   1
Woker 4 37 1 Year Married YES Grade 10 NO YES     S       S     Like    
Woker 5 45 15 Years Married YES Grade 7 NO YES       F     S     Like    
Woker 6 33 2 Months Married YES O/ Level YES YES   N       N       Like    
Woker 7 23 5 Months Single NO O/ Level NO YES     S       S     Like   2
Woker 8 32 4 Months Single YES O/ Level NO YES   N         S     Like    
Woker 9 25 6 Months Married YES   NO YES     S       S   Head ache Like    
Woker 10 55 5 Days Married YES O/ Level NO YES     S       S     Like   1
Woker 11 52 10 Years Married YES Grade 3 NO YES     S       S     Like    
Woker 12 47 1 Month Married YES Grade 2 NO YES     S       S   Asthma Like    
Woker 13 33 5 Months Married YES Grade 8 NO YES       F       F   Like   4
Woker 14 27 4 Months Single YES O/ Level YES YES     S       S     Like   2
Woker 15 48 3 Years Married YES   NO YES     S       S   Heart Patient Like    

Appendix 2: Data Collected from Workers

30
31
 Experience in the Field
(Years/Months/Days)

Have Dependants

Educational Level
No. of

Safety Trainings
Have Vocational

Attitude on PPE
Marital Status
Accidents

Received
Training
Smoking Alcohol
Worker

faced during
Age

Health issues
Last 2 years

Ex N S F Ex N S F Major Minor
Woker 16 30 1 Year Married YES A/ Level NO YES   N       N       Like    
Asthma, Head
Woker 17 32 16 Years Married YES O/ Level NO YES   N         S   ache Like   5
Woker 18 33 5 Months Single YES O/ Level NO YES   N       N       Like   2
Woker 19 40 10 Years Single YES Grade 7 NO YES   N         S     Like    
Woker 20 23 3 Months Single YES O/ Level NO YES     S       S     Like   1
Woker 21 53 7 Years Married YES Grade 7 NO YES   N         S   Asthma Like    
Woker 22 26 3 Years Married YES O/ Level YES YES     S       S     Like   1
Woker 23 39 2 Years Married YES O/ Level NO YES     S         F   Like    
Woker 24 27 2 Years Married YES O/ Level NO YES   N           F   Like    
Woker 25 21 3 Months Single NO Grade 10 NO YES   N         S     Like   1
Woker 26 50 17 Years Married YES   NO YES       F       F   Like    
Woker 27 46 4 Years Single NO O/ Level NO YES     S       S   Head ache Like   2
Woker 28 36 10 Years Married YES O/ Level NO YES     S       S     Like    
Woker 29 26 5 Years Married YES O/ Level YES YES   N           F   Like    
Woker 30 47 8 Months Married YES Grade 5 NO YES     S         F   Like   3

32
Colour Codes

Column Heading Category Cell Colour

Age 21 – 30 Years

33
 31 – 40 Years

41 – 50 Years

Above 50 Years

Experience in the Field Less Than 1Year

Marital Status Single

34
References

Ahamed, M.S.S., Nafeel, A.F.M., Rishath, A.A.M., Dissanayake, P.B.G., Site Safety

of Sri Lankan Building Construction Industry, Department of Civil Engineering,

Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya.

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work,2004,’ Promotion of action to

improve safety and health with small construction companies’ European week for

safety and health at work,pp18.

Mudugamuwa, M, 2012. ‘Work related accidents: Construction, manufacturing

sectors most dangerous sectors’. The Island, 7th May 2012. 19.

Opatha, H.H.D.N.P,2012, Human Resource Management.

Rameezdeen,R.,’Construction Sector in Sri Lanka’, COWAM Seminar , Wednesday,

19th April 2006, Koggala Beach Hotel, Sri Lanka.

Rameezdeen,R.,Pathirage,C.,Weerasooriya,S.,2003,’Study of construction accidents

in Sri Lanka’, Built-Environment-Sri Lanka ,Vol. 04, No 01,pp.27-32.

www.naengineeringservices.com.2013. About Us. [ONLINE] Available

at:http://www.naengineeringservices.com/index-6.html. [Accessed 27th May 2013]

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