The construction industry faces one of the highest levels of risks and occupational accidents. Operator awareness has been improved through training programs, briefings and communications in recent years. “Unsurprisingly, the most frequent causes of accidents on construction sites remain manual handling (53%), falls from height (29%), and the use of manual tools (9%)”. – source
An ever-longer list of rules applies :
– Equipment must be put away to avoid tripping.
– Heavy loads must not be handled in a manner which leads to musculoskeletal disorders.
– Machinery operators must hold the associated permits (CACES).
Even if the number of accidents has dropped in recent years, “in the last decade, accident figures have fallen by 29%”, the building industry continues to record the highest level of accidents with 90 occupational accidents per 1,000 employees in 2017. By way of comparison, in 2013, between 30 and 46 occupational accidents were recorded for 1,000 employees in industry at large, including all sectors. These figures were achieved thanks to the fact that senior executives of industrial firms are legally required to protect the health and safety of their employees at work.
Consider this as one extra argument in favour of industrial construction methods. Work at the construction site is limited with an industrial-style project, as most operators remain at the production plant, in an environment which is easier to control and keep safe. Works are carried out indoors, using suitable tools in an environment where most risks are generally under control and anticipated. Staff tend to stay longer, giving them the time to gain a more in-depth level of expertise in the assigned task.
Furthermore, actions are taken, such as :
– Deploying prevention plans,
– Ensuring regular operator training and awareness sessions focusing on the works and how to use specific tools,
– Regular inspections, and checks that PPE are worn in particular.
Finally, when the prefabricated bathroom pods are delivered and quickly installed, very little work remains to be done at the construction site. Residual work mainly involves assembling prefabricated industrial components or coordinating deliveries, rather than construction as such.
