BACKGROUND: The construction sector has presented positive
development regarding the decrease in occupational accident rates in recent
years. Regardless, the construction sector stands out systematically from
other industries due to its high number of fatalities.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to deeply understand the
causality of construction accidents from the early design phase through a
model.
METHODS: This study reviewed several research papers presenting
various analytical models that correlate the contributing factors to
occupational accidents in this sector. This study also analysed different
construction projects and conducted a survey of design and site supervision
teams.
RESULTS: This paper proposes a model developed from the analysis of
existing ones, which correlates the causal factors through all the
construction phases.
CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that effective risk prevention can
only be achieved by a global correlation of causal factors including not
only production ones but also client requirements, financial climate, design
team competence, project and risk management, financial capacity, health and
safety policy and early planning. Accordingly, a model is proposed.
