Hazard Identification And Evalution In Construction Industry

IJSTE - International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering | Volume 1 | Issue 10 | April 2015 ISSN (online): 2349-784X

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

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Hazard Identification and Evalution in

Construction Industry

Abhishek Sharma Abhaynath Kumar

Research Scholar Research Scholar

Department of Fire Technology and Safety Engineering Department of Fire Technology and Safety Engineering

IES-IPS Academy, Indore (M.P), India IES-IPS Academy, Indore (M.P), India

Veerendra Suryawanshi

Assistant Professor

Department of Fire Technology and Safety Engineering

IES-IPS Academy, Indore (M.P), India

Abstract

The construction industry has the largest number of injuries compared to other industries. Thus, reducing accidents and

determining construction risks are extremely important. One of the essential steps for construction safety management is hazard

identification, since the most unmanageable risks are from unidentified hazards. This paper aims to rank the risk of construction

hazards. To achieve this aim, the frequency and severity of accidents from the most common hazards at construction sites, were

assessed. The data for this study were collected using a web survey. The questionnaire was sent to 300 safety professionals

including safety managers, safety officers, and safety experts who were randomly selected from 20 countries. Of those, 76

completed responses were returned. The results reveal that there is no significant difference in severity and frequency of

accidents between the studied countries. It was also found that a lack of safety-forward attitudes, a lack of awareness of safety

regulations, poor safety awareness of project managers, and a lack of knowledge are the hazards with the most risk in

construction projects. The outcome of this study can help organizations and managers prepare proper safety plans and also to

increase the knowledge of partners in construction sites through training and awareness programs.

Keywords: Construction planning; Health and safety; Risk identification, Construction Hazard, Construction Safety,

Checklist etc

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. INTRODUCTION

Indian construction industry is passing through very unique phase. Massive infrastructure like, National Highway, Dam

construction for Irrigation, Airports up-gradation for Tourism of domestic & International tourists, Urban rapid transportation

like Metros, Bus Rapid Transport system Flyover poised to grow exponentially within last 10 years. This situation leads to

excellent opportunities for the construction industry in terms of business opportunity. This also leads to Indian economic growth

even through FDI. Many national constructions housed such as Hindustan Construction Company, DLF, Tata projects and

Larson & Turbo limited actively managing projects in India & Aboard. The main reason of boost of the construction industry is

due to increase of Purchas power of middle class and improved living standard. Only Construction industry would provide the

basic physical infrastructure for the nation as well as other industries. Construction projects are dynamic. They are characterized

by many unique factors – such as frequent work team rotations, exposure to weather conditions, high proportions of unskilled

and temporary workers. Construction sites, unlike other production facilities, undergo changes in topography, topology and work

conditions throughout the duration of the projects. These features make managing construction site-safety more difficult than

managing safety in manufacturing plants. Particularly in construction, a different approach is needed to identify hazards and

risks, increase safety and prevent accidents.

Safety Codes And Standards: [1] A.

Codes of practice and standards are normally derived by experienced professionals and their organisations. Codes and standards

transmit experience of problems and solutions and develop good industrial or engineering practice.

With change in technology and new inventions, revision becomes necessary. Thus codes and standards should be updated with

the current time.

Standards and Codes should be followed in following order:

1) Statutory Standards.

2) Indians Standards (IS) and Codes.

3) International Standards like ISO 9001 & 14001 and OHSAS 18001.

Hazard Identification and Evalution in Construction Industry (IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 10 / 009)


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II. ANALYSIS & METHODOLOGY

Job Safety Analysis: B.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is the procedure of recognizing possible hazards evaluating their risk and record how to remove

isolate and minimize the risk to employee safety controls. Somewhere possible hazards are recognized as Significant, Job Safety

Analysis shall be complete using the step by step guide above the page. The first step in this process is the development of a

Work Method Statement (WMS) which briefly describes the entire work activity some example are;

Purpose & Definition: C.

Job safety Analysis is a procedure of analysing job for the purpose of finding the hazards in each step and developing safety

precautions to be adopted. [2]

Though this technique tan be applied at any stage, it is most useful at the stage of planning, design and starting the process.

