Logo image
Back
Have we reached the organisational ceiling? a review of applied accident causation models, methods and contributing factors in construction
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Have we reached the organisational ceiling? a review of applied accident causation models, methods and contributing factors in construction

Matthew J I Woolley, Natassia Goode, Gemma J M Read and Paul M Salmon
Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, Vol.20(5), pp.533-555
2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1463922X.2018.1558305
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/1463922X.2018.1558305View
Published Version

Abstract

construction safety contributing factors causal factors accident investigation accident analysis accident causation systems theory
Work-related fatalities continue to represent a significant issue within the construction industry. Contemporary accident causation models are underpinned by systems thinking, however, it is unclear whether these theories have translated into the construction domain. This article presents the findings of a review that was conducted to determine if the construction accident analysis literature has applied a systems thinking approach to understand accident causation. Specifically, the review examined two key aspects: first the types of models and methods that have been applied to analyse construction incidents, and second, the types of contributing factors identified as playing a role in construction incidents. The findings are summarised using Rasmussen's Risk Management Framework. The review revealed that contemporary models of accident causation have not yet been applied in construction-related research. It is concluded that the models and methods applied in the construction literature predominantly identify contributing factors associated with the company, management, and frontline work levels of the system, rather than considering broader, system-wide factors. Further, the relationships between individuals and organisations operating at each level of the system have not been typically examined. Further research underpinned by systems thinking is required to better understand accident causation in the construction domain.Highlights The review revealed that contemporary models of accident causation have not yet been applied in construction-related research; The models and methods applied in the construction literature predominantly identify contributing factors associated with the company, management, and front line work levels of the system, rather than considering broader, system-wide factors; Relationships between individuals and organisations operating at each level of the system have not yet been examined; Despite the efforts of regulators and construction entities, the consistently high rate of fatal accidents in construction highlights the challenges surrounding the practical management of safe production within complex and dynamic working environments; Accident analysis methods used in this industry have not kept pace with advances in the field of safety science.

Details

Metrics

487 Record Views
19 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas
Ergonomics

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Logo image