A model approach for predicting commercial construction site accidents

Safety should be one of the most important concerns in the construction industry because accidents at construction sites cause deaths, personal injuries and economic losses, estimated by Levitt and Samelson to be $19.5-billion each year, nationally. In Florida, the Department of Labor and Employment Security reported that in 1985, 17,461 disabling injuries cost the construction industry over $127-million. These statistics, coupled with the spiralling rates of workers' compensation insurance and stricter Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations being proposed by national lawmakers, are indications that there is a need for enhancements that can increase the effectiveness of existing safety programs. The ability to predict accidents within the industry can help make existing safety programs more effective and construction sites safer. Historically, prediction of accidents in the construction industry, in general, has been difficult because of the lack of relevant data and a scientifically valid method. The objective of this research is to develop a methodology that will enable the construction industry to predict accidents. This dissertation presents a model approach for predicting construction site accidents. The identification of the most significant factors contributing to construction accidents will facilitate the accident prediction process. Therefore the critical subject of factor identification is discussed and a data collection scheme is developed. A comprehensive approach, simplified to facilitate practical application within the construction industry, is presented and illustrated with an accident prediction model developed from a case study using a data base of 1078 accident observations collected from 85 different projects in four Florida counties. This study should be of interest to construction engineers and contractors, owners and managers of construction projects, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, safety professionals and advocates, insurance companies and all who are concerned about the vital subject of improving safety on construction sites.