It can be used to review job method and uncover hazards;

1) That may have been overlooked at the design or planning stage of plant layout, building, machinery, equipment, tool,

workstations, processes etc.

2) That were noticed subsequently

3) That were resulted from changes in work procedure or personnel. It is the first step in hazard or accident analysis and

safety training.

It determines details of each job in terms of duties, skills, abilities, qualification, safety aspect, tools required, methods,

sequence of operation and working condition. It is useful for routine or repetitive job as well as maintenance and short orders.

JSA Procedure: D.

Four basic steps of simple procedure

1) Select the job.

2) Breakdown the job into successive steps.

3) Identify hazards and potential accidents in each step.

4) Develop safety measures to eliminate above hazards and consequential accidents. These steps are briefly explained

below:

Jobs with potential for more frequent accidents, severe injuries and new jobs wherein hazards are unknown should be selected

first.

The job should be broken down in proper sequence and steps. Operation, description, hazards (existing or potential) and

precautions should be mentioned.

To identify hazards observe the operations as many times as necessary, ask the operator concerned or others having good

knowledge of that job and list the hazards in each step. Consider all possibilities of accident, failure mode and effect etc.

The safely solution to the hazards noticed may be worked out by:

Finding a new method to do the job

Changing the physical conditions creating hazards

Eliminating hazards still present or changing the work procedure

Reducing the need of doing that job or at least the frequency of the job and

Suggesting personal protective equipment if any.

Everything of above findings should be recorded on Job Breakdown Sheet (Job sheet or Job instruction sheet) and it should be

explained to operators and trainees to perform the job safely.

Job safety analysis should be carried out by a person well conversant with the job. The supervisor is well suited for this.

Where safety officer is appointed he may carry out the analysis jointly with the supervisor.



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Controls Should Be As High As Real In The Best To Worst Guide Shown Below: E.

Eliminate the Hazard Completely: 1)

Remove items from the area or select different area for employees and volunteers to utilise.

Isolate People from the Hazard: 2)

Guards on entry points

Use effective barriers and edge protection.

Enclose noisy machinery.

Minimise By: 3)

a) Use An Engineered Control:

Use a machine to lift heavy objects.

Use barrier controls to assist patron movement

b) Change Work Practices:

Training in lifting techniques.

Training in dealing with patrons

c) Provide Personal Protective Equipment:

Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in all cases, this must be seen as the last line of defence in the effective control of

workplace hazards and the least preferred option.

High visibility jackets in car-park areas

Job Safety Analysis Step By Step Does the JSA Provide: F.

1) The name of the organisation - The major event LOC

2) An explanation of the work action and task to be accepted.

3) The date the JSA was established.

4) The signature and name of the being who advanced the JSA.

5) The assignment name number and the name of the Principal Service provider and contractor.

6) The job steps intricate in performance the work.



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7) Possible hazards related with the work and its job stages.

8) Controls will be put in place to remove separate and minimise the possible hazards recognised.

9) The controls as high as feasible on the Best to Worst control guide.

10) The name of the individual liable for certifying that the control is in place.

The Procedure Of Job Safety Analysis Is Illustrated Below. [2] G.

Table:

ANNEXURE-I

Job Breakdown Sheet

Operation

Step Description Hazards Precautions / controls

1. Start the job.

1) Breakage of wheel

2) Contact with wheel

3) Flying particles

1) Check and adjust the Guard

2) Adjust tool rest

3) Get wheel dressed if necessary

4) Use goggles/ shield

2. Pick up the

job.

1) Sharp edges

2) Unsafe gripping or lifting

1) Use hand gloves

2) Use Safety shoes

3) Proper method of storing

4) Proper training in lifting.

3. Grind

1) Flying particles

2) Wheel breakage due to jamming

etc.

3) Dust-Silicosis, nuisance

1) Use goggles shield

2) Do not jam

3) Local exhaust for machine and

respirator

4) Aprons

5) Gloves

4. Replace the

job.

1) Sharp edges

2) Fall of casting

3) Strain and sprain

1) Use hand gloves

2) Use safety shoes

3) Proper method of storing

4) Proper training in lifting

III. JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

Evaluation in Construction

Company name : ………………. Date :………………..

