Problem Statement


Industry Snapshot

Last year in the construction industry fatal accidents claimed the lives of 72 people.  This figure is approximately one third of the entire UK's work related fatalities. [1]

This clearly shows the urgent requirement for action to be taken which will reduce the risk of accidents to a minimum, so that people can work in the clear understanding that every precaution to prevent accidents has been put in place.

Figure 1 - Number of Fatalities per 100,000 workers in the UK construction industry.  [2]

There have been many studies on the issue of providing appropriate Health and Safety standards and means to tackle this problem.  With Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 reviewing and superseding most previously inadequate legislation, a clear step in the right direction of tackling this problem is underway.

Although the above appears positive, with clear initiative being shown by government and those in the industry to improve standards, the significant impact desired, has not occurred.   This is shown in the above graph (Figure 1) for Number of Fatalities.

In 2006/2007 there were 77 fatalities which was reduced only very slightly in 2007/2008 to 72 fatalities.  In the first quarter of the 2008/2009 report calendar, there have been 18 fatalities, currently putting the industry on track to record exactly the same as last year.  This trend is simply unacceptable and needs to be addressed.

The aim of this report is to approach the problem from a previously under-researched perspective.  Health and Safety Culture will investigate views and opinions currently in place with regards to Health and Safety. The aim is to put forward informed proposals to reduce the number of accidents and so provide a safer working environment for everyone involved in the industry.

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University of Edinburgh
MEng Thesis 2008/2009
Graham Innes
Stephen Knox

Supervised by Dr Simon Smith