An algorithm for classifying error types of front-line workers: a case study in accidents in construction sites

The objective of this study is to propose improvements in the algorithm for classifying error types of front-line workers. The improvements have been identified on the basis of testing the algorithm in construction sites, an environment where it had not been implemented it. To this end, 19 occupational accidents which occurred in a small construction company were investigated, and the error types of both injured workers and team members were classified. The results indicated that there was no error in 70.5% of the 34 times the algorithm was applied, providing evidence that the causes were strongly linked to organizational factors. Moreover, the study presents not only recommendations to facilitate the interpretation of the questions that constitute the algorithm, but also changes in some questions in comparison to the previous versions of the tool.

Accident investigation; Human error; Safety; Construction