CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Introduction
The construction industry in Malaysia is currently being recognised as a
major economic force and also generate the country development. The growth of the
industry are seriously frayed during economic recession in year 1998 to 1999,
however at the end of year 1999, the economic are recover and assist the fast growth
of the construction industry. The positive development has stimulate other industry
to activate and expanding. Yet, beside the positive effect there is a negative
consequence arise from the incremental of activity and the usage of various
equipment and machinery which lead to the arising in risk of accident and
occupational safety and health if there is no prevention policies done by all the
parties involved in order to controlled the risk (Fong,2000).
Risk has been defined in a number of ways. The Health and Safety Executive
defined risk as the chance high or low that somebody will be harmed by the hazard
(HSE,1998). Hertz and Thomas (1983) stated the definitions of risk which taken
from the Random House College Dictionary as exposure to the chance of injury or
loss. The Health and Safety Commission (1995) defined risk as the likelihood that
2
harm will occur (Jannadi et al, 2003). According to Lim (2003), risk is defined as,
(1) the probability of unwanted event, (2) combination of hazard, (3)
unpredictability, partiality of the actual result differ from expected result, (4) loss
uncertainty, or (5) probability of loss. However, risk in this study is defined as the
chance or probability high or low of harm actually being done.
Risk will be apparent at all stages of the life cycle of a construction project: at
appraisal, sanction, construction and operation (Perry and Hayes,1985). One of the
most severe risk in construction industry is in the safety and health aspect.
Construction industry are known as one of the most hazardous industry. According to
the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) the number of construction accidents in
Malaysia for 1995 to 2003 has increased by 5.6 percent from 4,406 cases in 1995 to
4,654 cases in 2003. In addition, the fatality rate has increased by 58.3 percent from
60 cases in 1995 to 95 cases in 2003. The fatality rate from construction accident are
among the highest compared to the overall industry. The number of recipient for
compensation has increased to 36 percent from 182,763 person in 1995 to 247,790
person in 2003. In 2003 alone SOCSO has paid about RM 754 million, a staggering
161 percent increased from RM 289 million in 1995 as compensation for the all
industrial accident. Going by the Accident Iceberg Theory, the hidden or indirect
costs of an accident is eight to 33 times more than that of its apparent or direct cost
(Fong, 2003). Therefore, just imagine the amount of hidden costs that we are
spending yearly to finance these accident and diseases it can run into billion of
ringgit. The statistic discussed is to give a clear picture that construction industry is
one of the critical sectors that need a huge and fast overhaul from the current site
safety practice.
There is a popular belief that the construction site is unsafe and the risks that
the workers are subjected to are usual. It is also known as place where accident
always happen. The accidents happen may cause physical injuries or health illness in
long term. The rate of accidents may be reduced if the hazard which is the main
cause of accidents were identified and being taken care. The term hazard in this study
is defined as anything that cause harm such as scaffold, excavation, roof work,
3
working from ladders and many more. There are two major categories of hazard in
construction sites namely, (i) The risk of physical injury or physical injury hazard,
where the agents are normally associated with the process of works or equipment
used and climatic conditions such as excavations, scaffolding, falsework, structural
framework, roof work, cranes, plant and machinery, etc. (ii) The risk of ill health or
health hazard, where grouped under chemical, physical and biological hazard
(Davies and Tomasin, 1996). Hazard that has risk of physical injury can cause direct
injury to the worker at site and if severe can cause death. However, hazard that has
risk of ill health can only notified after long term of period and shall cause sickness
or death after certain period of time (Hinze, Pedersen and Fredley,1998).
In Malaysia, the increasing degree of awareness in construction safety issue,
has influence to move away from traditional approach whereby it is believed that all
occupational hazard can be controlled through detailed regulation. On 25th February
1994, Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) came in force providing
protection on safety and health for work activities in all economic sectors. The
primary aim of OSHA 1994 is to promote safety and health awareness and to install a
safety and health culture among all Malaysian workforce. It is hoped that the Act will
ensure that all parties concerned, particularly employers and workers, are more
responsible and accountable in their efforts to provide and maintain a safe and
healthy workplace. It is stated in Section 15 (1) and (2) Occupational Safety and
Health Act 1994, employers have a duty to ensure, as far as practicable, that
employees are not exposed to any hazard at the workplace. The government, through
Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) has launch a series of program to control
the occupational safety and health issue. One of the effort done by DOSH is the
enforcement of schedule checking at construction site via sport-check from time to
time. During the operation, the contractors who break the regulation will be given a
written notice requiring improvement or Prohibition notice to prohibits the use of a
process or equipment or the hazardous equipment will be seize. These action are
taken to improve the occupational safety and health in construction site in order to
reduce the risk of accident in workplace.
