Occupational accident-precursors data collection and analysis according to Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) taxonomy

Abstract

Data were collected in an automotive production plant during a campaign of observations performed by safety experts. A period of one week of observations was done during which safety experts monitored the working activity of an assembly line. All accident-precursors identified were reported in a format and immediately analysed and classified according to HFACS. Each collected element was classified in 3 categories as: unsafe acts (related to human behaviour), unsafe condition (related to the working condition and working organisation) and near miss (a situation that involved workers without physical consequence for them). Then each element was classified according to the four levels of HFACS: individual factor (violation or error), environmental factor, supervision and organisational factor. This step was supported by short interview with workers and/or supervisors involved to better identify the characterising factors of the event. This survey allowed the identification and classification of 100 accident-precursors that could be used in the company where they have been collected and, more in general, in manufacturing companies, to identify behaviours and areas of improvement for health and safety based on more recurrent factors that characterised the observed events, according to the methodology described in Baldissone et al. [1].

Quantitative Analysis of MRT Rail Construction Industry Workers' Perception of the Human Factor Contributing to Occupational Accidents

“…Respondents from the management/ professional group agreed that items contributing to occupational accidents in the MRT construction industry for the attitude aspect were "workers' lack of awareness and assessment of the situation" (4.60), "workers' lack of vigilance" (4.36), "workers becoming idle" (3.69), and "workers have low-risk perceptions on accidents " (3.53). These findings are consistent with previous studies where the attitude of the construction workers is related to the lack of awareness regarding hazards and risks; and lack of vigilance during performing activities at construction sites that contribute to occupational accidents (Asilian-Mahabadi et al, 2020;Baldissone et al, 2019;Reese & Eidson, 2006). Kontogiannis et al (2017) also added that situation assessment on construction sites by workers is important as it helps to create awareness about hazards and risks related to critical work activities (Kontogiannis et al, 2017).…”

“…Human attitude is one aspect linked to the human factor in affecting occupational accidents in the construction industry. Some important items under the human attitude aspects have been identified as contributing to the high rate of accidents in the construction industry, such as the issue of risk perceptions; and irresponsible attitudes among construction site workers (Baldissone et al, 2019;Kontogiannis et al, 2017;Reese & Eidson, 2006). Moreover, overconfident attitude; becoming idle; and lack of worker vigilance are aspects that need further attention (Baldissone et al, 2019;Hale et al, 2012;Reese & Eidson, 2006;Stępień, 2014).…”

“…Some important items under the human attitude aspects have been identified as contributing to the high rate of accidents in the construction industry, such as the issue of risk perceptions; and irresponsible attitudes among construction site workers (Baldissone et al, 2019;Kontogiannis et al, 2017;Reese & Eidson, 2006). Moreover, overconfident attitude; becoming idle; and lack of worker vigilance are aspects that need further attention (Baldissone et al, 2019;Hale et al, 2012;Reese & Eidson, 2006;Stępień, 2014). In addition, the worker attitude that is related to a lack of awareness and assessment of the situation; no motivation and morale/ spirit; and no sense of responsibility for safety issues are important aspects that need to be taken into account in order to improve safety performance (Hamid et al, 2008;Baldissone et al, 2019;Hale et al, 2012;Stępień, 2014).…”

“…Moreover, overconfident attitude; becoming idle; and lack of worker vigilance are aspects that need further attention (Baldissone et al, 2019;Hale et al, 2012;Reese & Eidson, 2006;Stępień, 2014). In addition, the worker attitude that is related to a lack of awareness and assessment of the situation; no motivation and morale/ spirit; and no sense of responsibility for safety issues are important aspects that need to be taken into account in order to improve safety performance (Hamid et al, 2008;Baldissone et al, 2019;Hale et al, 2012;Stępień, 2014).…”