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In the run-up to World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we are calling special attention to those working in the construction industry as they share their personal experiences. Currently, one in five professionals (22%) are concerned about safety at construction sites, according to research conducted within the construction industry in the Netherlands*. Remarkably, 20 percent consider work-related accidents to be a natural risk. Are accidents at construction sites unjustly seen as just ‘part of the job’?
Is ‘safe enough’ enough?
One major implication of these safety concerns is that 30 percent of professionals will sometimes decline assignments for this very reason. When does the likelihood of an accident increase, in their opinion? The presence of several different parties at a construction site (68%) in particular can lead to the risk of accidents due to the various work activities. Yet the majority (59%) still consider the working environment to be safe enough.
Zero fatalities
The construction industry is still somewhat notorious for its relatively high number of incidents. All too often, people still either fall ill or even die as a result of sub-standard working conditions. One in four construction professionals (26%) also take a bleak view and believe the zero fatalities target to be impossible. This opinion is shared most notably by those under 35 (54%).
believe the zero fatalities target to be impossible
Raising awareness of safety at construction sites is necessary in order to strengthen the culture of safety. Construction site accidents should also not be considered a natural risk. Improving cooperation between stakeholders could help us learn more about the hazards posed by construction work so we can take appropriate measures. This would allow us to work towards a culture where the target of zero fatalities is not only achievable, but is also the expectation of each individual construction professional, stated Sven Janssen, Health & Safety Manager at Boels Rental.
*The survey was conducted by Markteffect among 404 Dutch people working in the construction industry.
