Have we reached the organisational ceiling? a review of applied accident causation models, methods and contributing factors in construction

Abstract

Work-related fatalities continue to represent a significant issue within the construction industry. Contemporary accident causation models are underpinned by systems thinking, however, it is unclear whether these theories have translated into the construction domain. This article presents the findings of a review that was conducted to determine if the construction accident analysis literature has applied a systems thinking approach to understand accident causation. Specifically, the review examined two key aspects: first the types of models and methods that have been applied to analyse construction incidents, and second, the types of contributing factors identified as playing a role in construction incidents. The findings are summarised using Rasmussen’s Risk Management Framework. The review revealed that contemporary models of accident causation have not yet been applied in construction-related research. It is concluded that the models and methods applied in the construction literature predominantly identify contributing factors associated with the company, management, and frontline work levels of the system, rather than considering broader, system-wide factors. Further, the relationships between individuals and organisations operating at each level of the system have not been typically examined. Further research underpinned by systems thinking is required to better understand accident causation in the construction domain.HighlightsThe review revealed that contemporary models of accident causation have not yet been applied in construction-related research;The models and methods applied in the construction literature predominantly identify contributing factors associated with the company, management, and front line work levels of the system, rather than considering broader, system-wide factors;Relationships between individuals and organisations operating at each level of the system have not yet been examined;Despite the efforts of regulators and construction entities, the consistently high rate of fatal accidents in construction highlights the challenges surrounding the practical management of safe production within complex and dynamic working environments;Accident analysis methods used in this industry have not kept pace with advances in the field of safety science.