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Abdelhamid, T S and Everett, J G (2000) Identifying Root Causes of Construction Accidents. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 52–60.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords:
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0733-9364
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2000)126:1(52)
  • Abstract:
    Construction accident investigation techniques and reporting systems identify what type of accidents occur and how they occurred. Unfortunately, they do not properly address why the accident occurred by identifying possible root causes, which is only possible by complementing these techniques with theories of accident causation and theories of human error. The uniqueness of the construction industry dictates the need to tailor many of the contemporary accident causation models and human error theories. This paper presents an accident root causes tracing model (ARCTM) tailored to the needs of the construction industry. ARCTM proposes that accidents occur due to three root causes: (1) Failing to identify an unsafe condition that existed before an activity was started or that developed after an activity was started; (2) deciding to proceed with a work activity after the worker identifies an existing unsafe condition; and (3) deciding to act unsafe regardless of initial conditions of the work environment. In addition, ARCTM emphasizes the need to determine how unsafe conditions exist before or develop after an activity is started and proposes that these unsafe conditions are due to four causes: (1) Management actions/inactions; (2) unsafe acts of worker or coworker; (3) non-human-related event(s); (4) an unsafe condition that is a natural part of the initial construction site conditions. Thus, ARCTM acknowledges the possible contribution of both management and labor to the accident process. This perspective helps in better explaining accidents on construction sites and in identifying areas where prevention efforts should be directed, so that labor and management may provide more effective measures for preventing accident occurrence.

Allouche, E N, Ariaratnam, S T and Lueke, J S (2000) Horizontal Directional Drilling: Profile of an Emerging Industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 68–76.

Back, W E, Boles, W W and Fry, G T (2000) Defining Triangular Probability Distributions from Historical Cost Data. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 29–37.

Chinowsky, P S and Meredith, J E (2000) Strategic Management in Construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 1–9.

Dunston, P S and Reed, A G (2000) Benefits of Small Projects Team Initiative. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 22–28.

Ernzen, J J and Schexnayder, C (2000) One Company's Experience with Design/Build: Labor Cost Risk and Profit Potential. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 10–14.

Hendrickson, C and Horvath, A (2000) Resource Use and Environmental Emissions of U.S. Construction Sectors. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 38–44.

O'Connor, J T and El-Diraby, T E (2000) Urban Freeway Bridge Reconstruction Planning: Case of Mockingbird Bridge. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 61–67.

Rowings, J E, Federle, M O and Rusk, J (2000) Design/Build Methods for Electrical Contracting Industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 15–21.

Tilford, K R, Jaselskis, E J and Smith, G R (2000) Impact of Environmental Contamination on Construction Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 45–51.

Wilson, J M and Koehn, E & (2000) Safety Management: Problems Encountered and Recommended Solutions. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 126(01), 77–79.