SafetyInsights.org

This used FRAM (Functional Resonance Analysis Method) to map how everyday work is carried out in the construction of concrete structures. It also focused on how internal & external variability could propagate between coupled functions & thus, affect construction performance. Data included on-site observations, document review & interview with 85 operators. I won’t focus much… Continue reading Using functional resonance analysis method to understand construction activities for concrete structures

David Woods in his chapter from “Learning from the Columbia Accident” discusses five general patterns found across a range of major accidents as noted by Erik Hollnagel’s 1993 paper. I’ll break this up into two posts – the full chapter and book are worth reading. #1 is drift toward failure, where defences erode over time… Continue reading Five common patterns of disaster – post 1

This study explored the effects of construction noise on worker safety behaviour via negative emotion, and how the effects are influenced by two types of regulatory focus: prevention and promotion focuses. 375 workers were surveyed in workshops. Providing background: ·        They hypothesise that construction noise is associated with negative emotion. Negative emotion is “annoyance, tension, anxiety,… Continue reading Linking construction noise to worker safety behavior: The role of negative emotion and regulatory focus

This study explored the role that physical fatigue plays on hazard recognition performance (HRP) pre and post fatigue using construction case studies and Safety Risk Assessment (SRA), which is the participant’s assessment of the frequency and severity of risks associated with identified hazards. Physical fatigue was tracked in real-time using a wearable sensor including heart… Continue reading Investigating the impact of physical fatigue on construction workers’ situational awareness

A recent paper reviewed the uses, shortcomings and “new advances” of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs). The below table of shortcomings may interest you, being a handy collection of citations – but nothing surprising I don’t think. Authors: GHASEMI, F., DOOSTI-IRANI, A., & AGHAEI, H. (2023). Safety and Health at Work. Study link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2023.03.006 Link to the… Continue reading Shortcomings of JSA / Job Safety Analyses

This systematically reviewed evidence around mental health in the construction industry. 16 studies were included (culled from an initial list of 107, after removing lower-quality & duplicates etc.). 32 risk factors were identified. Results: Overall, although several studies have explored this topic – only a few were found to use reliable mental health assessment tools.… Continue reading Mental Ill-Health Risk Factors in the Construction Industry: Systematic Review

It’s fair to say I haven’t posted a lot of behavioural/BBS research (yeah…“I am Jack’s complete lack of surprise” to quote Fight Club). This is partly because, in my view, behaviour already captures a significant amount of organisational airtime. And also, I think it can distract from higher-order design changes in less mature organisations. Nevertheless,… Continue reading Behavior-based safety 2022: today’s evidence

This study explored how daily leader sleep influences their daily abusive supervisory behaviour and work unit engagement, using ego depletion theory. Providing background they note: ·        Abusive supervision is the “sustained display of hostile verbal and nonverbal behavior, excluding physical contact” of supervisors toward subordinates, as perceived by subordinates” (p3) ·        Research as of 2015 was limited… Continue reading “You wouldn’t like me when I’m sleepy”: Leaders’ sleep, daily abusive supervision, and work unit engagement

This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated available research on the links between shift work (SW) and long work hours (LWH) on chronic health conditions. Not really summarising this paper as it’s open access (link in comments so you can read it yourself). Some findings included: Links with shift work- ·        Moderate grade evidence was found between… Continue reading Shift work and long work hours and their association with chronic health conditions: A systematic review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses

This explored how a sense of invulnerability/indestructibility in the face of physical hazards affects young workers’ reactions to workplace hazards, particularly in the case of speaking up (safety voice). Providing background: ·        Based on some data, the younger demographic (e.g. 15-24) are considerably more likely to experience a work-related injury than older workers. Younger males up… Continue reading How does subjective invulnerability impact young workers’ safety voice?