4
The knowledge in safety awareness among the workers at construction site
are very important. The knowledge can be gain through training. According to Hinze,
(1997) training should be at the core of every safety program. Regarding with it, in
Malaysia, all the construction workers are required to attend an Occupational Safety
and Health Induction Training Course which organized by National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The effort to organized the induction
training is consistent with the regulation in Section 15 (2) (c) OSHA 1994. The
purpose of induction training are to give the basic knowledge about occupational
safety and health to the workers, to give self awareness about occupational safety and
health in workplace, to explain the workers about rule and regulation in occupational
safety and health of construction sector and also to change the worker’s way of
thinking to be more aware with occupational safety and health in the workplace. The
induction training and supervision will foster the workers to do the job in the safer
way so that they can become more effective and efficient. The training are not just
for the benefit of the workers, but also to the employer in terms of reducing the risk
of accident occurrence and the cost related to it. The cost of accident are categorized
as either direct or indirect cost (Hinze, 1997).
Malaysia are now moving towards globalisation era. All the business are deal
with no border and of course more competitive. This situation are also face by
construction industry. Only the established and secured companies are able to take
place in the competitive emulation and have ability to maintain in the market. The
company ability are not just depends on making profit only, but it is more important
to prevent from interminable loss. Loss in the perspective of occupational safety and
health is no accident that cause injury to workers and damage to goods. When an
accident happen at construction site, it cause a lot of loss and negative impact to the
construction company. The most obvious loss is delay in project completion due to
below normal of productivity. Accident also can cause the company to pay more due
to overtime work, increase number of worker to expedite the progress of work,
replace the injured worker with replacement worker which will consume
administrative time on the project and it will required additional orientation and
training for the replacement worker and all of the expenditure will end up with
incremental of cost. It also effect in the increasing of insurance premium and many
5
more. All of this situation cause loss to the company and directly can decrease
company competence. Therefore it is clearly noticeable, by controlling the
occupational safety and health issue the company will be able to compete in the
nowadays competitive world of business. The Ministry of Human Resource targeted
in the next 5 years time the accident rate in Malaysia will reduce to 3:1000 in order
to make the industrial sector more competitive and able to compete on the
international arena and further on to gain reliance from the foreign investor.
1.2
Problem Statement
According to industrial accident statistic from SOCSO, the rate of fatal
accident in Malaysia is 7.7:1000 in year 2004. The rate are still not satisfying and can
be categorized as still high if compared to rate of accident in developed country such
as Sweden, Japan, Korea and European Country which is 3:1000. Even though there
have been a marked reduction in the number of industrial accident and the rate of
accident per 1000 workers are declining from 15.4 in 1995 to 7.7 in 2004 since the
introduction of OSHA 1994, but still there has not been a credible improvement over
the last ten years. Although regulation in occupational safety and health in Malaysia
are quite comprehensive, the level of awareness and practicability of such regulation
within the society of construction industry generally lower than what supposed to
come in force.
Due to the scenario, construction industry is still being considered as a high
risk industry because there is a high risk of accident occurrence. Hazard is known as
a main cause of accident in construction site. In order to formulating a safe and
conducive working condition and also minimised the number of construction
accidents, a risk assessment on hazards should be perform. According to
Loughborough University of Technology in the UK, risk assessment is defined as a
proactive process of assessing the risks associated with specified activities and
6
processes, which is an essential part of managing health, safety and environment
issue within all types of organisations. Generally, risk assessment process is include
of five step namely analysing work activities, hazard identification, estimating risks,
evaluating risk and planning control. It is important to regularly review the steps,
especially if there are changes in the work environment, introduction of new
technology or changes of standard. The step above could be utilised in formulating a
more conducive working conditions and environments at construction sites and
hopefully the number of construction accidents could be minimised.
1.3
Aim and Objective of The Study
The aim of this study is to assess a Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of
Hazards in Construction Sites in Malaysia. In order to achieve it, the following
objectives have been identified :
a)
To determine the process of the risk assessment of hazard currently applied in
construction sites
b)
To determine the level of application of risk assessment process of hazards in
construction sites.
c)
To propose a Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in
Construction Sites.
