1. Theories of Accident Causation

2. CII OSHA Recordable Performance - 1993-2000

3. Lost Time 1
Recordables
10.4
297
First Aid
Near Misses??

4. A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN CONSTRUCTION
Nearly 6.6% of the industrial workforce is in construction.
But, over 18% of the fatalities occur in construction (~1,200 fatalities per year)
And, over 12% of the disabling injuries occur in construction (over 500,000 injuries per year)
Do these statistics have anything to do with firms serious about safety?

5. What Is An Accident? Unplanned event
Generally associated with negative consequences
Fatalities
Injuries
Near misses
Damaged materials
Shattered nerves
Do accidents just happen or are they caused?

6. Theories of Accident Causation
Understanding the causes of accidents may lead to an effective means of their prevention.
No worker wants to be injured, but it still happens thousands of times every working day.
Why??

7. 1: Accident Proneness Theory

8. Accident-Proneness Theory
Old View
“Injuries happen to people who have a genetic predisposition to being injured”
The theory states that there are inherent characteristics of some individuals that predispose them to a greater probability of being involved in accidents.

9. Accident-Proneness Theory
A very controversial theory
Many research studies have been conducted which lend support for the theory (Studies show injuries are not randomly distributed, but do studies recognize differences in hazard exposure?)
Other studies have shown that there is no basis for the theory

10. Accident-Proneness Theory
New View
Recent researchers view accident proneness as being associated with the propensity of individuals to take risks or to take chances.
This presents a more positive view for safety, as behavior can be altered even if the propensity to take risks cannot.

11. 2: GOALS-FREEDOM-ALERTNESS THEORY

12. Goals-Freedom-Alertness Theory
This is a fundamental concept that accidents are the result of low quality (unsafe) behavior resulting from an unrewarding psychological climate that does not contribute to mental alertness.

13. Goals-Freedom-Alertness Theory
Workers should have the ability to set attainable goals.
Workers should have the freedom to pursue their goals.
This will result in a “rich” work climate with alertness and fewer accidents (Workers stay focused)

14. Goals-Freedom-Alertness Theory
A positive work environment is good for safety.

15. 3: ADJUSTMENT STRESS THEORY

16. Adjustment Stress Theory
A negative work environment contributes to accident causation.
A negative work environment is often caused by stress.
Excessive stress prevents the individual from focusing on the work.

17. Adjustment Stress Theory
Stress comes from many sources.
On the Job
Poor relationship with the supervisor
Poor relationship with crew members
Harsh deadlines
Poor coordination
Excessive rework
Cost overruns
Long overtime commitments
Crowded work areas
Jobsite hazards

18. Adjustment Stress Theory
Stress comes from many Sources.
Off the Job
Poor relationship with the spouse
 sick child
 mortgage due date

21. 4: Chain of Events

22. Chain of Events
This is not truly a theory of accident causation, but is often referred to as one.
It is really a conceptual portrayal of how accidents occur.
The chain of events states that there is not a single cause of an accident but there are many causes an accident.

23. Chain of Events
In general, every accident is preceded by a series of events or activities.
If any one event or activity had been done differently, the accident would not have occurred (“break the chain to avoid the accident”). Different people may be associated with the different links in the chain.

24. Chain of Events
This has implications for many parties on the construction site (the worker who was injured, the worker’s crew, the foreman, the superintendent, other crews, the project manager, the subcontractors, the safety rep., etc.).
There are many links in the chain and only one link needs to be broken.
Also called the Domino Theory

25. Contributing Factors If I had done this, that would not have happened
Only one party is required to break the chain!!

26. 5: Distraction’s Theory

27. Distraction’s Theory
This theory states that accidents are caused when workers are distracted when they are performing their work tasks.
There are two types of distractions.

28. Distraction’s Theory or Jobsite Hazards can be a source of distraction
Workers will try to avoid being injured so they naturally focus on the hazard, but this occurs as they are trying to do work. Trying to get the task done may cause the worker to be distracted and to ignore the hazard, resulting in an injury.
Focus on the Hazards
The Dilemma: or
Focus on Getting Tasks Done

29. Safe Zone Safe Zone Probability of Injury Occurrence low Distraction:
high
low focus on distraction
Distraction:
Working near a powerline
Probability of Injury Occurrence
high focus on distraction
Safe Zone
Safe Zone
low
low
high
Work Task Achievement

30. Probability of Injury Occurrence
high
Probability of Injury Occurrence
Distraction:
Minor Hazard
low focus on distraction
high focus on distraction
low
low
high
Work Task Achievement

31. Low Focus on Hazard High Focus on Hazard Low High Task Achievement
Injury
Occurrence
Low Focus on Hazard
High Focus on Hazard
Low
High
Task Achievement

32. Don’t work in this zone!!! Low Focus on Hazard High Focus on Hazard
Injury
Occurrence
Don’t work in this zone!!!
Low Focus on Hazard
High Focus on Hazard
Low
High
Task Achievement

33. Distraction’s Theory Mental worries can be a source of distraction.
Workers will try to focus on the work to be done, but may be distracted by worries caused by personal or job-related concerns. Failure to be able to focus on the work increases the likelihood of being injured.
Remember the Holmes and Rahe Scale

34. Can distracted workers be identified?
high
high focus on distraction
Major Mental Distraction
Probability of Injury Occurrence
low focus on distraction
low
low
high
Work Task Achievement
Can distracted workers be identified?

35. Each of the Accident Theories Help Our Understanding of Accident Causation
Remember, no worker wants to be injured.
Worker tasks should be structured so they are least likely to be injured.

36. How to Achieve Safety: Don’t permit unsafe behavior
Provide a rewarding work environment
Make everyone responsible for safety
Provide a safe work environment

37. Thank you!!!