Investigating construction falls using fault tree analysis and developing a prototype tool to reduce falls using expert system and computer-assisted instruction methods

Construction falls have been identified as the most frequent cause of deaths and injuries to workers during construction operations. The objective of this study is to systematically analyze construction systems as they relate to fall protection safety and identify the potential hazards that may cause falls and slips. A fault tree analysis technique is used to identify all the possible events that may lead to a fall accident in construction. This knowledge is then incorporated into a prototype tool, SAFETY FIRST, that consists of the following four modules: (1) An expert system to investigate a construction fall that has already occurred. The system identifies a particular event or combination of events that are the likely cause of the fall and explains how it could have been prevented. (2) An expert system to evaluate the existing fall protection in a construction site. The system determines if the fall protection in a given elevated component is adequate and provides suggestions to eliminate or avoid any potential hazard identified. (3) An expert system tool that can be used at the design and planning stages of a construction project to identify and eliminate potential fall hazards at the early stages of the project. (4) A computer based training tool to educate workers on all aspects of fall safety. The training program will also maintain records on each of its users' performance. It is important to recognize that this kind of tool will be best used in a company whose environment already promotes safety as a major priority. Therefore, as a part of this study, we include a discussion of the elements that a sound, long term safety program should have in order to succeed. The SAFETY FIRST system is expected to be used by private companies, such as general contractors and subcontractors to identify potentially dangerous conditions, investigate falls, and train their employees; by government agencies, such as OSHA and BWC to investigate falls and to train their safety inspectors; and by academic institutions to train construction students in fall related matters. The system has been evaluated by experts and potential users. All evaluation criteria, including the overall performance of the system have been rated to be good or better than good.