Preventing Accidents in Construction Industry- “Vision Zero”

Abstract

According to ILO, "at every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease". Various studies indicate that construction is ranked among the most dangerous occupations globally. The frequency and severity rate of injury and occupational diseases is notably higher than other industries. Study has also shown that for a full-life time employment in construction sector, an average workman would get exposed to various safety and health risks leading to harm. Construction work is transient in nature, the workplace keep on changing almost every day, with inherent features of construction, requiring perpetual changes at work, coupled with fresh flow of craftsmen, material and machinery. Some of the reasons are common across the globe, such as dynamic nature of the activities, specific risks associated, casual nature of employment, migration, etc. It is the job of the management to mitigate these risks and provide a safer workplace to all concerned. Managing safety well commences with leadership commitment and involvement. Recently DGFASLI, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India has launched "VISION ZERO", highlighting seven golden rules of prevention management for enterprises and work-sites. While this should be based on "hierarchy of control", mitigation efforts need to be channelized with leadership engagement on a sustainable basis for best results. Behavioural aspect which is one of the important aspects, require involvement and participation of the whole team for successful implementation of all efforts including managerial and technical initiatives. In this paper, efforts have been made to share thoughts on the recent concepts of "VISON ZERO" to improve prevention management for enhanced occupational safety and health standards at construction sites.