7
1.4
Scope of Research
This research will carried out with a careful study based on the interview and
questionnaire survey. The scope of research will focuses on a construction project in
Johor Bahru. The interview session were carried out with the key personnel of a
construction company. The questionnaire were distributed to professional who
worked with the client, contractor and consultant organisations and have direct
involvement in construction project.
1.5
Research Methodology
The methodology of research were help to realize the essential stages of
methodology performed or steps of process carried in order to achieve the objectives
of this research. Figure 1.1 shows the research methodology flow chart that has been
used in this research.
8
Data From
Archive
Preliminary
Interviews
Conceptualisation
Objectives
1. Determine the process of risk
assessment of hazards currently applied
in construction sites
2. Determine the level of application of
risk assessment process of hazards
3. Propose guidelines for risk assessment
process of hazards in construction sites
Identification of
Scope
Hazards in
Construction Sites
Literature Review
Questionnaire
-Data/Information
Collection
No
Interview
- Construction
Company
Sufficient
Data?
Yes
Data Analyses
Conclusion
Figure 1.1 Research Methodology Flow Chart
9
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
Risk Assessment Definitions
Risk has been defined in a number of ways. According to William and Heins
(1989), risk is the variation in the outcomes that could occur over a specified period
in a given situation. According to Lim (2003), risk is defined as, (1) the probability
of unwanted event, (2) combination of hazard, (3) unpredictability, partiality of the
actual result differ from expected result, (4) loss uncertainty, or (5) probability of
loss. Hertz and Thomas (1983) stated the definitions of risk which taken from the
Random House College Dictionary as exposure to the chance of injury or loss. The
Health and Safety Commission (1995) defined risk as the likelihood that harm will
occur (Jannadi et al, 2003). The Health and Safety Executive,HSE (1998) defined
risk as the chance high or low that somebody will be harmed by the hazard. Thus, the
best definition of risk in the context of this study is the chance or probability high or
low of harm by the hazard actually being done.
The definition of risk assessment based on The Health and Safety Executive,
HSE (1998) is careful examination of what in the work that could cause harm to
people, so it can be weigh up whether enough precaution have been taken or should
10
do more to prevent harm. The Loughborough University of Technology defined risk
assessment as a proactive process of assessing the risks associated with specified
activities and processes, which is an essential part of managing health, safety and
environment issue within all types of organizations as shown in figure 2.1. Risk
assessment may be further defined as a systematic method of :
a)
analysis work activities;
b)
identifying hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events;
c)
estimating risk, by considering the likelihood of hazardous events and the
nature and severity of the harm that ensues;
d)
reviewing existing and possible control options and action priorities; and
e)
judging the ‘acceptability and tolerability’ of risk.
These risk assessment processes are an integral part of risk management as
shows in Figure 2.1. It involves more than just the analysis of risk, but also includes
evaluation. This evaluation process builds on the existing custom and practice for
controlling hazards within organizations and is fundamentally about choosing or
designing an appropriate control strategy. Risk assessment and the complimentary
process of risk control form the basis of a comprehensive risk management approach.
Such an approach is essential to effective management decision making.
11
RISK MANAGEMENT
RISK REDUCTION
RISK ASSESSMENT
Work Analysis
Analysis of Possible
Control Strategies :
Effects on Risk
Implementation
Hazard
Identification
Risk Estimation
RISK ANALYSIS
Monitoring
Decision Making
Audit and Review
RISK
EVALUATION
Figure 2.1 : A risk management system (Adapted from Loughborough University of
Technology, 1994)
2.1.1
Purpose of Risk Assessment
The main purpose of risk assessment is as follows :
a)
To identify and rank all potential risks that may arise from the construction of
major projects.
