BLDG_1007_Cost of accidents & injuries & more

BLDG 1007: Construction Work Safety

Introduction

  • Focus on the significant costs arising from accidents and injuries in construction.

  • Importance of workplace safety in reducing risks.

Cost of Accidents in the Workplace

  • Direct and Indirect Costs:

    • Direct Costs:

      • Workers’ compensation premiums.

      • Medical expenses for injured workers.

      • Time off wages due to injury.

      • Permanent disability benefits.

    • Indirect Costs:

      • Lost productivity, earnings, and output.

      • Damage to facilities, machinery, equipment, and materials.

      • Legal expenses, including attorney fees.

      • Delays leading to overtime costs (shipping, orders, manpower).

      • Hiring new personnel to replace injured staff.

Economic Impact of Injuries

  • Total Cost of Injury and Illness in Australia:

    • Estimated at $61.8 billion, equating to 4.1% of the GDP.

    • Costs borne by:

      • Workers: 77%

      • Community: 18%

      • Employers: 5%

    • Injuries alone account for $28 billion (45%) of the total cost of workplace injuries.

Types of Costs Associated with Injuries

Social Costs

  • Result in utilization of national resources (healthcare, emergency services, etc.).

  • Losses due to construction site accidents.

  • Community support costs including long-term treatment and rehabilitation services.

Human Costs

  • Permanent effects on the quality of life.

  • Psychological impact including loss of confidence, depression, and PTSD.

  • Strain on relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.

Organisational Costs

  • Sick pay obligations; loss of productivity.

  • Replacement and training costs for new employees.

  • Repairing damaged equipment and increased insurance premiums.

  • Potential damage to the company's reputation.

Common Types and Causes of Workplace Injuries

  • Injuries by Type:

    • 45%: Mental stress and body stressing.

    • 23%: Falls, trips, and slips.

    • 25%: Being hit by moving objects or vehicles.

Economic Impact of Mental Stress

  • Workplace Stress:

    • Costing $14.8 billion overall.

    • $10.6 billion attributed specifically to mental stress.

Fatalities in the Workplace

  • Work-related Fatalities:

    • Vehicle collisions account for 41% (80 workers).

    • Being hit by moving objects comprises 13% (25 workers).

    • Falls from height result in 11% (22 workers).

    • 3 out of 4 fatalities involve vehicle collisions.

Causes of Fatalities in Construction

  • Falls from height: 47 fatalities (30%).

  • Vehicle collisions: 24 fatalities (16%).

  • Being hit by falling objects: 24 fatalities (16%).

  • Being hit by moving objects: 22 fatalities (15%).

  • Contact with electricity: 16 fatalities (11%).

  • Being trapped and cave-ins: 12 fatalities (7%).

  • Total construction-related fatalities tally to 154.

Worker Fatalities by Occupation

  • Machinery operators and drivers: 67 fatalities.

  • Labourers: 41 fatalities.

  • Managers: 35 fatalities.

  • Technicians and trades workers: 26 fatalities.

  • Community and personal service workers: 11 fatalities.

  • Professionals: 11 fatalities.

  • Sales workers: 2 fatalities.

  • Clerical and administrative workers: 1 fatality.

  • Total fatalities across all occupations: 194.

Conclusion

  • Importance of addressing safety in construction to prevent accidents and minimize costs.