Content area
Abstract
The general purpose of the present study was: (1) to analyze the factors that cause deviations and accidents in materials handling, (2) to develop an integrated model of materials management and safety, (3) to describe the interplay of technology, organization and human behaviour as a process in a dynamic context of the integrated model, and (4) to present practical implications in accident prevention.
The production system of a construction company is seen as an integrated system, according to the sociotechnology approach. The present study suggests that in accident prevention, the integration of technology, organization and human behaviour are interrelated. Factors detrimental to occupational safety in materials handling were detected at all planning levels of the construction project and from the operations at the construction sites. To locate problem areas, the results were grouped in the integrated model in the form of a problem tree. The methodology to classify accidents, minor accidents and deviations was developed. The accident reports on the accidents in materials handling at building construction sites were analyzed in detail. During the framework phase, relatively more accidents took place during mechanical lifting than during the other phases of construction. Despite the fact that the mechanical handling of materials has increased, as many as three-fourths of the classified accidents fell into the category of manual handling at the moment of the accident. Accidents and minor accidents that had affected the musculoskeletal system were examined closely to determine the role of materials handling in the origin of these accidents; e.g., the reinforcement workers (heavy construction work) had significantly more accidents and minor accidents than the painters (light construction work).
Materials management and occupational safety should be designed and managed systematically, and developed as one of the basic segments of the building construction project. In the design phase of a construction project, occupational safety may be affected by eliminating individual risk factors or by developing the entire design process. In practice, the latter means that the design aids are developed, that utilisation of feedback from the construction site is expanded, and that more attention is paid to coordination of cooperation between the different parties to the project.