Windapo, Abimbola and Umeokafor, Nnedinma ORCID: 0000-0002-4010-5806 (2024) Practical strategies for mitigating accidents in the construction industry: a case study of South Africa. In: Umeokafor, Nnedinma ORCID: 0000-0002-4010-5806 , Emuze, Fidelis, Sunindijo, Riza Yosia, Umar, Tariq, Windapo, Abimbola, Che Ibrahim, Che Khairil Izam and Teizer, Jochen, (eds.) Drivers of Continuous Improvement in Construction Health, Safety, and Wellbeing'. Taylor and Francis, London, UK. (In Press)

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Abstract

This chapter examines the frequency and causes of accidents in the South African Construction Industry and the mitigating strategies used by construction companies. A mixed-method research approach (using questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews) was adopted in determining the frequency and severity of accidents on construction sites and identifying the primary causes and the mitigating strategies used by contractors. The sample size comprised of 617 contractors randomly selected from the 1234 construction companies listed in the Professionals and Project Register in South Africa. An online survey was administered which generated 59 responses, providing a response rate of 9.72%. The findings suggest that the high accident frequency (out of 14 respondents who provided data, only two reported zero accidents on their sites) in the South African Construction Industry is largely due to a failure to adhere to work procedures, negligence, and the use of incorrect work procedures. Hence, fostering a self-regulation culture where all stakeholders are equally responsible for maintaining safety standards emerged as a primary mitigation strategy. Also, the study reveals that contractors with higher investments in health and safety tend to have lower severity and frequency of accidents on their construction sites. This highlights the importance of allocating sufficient resources to health and safety programs, plans and inspections. It is recommended that both clients and contractors allocate more resources to health and safety to reduce accidents on construction projects effectively. The significance of this research is twofold. Firstly, it contributes to the body of knowledge regarding accidents in the South African Construction Industry, providing valuable insights into the frequency and causes of such incidents. Secondly, it offers practical strategies for mitigating accidents, which can be utilized by contractors and industry stakeholders to improve overall safety on construction sites. This research aligns with the concept of continuous improvement by identifying areas for enhancement and proposing strategies to address them, ultimately leading to a safer and more efficient construction industry in South Africa.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	safety practices; safe construction; accident prevention
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TH Building construction
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Engineering (ENG)
Last Modified:	09 May 2024 11:18
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/47125

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