Site name: ………………… Permit to work:………………..

Unit in charge: …………………. Approved by:………………….

Table:

JSA (Job Safety Analysis)

Sr.

No.

Work or Basic

Job Steps Potential Hazard Control or Recommended Action

1. Work at height Fall, slip Safety belt, harness provide

2. Work at crane Outriggers failure, crane touch to any electric

wire, Struck by object falling from a crane Maintain distance from electric sources

3. Work on

excavation Earth slide Helmet, PPE

4. Foundation Fall of material Safety helmet, proper protection

5. Trenching Respiration problem Respiratory system

6. Steel erection Fall of object & workers Safety helmet, safety harness and belt provide

7. Scaffold work Fall, slip of workers, object fall Safet harness at height,



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8. Work at column Workers slip Safety harness, hook

9. Work at slabs Fall from height or slip Use net form, use proper safety belt and PPE

10. Lifting crane Fall any object, Should be used safety helmet, give proper

instructions to the crane operator

CJSA Process: H.

The Construction Job Safety Analysis (CJSA) method generates a large knowledge based describing all possible loss-of-control

events in construction. The knowledge is structured in a form that can be used by software implementing the CHASTE

(Construction Hazard Assessment with Spatial and Temporal Exposure) is a conceptual model that enables forecasting of safety

approach to compute the predicted levels of risk for the activities of specific projects, by using a three-dimensional building

model and a construction schedule.

The CJSA process comprises three major steps:

1) Step 1: Identify hazards.

2) Step 2: Assess probability.

3) Step 3: Assess severity. Table -1:

Categories for Likelihood Of Harm

Risk Levels: Likelihood Score/Rating

Very likely 4

Likely 3

Unlikely 2

Very unlikely 1

Table -2:

Categories for Severity Of Harm

Risk Levels: Severity Score/Rating

Extremely harmful 4

Harmful 3

Slightly harmful 2

Very slightly harmful 1

CJSA Step 1 – Hazard Identification: I.

Fig. 1: CJSA Flow Chart Diagram



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The first step of the CJSA process is performed in a set of work-shops in which the researchers interview experts in the execution

of construction activities, usually senior construction superintendents. The activities relevant to the domain being explored (e.g.

multistory residential construction) are identified, and each ex-pert is asked to analyze one or more activities with which they are

familiar.

The experts begin by dividing each activity into sub-activities. They determine the start and finish times of each sub-activity in

relation to the overall activity duration as it would be defined in a construction plan. Values are set as percentages of the planned

duration (activity start = 0%, activity end = 100%).

Process Flow Activity Chart: J.

Fig. 2: Process Activity Chart

Table -3:

Accident Scenario Type

Sr. No. Accident scenario type Locations of workers exposed

A Fall from height Self-impact only

B Injury from tools/equipment Self-impact only

C Run over by vehicle Adjacent

D Burns or inhalation of smoke or toxic fumes Adjacent and above

E Electrocution Self-impact only

F Collision Self-impact only

H Struck by object falling within a floor area Adjacent

I Struck by object falling from façade towards ground Below

J Struck by object falling from a crane Adjacent and below

K Struck by object dropped by self Self-impact only

L Collapse of crane or concrete pump Below

M Collapse of formwork, scaffolding, etc. Adjacent and below

N Structural (floor) collapse Adjacent and below

O Slipping Self-impact only

P Struck by transported material Adjacent

Q Struck by sprayed materials Self-impact only



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The last step of the workshop is to identify all the possible loss-of-control events that may occur during each working stage of

the activity, regardless of their likelihood.

In order to classify the accident scenario types, it must be possible to calculate the level of exposure for each type as a function

of the geometric relationships between the locations and any equipment involved. This requires a unique algorithm for each class

of accident types. The necessary exposure algorithms have been developed and their application has been tested.

CJSA Step 2 – Risk Assessment: K.

The second step of the CJSA procedure seeks to determine the following information about the activities that were detailed in the

first step:

1) The expected rate of occurrence for each possible loss-of-control event.

2) The degree of influence of the different managerial and environ-mental factors that affect the expected rates of

occurrence.

3) The expected degree of use of personal safety gear.

