Investigating risk factors for slips, trips and falls in New Zealand residential construction using incident-centred and incident-independent methods

• Published in: Ergonomics Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 62 - 77
• Main Authors: Bentley, Tim A., Hide, Sophie, Tappin, David, Moore, Dave, Legg, Stephen, Ashby, Liz, Parker, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis 15-01-2006; Washington, DC Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Accidents, Occupational - statistics & numerical data; Adolescent; Adult; Applied physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Construction accidents & safety; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Facility Design and Construction; Falls; Falls from a height; Female; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Injury investigations; Ladder falls; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Residential construction; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Slips, trips and falls; Workplace - statistics & numerical data; New Zealand; Oceania; Human; Occupational accident; Building site; Ladder scaffold; Ergonomics; Risk factor; Slip; Slips; Fall; trips and falls; Falls from a height; Residential construction; Injury investigations; Ladder falls; Construction industry
• ISSN: 0014-0139; 1366-5847
• DOI: 10.1080/00140130612331392236

Slip, trip and fall (STF) incidents, particularly falls from a height, are a leading cause of injury in the New Zealand residential construction industry. The most common origins of falls from a height in this sector are ladders, scaffolding and roofs, while slipping is the most frequent fall initiating event category. The study aimed to provide detailed information on construction industry STF risk factors for high-risk tasks, work equipment and environments, as identified from an earlier analysis of STF claims data, together with information to be used in the development of interventions to reduce STF risk in New Zealand residential construction. The study involved the use of both incident-centred and incident-independent methods of investigation, including detailed follow-up investigations of incidents and observations and interviews with workers on construction sites, to provide data on a wide range of risk factors. A large number of risk factors for residential construction STFs were identified, including factors related to the work environment, tasks and the use and availability of appropriate height work equipment. The different methods of investigation produced complementary information on factors related to equipment design and work organization, which underlie some of the site conditions and work practices identified as key risk factors for residential construction STFs. A conceptual systems model of residential construction STF risk is presented.