Analysis of workers’ fall accidents due to formwork operations

Abstract

In the construction industry, fall accidents are a critical form of accident. This research examines fall accidents in formwork operations that occurred between 1995 and 2015. This study examines the different dimensions of fall incidents, such as the level of severity of formwork activities, fall height and causes of falls using the 205 construction industry accidents reported in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) database, a regulatory agency in the USA. The findings revealed that most fall incidents occur at the height of less than 9.1 m (30 ft), mostly due to unprotected or unguarded edges or floor covering. Furthermore, erection and stripping activities were found to have severe risks to carpenters and moreso to the general workers who tend to have more chances of meeting such accidents; additionally, human error can also be observed. These results are intended to alert safety authorities of the need to examine the existing state of fall incidents and formulate strategies to minimise them in the future. Since OSHA does not provide in-depth information for each incident, it was impossible to ascertain the exact situation and formwork type in use at the event.