Analysis of Occupational Accidents during Construction of Buildings Using Classification and Regression Tree

Abstract

There is a higher rate of occupational accidents during the construction of buildings than most other industries on average. However, steps can be taken to reduce worker risk through effective injury prevention strategies. In this article, classification and regression tree (CART) is employed in identifying the characteristics of occupational injuries in the construction industry. Accident reports during the period 2000 to 2009 are extracted from case reports of the Northern Region Inspection Office of the Council of Labor Affairs of Taiwan. The results show that CART can indicate some patterns of occupational injuries in the construction industry. Proposed inspection plans should be in accordance with the cause of injury and the high-risk subgroup. The findings identified in this article provide a direction for more effective inspection strategies and injury prevention programs.