Calculating the expected severity of a fall from above 5 m height while casting concrete for exterior walls using industrialized

forms.

Table -4:

Ecpected Severity

Severity

level Severity weight

Expected occurrence (%)

Weighted average With safety gear (33%) Without safety gear (67%)

Minor injury 1 79 1 0.3

Medium injury 5 17 5 0.5

Severe injury 25 4 23 4.2

Death 100 0 71 47.6

Severity level 52.6

Table -5:

Activity analysis

Activity Interviewee specialization Activity analysis summary

Number of stages Number of loss-of-control events

Fo

un

da

tio

ns

Str

uct

ura

l a

ctiv

itie

s

Piling Superintendent

2

3

2

57

Concrete slabs Superintendent 2 85

Cast-in-place concrete Superintendent 2

columns and walls safety inspector 8

2 74

Erecting precast slabs Superintendent 3

2 59

Erecting precast walls Superintendent 3

2 57

Forming walls with stone cladding Superintendent 4

1 67

Fin

ish

ing

act

ivit

ies

Brick masonry Superintendent

Superintendent stone

2

1 33

Stone cladding contractor 4

2 32

Exterior plastering Superintendent 7 62

Gypsum boards Finishing foreman

1

4

1

25

Floor tiling Finishing foreman 2

1 19

Roof insulation Insulation contractor 1 29

Roof sealing Sealing contractor 6

1 18



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Glazing Glazing contractor 1 46 O

ther

act

ivit

ies

Electrical installation Electrical engineer

2

3

2

75

Plumbing Plumbing engineer 9

4 57

HVAC installation A.C. Engineer 6

3 80

The CJSA method acknowledges the importance of these factors and their integration in any application of the CHASTE

approach. In the trial implementation described below, four specific factors (schedule delays; a work group’s first day on site;

crowding of workers in the work area; and short notice before work begins) were tested for because they were of particular

interest for re-search of the application of Lean Construction on the site in which the CHASTE method was implemented. Future

users of the CJSA method should select factors relevant to the context of their industry in order to increase the reliability of the

model.

CJSA Step 3 – Assess Severity: L.

The final step of the CJSA method determines the relative probabilities of severity for each accident scenario type. The

distributions are obtained by asking safety expert interviewees to distribute the likelihood of the severity of the outcome for each

type among four distinct possible outcomes:

1) Minor injury (up to one day of absence) – scratch, wound.

2) Medium injury (long absence) – burn, fracture.

3) Severe injury – permanent disability.

4) Death

IV. TRIAL IMPLEMENTATION

The CJSA method was developed and first applied in practice within the framework of the CHASTE research project. The scope

for this implementation covered 14 common construction activities from all phases of a typical multi-story building project.

Step 1 – Identification: A.

In step 1, the knowledge was elicited in a series of workshops with safety experts and senior site managers, who are legally

responsible for site-safety. Each expert was asked to analyze a single construction activity according to his or her experience.

Step 2 – Assessment: B.

The population for the survey in step 2 consisted of 91 senior superintendents from 45 construction companies. The majority

were interviewed in depth about a single construction activity type. A small number of them were interviewed twice, because

they were familiar with more than one activity type; a total of 101 interviews were conducted.

Likelihood of Loss-Of-Control Event Occurrences: 1)

Average values for likelihood of occurrence for all loss-of-control events were summarized in measures of number of events per

year of work per person, i.e. the expected number of times a single event might occur, if a single worker performs a single task

for a time period of one year.

Intensifying Factors: 2)

Implementation of the CJSA assessment step included examination of factors affecting the expected likelihood of occurrence of

loss-of-control events. The respondents in step 2 were asked to assess, based on their past experience, how the likelihood of loss-

of- of control events would be increased during each work stage of the entire activity, in the presence of each of the following

intensifying factors: schedule delays; a work group’s first day on site; crowding of workers in the work area; and short notice

before work begins.

Construction Safety Checklist: C.

