An injury risk model for large construction projects

A risk management model for prevention of occupational injuries at large construction projects is presented. The model combines the engineering CDIO-phase model (conceive, design, implement or construct, operate) with a socio-cultural approach to safety management. The risk management model is targeting clients/owners of the projects. In this study the model is used for categorization of existing injury prevention measures (personal, structural or cultural change) at large construction projects in Denmark, and for evaluation of the effect. The majority of the injury prevention measures were implemented during the construction phase and belonged to the category structural change (for example, safety walk-rounds and safety audits). The study showed that injury prevention may be improved at future projects by implementing more measures influencing norms and culture at the construction site (for example, the pioneer client concept), and thus increase the diversity of injury prevention measures. Many injury incidents originate from the design phase. Future safety research should focus more on developing injury prevention measures for this phase.