Using Standardized Work to Prevent Construction Accidents

Abstract

The work done on construction sites is high risk, unsafe and could result in work-related accidents. The effect of accidents often impacts the social and economic integrity of the workers and their productivity negatively. The reported study in this paper investigated 'how standardized work prevents accidents on construction sites?' A single case research design was used to collect the primary data through semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. The collected data were analyzed thematically. From the findings, it was discovered that improper working conditions related to scaffolds often causes accidents on construction sites. In effect, the use of standardized work would help to eradicate improper working conditions that lead to accidents because it helps project supervisors/engineers to avoid errors and omissions. For standardized work to be successful, the project supervisors should actively address the behavioral problems of the workers. Therefore, it is recommended that there is a need to conduct further research that would establish the strength of the standardized work in improving health, safety and well-being (HSW) of people in the construction.