Name and address of the Construction Company _________________ working at _________________

Audited by ________________________ Audit date _____________



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Table:

Construction Safety Checklist

No. Checkpoints Comments

1 Helmets used by all

2 Safety belts used by all during work, if height is more than 2 meters.

3 Static lines are provided to facilitate hooking of safety belts.

4 Safety nets are provided where scaffolds not feasible.

5 Scaffolds are in good condition, ladders are used.

6 Hand tools are of standard type and maintained properly.

7 Power tools are in good condition and supply through ELCB.

8 Grinding machines are with guards.

9 Welding machine and cables are in good condition.

10 Gas cylinder of cutting sets are protected from spark.

11 Hose of cutting sets, pressure regulators and pressure gauges are in good working condition – leak free.

12 Good insulation, earthing and ELCB are maintained in electrical installations.

13 Cranes are in good working condition.

14 Lifting tackles are in good working condition.

15 Crane is operated by competent operator.

16 Standard signaling and rigging practices are followed.

17 Area where heavy erection is done is barricaded.

18 Area where load is lifted or suspended by crane is barricaded.

19 Fire hazards are taken care of combustibles removed from site of hot work.

20. Fire extinguishers are provided.

21. Floor openings are protected / covered / guarded.

22. Procedure for critical job is available and followed.

23. Persons employed on job possess required skills.

24. Vessel entry permits are taken for confined space entry.

25. Safety permits are taken to work at height.

V. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The CHASTE approach represents a progressive way to evaluate risks in construction. It confronts the difficulties and unique

hazards of the construction industry by considering likelihood of loss-of-control events and exposure of potential victims to their

consequences separately. The CJSA method provides a mechanism for collecting the extensive knowledge of the likelihood of

loss-of-control events in construction that is needed for implementation of the CHASTE approach. The CJSA method is loosely

based on the standard JSA approach to safety planning in manufacturing;

Matrix method in risk assessment is a semi-quantified way of evaluation. Risk value is determined by estimating of the

potential severity of hazardous event and the likelihood that it will occur. Risk value is formulated as:

R = P*S

Where:

P = Likelihood of occurrence

S = Potential severity of harm

Now for work at height

R=P*S =3*4 =12

Now for work at cranes

R=P*S

=3*3

=9

Table -6:

Risk Categories

Category of Risk Evaluation of Tolerability

Very low (Level 1, 2,

3, 4) Acceptable (or Negligible)

Low (Level 5, 6)

Risks that should be reduced so

that they are tolerable or acceptable

(Unwanted)



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Medium (Level 8, 9)



(Unwanted)

High (Level 10, 12)



(Unwanted)

Very high (Level 15,

16,) Unacceptable

VI. CONCLUSIONS

The CHASTE approach represents a progressive way to evaluate risks in construction. It confronts the difficulties and unique

hazards of the construction industry by considering likelihood of loss-of-control events and exposure of potential victims to their

consequences separately. The CJSA method provides a mechanism for collecting the extensive knowledge of the likelihood of

loss-of-control events in construction that is needed for implementation of the CHASTE approach. The CJSA method is loosely

based on the standard JSA approach to safety planning in manufacturing. The CJSA method described was implemented for the

construction activities and methods typical of the Israeli building construction industry, and a comprehensive analysis was con-

ducted of its results.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This Article has benefited from discussions with many people for more than can be acknowledged completely here. I would like

to extend our sincere thanks to all of them. It is our great pleasure to express our profound gratitude to our esteemed guides Mr.

Bhadresh Modi, Head of Safety Department, L & T Company, Shree Singaji Thermal Power Project (SSTPP), M.P.P.G.C.L

Khandwa, Assistant Professor Veerendra Suryawanshi, Fire Technology & Safety Engg. Dept., IES, IPS Academy Indore for his

valuable inspiration, able guidance and untiring help, which enabled me to carry out and complete this work. I am sincerely and

heartily grateful to Prof. Praveen Patel Head of the Department, Dept. of Fire Technology & Safety Engineering‖ to support me

throughout my project. I express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Archana Keerti Chowdhary Principal, Institute of Engineering &

Science, IPS Academy for extending all the facilities during the course of study. At this juncture I also take this opportunity to

express our deep gratitude to all the Faculty members and Staff of Fire Technology & Safety Engineering Department, for their

appreciation and moral support. I am also thankful to all the persons who helped us directly or indirectly to bring the research

paper work to the present shape.

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