How can we prevent construction accidents? Outcomes from a stakeholder consultation: societal and industry-wide influences

This paper presents some of the findings from a time-limited, independent research project that reviewed evidence about underlying causes of construction accidents and levers within and beyond health & safety systems to make further improvements. The triangulated method incorporated national and international expert consultations with a total of 72 participants from across the industry, plus a literature review. An initial ‘sounding out’ exercise was also undertaken to gather feedback on the practical strategies developed during the consultation process. Perspectives on the underlying causes identified: broader societal and industry-wide influences (macro); project and process factors (mezzo); and worker/supervisor/workplace causes (micro). A number of improvement strategies were suggested, some of which have been summarised in this paper.