20% fatality drop - the global race to make construction workplaces safer

The construction business, our industry, carries a hidden burden - a disproportionately high risk of injury and fatality for its workforce. From towering skyscrapers to intricate underground tunnels, every project is a testament to human ingenuity, but often at the cost of human safety. We have all been aware of the dangers for decades – nothing new to see here, you might think – particularly in countries where health and safety are not so well regulated, but that is all beginning to change, writes John Ridgeway.

The whole world has woken up to the problem and the challenges of keeping valued construction workers safe in every part of the globe and is introducing new measures to reduce accidents – and it is beginning to work.

Following a string of building collapses, Bangladesh has implemented compulsory safety training for all construction workers and mandated the use of approved scaffolding materials. They have also established a dedicated construction safety agency to enforce regulations and promote best practices. The results are promising, with a significant reduction in accident rates.

Recognising the vulnerability of informal construction workers in rural areas, India's Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) has launched a mobile training programme. This initiative uses local languages and interactive methods to educate workers on basic safety measures, empowering them to advocate for their own well-being.

Rwanda has partnered with a tech company to develop a mobile app that provides workers with personalised safety training modules in their local language. The app also features a hazard reporting system and offers emergency response resources, giving workers a powerful tool to protect themselves.

South Africa's Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), has partnered with NGOs to establish community-based training centres specifically for informal construction workers. These centres offer practical skills training alongside safety education, empowering workers to find formal employment and improve their overall safety practices.

Recognising the link between workplace safety and worker health, Peru's Ministry of Labour has launched a programme that provides free health screenings and access to basic health services for construction workers. This holistic approach ensures both physical and mental well-being, contributing to a safer and healthier work environment.

It is all part of what appears to be a global wake-up call where, countries and organisations worldwide are taking action to improve construction safety, recognising the urgency of the situation and the need for constant and positive change.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a Safety in Construction Initiative in 2003, which has proved to be a massive success. The ILO actively promotes best practices and regulations through by developing practical guidance on topics such as managing safety risks, preventing falls and handling hazardous materials.

They have provided training resources for workers, supervisors, and safety professionals and have collaborated with governments and stakeholders to implement national safety strategies and improve enforcement mechanisms.

By tracking accident trends and identifying areas for improvement across different countries, the ILO's efforts contributed to a 20% reduction in construction worker fatalities globally between 2003 and 2018 (Source:ILO, 2023).

In the EU, Construction Products Regulation (CPR), enforces stringent safety standards for building materials and equipment throughout zone. This includes harmonised safety requirements, setting minimum safety standards for various product categories, such as fire resistance, structural stability, and emissions.

The regulations also require manufacturers to test and certify their products to ensure compliance with CPR standards, while ensuring products meet safety requirements through checks and inspections at all stages of the supply chain.

This initiative has contributed to a significant decline in construction-related accidents involving faulty materials or equipment in EU member states (Source: European Commission, 2023).

Finland has introduced the "Vision Zero" initiative, which aims to eliminate workplace fatalities and accidents by focusing on promoting a culture of safety awareness and shared responsibility among employers, workers, and government agencies, implementing a data-driven approach to identify and address safety hazards through ongoing inspections and risk assessments and utilising advanced technology like drones and wearable devices to monitor safety risks and prevent accidents.

In Singapore, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has implemented a comprehensive safety framework that includes upskilling workers in safe work practices and risk identification, rewarding companies with good safety records and penalising those with repeated violations. The country is also supporting research and development of new technologies and equipment to improve worker safety.

In Australia, the "Safe Work Australia" national framework emphasises the need to encourage open communication about safety concerns by fostering collaboration between stakeholders, implementing consistent safety regulations across different states and territories and targeting interventions towards activities with the highest risk of accidents, like working at heights and using hazardous materials.

These national initiatives have yielded impressive results. Finland, for instance, has experienced a 60% reduction in construction worker fatalities since launching its "Vision Zero" programme. Similarly, Singapore has witnessed a 30% decline in construction accidents over the past decade.

So, we can see that things continue to improve worldwide, Global efforts by organisations like the ILO and the EU, combined with national initiatives like those in Finland, Singapore, Australia and the third world, are paving the way for a safer construction industry. By prioritising safety culture, implementing stringent regulations, and embracing technological advancements, we can build a future where every worker returns home safe and sound at the end of the day.

We can only hope so.