Identification of fall event and classification of the factors causing fall from height accidents in the construction industry

Abstract

Fall from height (FFH) accidents are common in the construction industry and cause many negative effects. This paper aims to identify the events of falls and causes of FFH accidents through a comprehensive literature review. The top three fall events that resulted in fatalities were falling from a ladder, falling from a scaffold, and falling through a roof surface. The causes of FFH accidents were classified into three categories: human factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The sub-factor for each factor is discovered and the most-cited causes of FFH accidents were identified. The most cited sub-factor for human factors is human behaviour, such as misjudgement, poor attitude, unsafe behaviour and carelessness, obliviousness, negligence, failure to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as age or work experience. It is found that insufficient monitoring or inspection, lack of training programs, non-compliance with safety regulations, and cost-saving are the most-cited sub-factors in management factors. For environmental factors, the most cited sub-factors that cause FFH accidents are poor site management, which includes housekeeping, work platform heights, overexertion, and unusual positioning and bad weather. This research will serve as a foundation for the FFH accident field of study in Malaysia.