Fatal fall-from-height accidents: Statistical treatment using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System -...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Civil Engineering
• Risk Management

Background:

• The civil construction industry (CCI) is a high-risk sector for occupational accidents.
• Falls from height are the primary cause of fatalities in construction.
• Understanding causal factors is crucial for accident prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze combinations of causal factors with the highest likelihood of fatal falls from height in construction.
• To provide data-driven insights for improved decision-making in occupational safety.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of fatal fall-from-height accident reports in the United States (1997-2020).
• Methodology involved accident data collection, analysis, and probability determination.
• Utilized the HFACS (Fallen from Height Accident Causation System) method categories.

Main Results:

• Highest fatality probability identified for roofers aged 31-44 working between 10:00-11:59 am.
• Top causal factors: organizational process (97.7%), poor worker resource management (96.6%), and organizational climate (95.4%).
• 68% of fatal accidents occurred with 18-34 causal factors identified via HFACS.

Conclusions:

• Specific demographic and temporal factors correlate with increased risk of fatal falls.
• Organizational factors are highly prevalent in fatal fall accidents.
• The findings aid in targeted interventions to reduce construction-related fatalities.