Construction motor vehicle accidents in South Africa: Causes and impact

The focus of health and safety (H&S) in South African construction has resulted in a decrease in all classes of injury. However, approximately 40% of fatalities are attributable to MVAs in the course of employment and MVAs contribute a substantial percentage to the other classes, in particular, non-fatal permanent disabling injuries. Given the limited extent of public transport, the location of many construction sites, and the general use of non-enclosed light delivery vehicles (LDVs) and flat-bed trucks to transport workers, which are not secured to secured seats with seat belts when being transported, a study was initiated to determine the nature of transport used to convey workers, the incidence of MVAs and the resultant injuries, and the causes of such MVAs. The study entailed the completion of a self-administered questionnaire by contractors registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Findings include: workers sitting on sides / or beds of vehicles predominates in terms of unsafe transport / traffic practices contribution to injuries arising from MVAs; lack of secured seats, lack of seat belts, and lack of roll over protection exacerbate the injuries incidental to MVAs, and fall from vehicle in motion predominates in terms of the cause of MVA related injuries. Recommendations include: the implementation of a comprehensive traffic safety programme in all construction organisations and on all projects; conveyance of workers in appropriate vehicles, and banning of mixed transportation of materials, plant and equipment, and workers.