Some mistakes can always happen, no matter how much the contractor or employee is trained and driven. However, the outcomes of human failure on construction sites may be severe. According to an analysis, the majority of incidents and accidents are caused by human errors. To avoid these accidents, employers in the construction industry should learn how to prevent human errors.
It is critical to recognize that human error does not occur at random; understanding why errors occur, as well as the various factors that contribute to their escalation, can help companies establish a more effective control.
Following are two major types of human failure.
- Human error: It is an unintentional action or decision.
- Violations: It is an intentional failure—doing the wrong things on purpose.
Here are some methods to eradicate or minimize human error in various industrial sectors.
Using SOPs to standardize work
Standard operating procedures create consistency in work execution. Ensuring consistency is one way to reduce the amount of human errors. SOPs represent a step-by-step workflow that must be followed to make sure that industrial standards and safety rules are met.
A standard SOP document includes the following.
- A description of SOP scope and purpose, as well as its limitations and application. Standard roles, regulatory requirements, responsibility, as well as input and output, can be included.
- Additional details that are required to complete a specific task.
- Terminology clarification, including phrases and acronyms, with which the construction workers may not be familiar.
- Safety and health warnings, which should be listed in a separate section.
- A detailed list of supplies and equipment, including where to obtain them and when they will be required.
After SOPs are written, they should be tested in the field to ensure they are applicable in real-world scenarios. If there are issues, proper updates need to be made before finalizing the document.
Implementing technology-based training
Human behavior is very difficult to control. Employers invest resources and time in training and reinforcing the directions that are designed to prevent human error and accidents. Workers can gain tech skills by enrolling in eLearning courses and modules.
Nowadays, online training is one of the most effective ways to set a career path and take control of professional development. Unlike traditional courses, online courses allow the workers to simply log in and go through the training material. Employees can even access the training materials on their smartphones.
In a similar fashion, safety management software can assist a department leader in tracking and analyzing the causes that lead to human errors, so that contractors may swiftly implement preventive measures (or eliminate the cause altogether).
Usually, the solution comes in the form of safety training—which does not have to be tedious. Workers do not like to sit in the classroom and listen to superiors talk about how to prevent accidents and human error. Therefore, a technology-based training system can assist and reinforce regulation and procedure on the construction site far more effectively.
Developing a strong safety culture
One of the most effective strategies to prevent error and non-compliance is to develop a strong safety culture. It encourages the employees’ buy-in to safety measures and develops a sense of shared responsibility.
A commitment from management is crucial. Managers must treat safety as a top priority for the sake of efficiency. Workers can also be involved (read: consulted about potential execution problems) in the development of safety regulations to fully comprehend and obey the rules. After all, the industry has strict regulations that need to be followed.
Reducing workplace fatigue and stress
Worker fatigue is often an unnoticed hazard on the construction site. Fatigue, whether mental or physical, impairs the ability of construction workers to effectively and safely perform their task. It enhances the danger of injuries and accidents, which can result in unnecessary workers’ compensation costs, as well as a significant reduction in project productivity.
Common causes of employee fatigue are night work, long hours, workload spikes, cold/heat, humidity and highly demanding repetitive work—all staples in the industry. Environmental conditions, such as working in very cold or high temperatures and humidity, are another element that contributes to worker fatigue.
Obviously, fatigue and stress have a negative impact on workers, increasing the chance of human error. A supervisor in construction can make the workplace less stressful by following these instructions:
- Have a better employee management strategy to manage dips and spikes in workload;
- Purchase new (more ergonomic) equipment;
- Monitor the workload of employees and talk about their stress;
- Plan the work hours so that workers can take breaks and get a decent night’s sleep; and
- Educate employees about fatigue signs, fatigue in general and how to manage it.
Using more ergonomic equipment
Accidents on construction sites can occur due to physical lifting, carrying, lowering, twisting, gripping, and other activities. Here, ergonomic equipment provides a significant improvement. It reduces musculoskeletal problems and tiredness as it requires less physical effort and exertion for operating.
The contractor can also find that the operation is gaining speed and requires less time as a bonus. Ergonomic equipment is used to minimize the risk of injury in workers. Examples of ergonomics equipment in the construction industry include:
- Shoes with supportive insoles that are comfortable;
- Power tools with a comfortable grip;
- Glare blocking, impact-resistant sunglasses; and
- Various lift devices for lifting items on height.
Sometimes, having the right equipment at the right time is enough—it doesn’t even have to be ergonomic. For example, you do not want a worker using a knife from an action that should be performed with a screwdriver. It is much easier to make a mistake when relying on makeshift solutions.
Conclusion
Accidents and injuries in the construction industry occur due to the lack of experience and awareness among workers, deficiency of provided equipment, and lack of proper PPE (personal protective equipment) and training, just to name a few.
Due to all these factors, unacceptable accidents and injuries occur at higher rates. Applications of safety measures and effective control on construction sites are a must to minimize or eliminate the causes of accidents and human errors. The business leader must map the process to recognize the barriers and constraints, effectively manage and plan the risk, and nurture a proactive safety culture.