b)
The assessment is the first step in recognizing the hazards and risks that are
found in particular work environment and leads the employer to identify :
•
Arrangements to combat the risk / introducing arrangements for
managing safety and health
•
The need for health surveillance
12
•
The level of competence needed by an employer’s safety and health
advisors
2.1.2
•
Procedures for serious and imminent danger
•
Information to be provided for employees
•
Procedures to ensure cooperation with other employers
•
Measures to protect non-employees working in undertaking
•
Training needs
•
Employees duties
•
Measures to protect temporary workers
Risk Assessment Requirements
Risk assessment is more than just a paper exercise, it is a dynamic process
which include numbers of requirements as follows :
a)
Commitment at the highest level of the organization
b)
The competent and well trained assessors
c)
The involvement at all levels
d)
Methodical and systematic recording
e)
Logical and rational decision frameworks
f)
Involve practical compliance strategies
g)
Clear and meaningful communications
h)
Adequate resources
Risk assessment is not a ‘one-off’ process, it is ongoing and requires regular
review whenever plant and equipment, job instructions or organizations change. This
is because the changes may lead to existence of a new hazards and risks which are
not been identified before. It is also needs to take into account of the employee
13
movements or job changes within the organization because the employee may not be
experts on the new job, so the possibility of risk of hazard occurrence is high.
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment should (1) identify the significant
risks arising from work, (2) enable the employer or the self-employed person to
identify and prioritize the measures that need to be taken to comply with relevant
statutory provisions and (3) be appropriate to the nature of the work and such that its
remain valid for a reasonable period of time. It is also should therefore always
consider the population at risk for example, whether it includes young,
inexperienced, disabled, lone workers or elderly people and also their respective
exposure factors.
Finally, the risk assessment should recognize unique or unusual
circumstances including plant modification, contractor operations, emergency
procedures and also unplanned events such as interruptions in production lines,
blocked services and etc.
2.1.3 Planning Assessments
Planning of assessment should be consider before implementing the risk
assessment process. It addresses the ‘who’ (key roles and responsibilities), the ‘what’
(scope) and the ‘how’ (the planned implementation) of risk assessment. Although it
is important for each organization to plan a strategy for carrying out risk assessments
which fits with their own culture, there are several key actions which all
organizations may consider in the planning stage. First, there should be management
commitment to the task and a clear strategy must be agreed and supported by senior
management. Key managers within the organization should have well defined roles
in formulating safety policy. This policy should include realistic safety goals and
14
should be the cornerstone of the risk assessment. It should seek to involve all the key
people within the organization and empower actions towards a common objective ;
the establishment of a healthy and safe working environment.
2.1.3.1 Key Roles and Responsibilities
The key and responsibilities of managers and employees should be addresses.
During the assessment process, the requirements for employers to appoint competent
persons to assist them in the assessment should also be consider.
a)
Managers
It is the role of the managers to utilize their collective knowledge, experience
and skill not only in the achievement of legal compliance but more importantly
towards the creation of a positive and continually improving safety and health
culture. To fulfill this role, managers not only need to allocate adequate resources, in
order to implement their safety and health goals, but they also need to be seen to be
committed. High profile activities such as audits, accident investigations and area
assessments should not always be delegated to safety officer but mangers should be
given the necessary skills to carry them out themselves.
b)
Workforce representatives
Workforce representatives, should also provide an input into the risk
assessment process. The people who carry out the work tasks on a day to day basis
have the practical expertise which is vital for effective problem solving.
15
c)
Competent persons
Employers are required to appoint one or more competent persons to assist in
undertaking the protective and preventive measures, this assistance is required both
in the assessments and implementation of controls. The key elements of competence
is as follows :
d)
i.
Practical and theoretical knowledge
ii.
Actual experience of the relevant systems
iii.
The ability to make an assessment of the problem
Safety Officer
Some experts have suggested that organizations appoint their own safety
officer from within the relevant work areas. In Malaysia, OSHA 1994 stated the
requirement of appoint a Safety and Health Officer for the industries which involved
building operating and work of engineering construction worth more than RM 20
Million. The exclusive duty of Safety and Health Officer is to ensure the compliance
with the Act and the promotion of safe conduct of work on site. With the attendance
of safety officer, the employees involved in the scheme feel confident to carry out the
assessments.
2.1.3.2 Strategy and Planning
This section is concerned with the strategic planning. It considers the ‘what’
(scope) and the ‘how’ (the planned information) of risk assessments in a logical
progression.
16
a)
The scope of assessment
Organizations will be required to make various kind of assessments under
existing and new legislation depending on the nature of their work activities. In the
risk assessment of hazard in the construction site, the scope of assessment should
include all the hazard and also various assessment which may need to be carried out.
The key to successful assessment is the integration of all these requirements. They
will also be required to documents assessments and link in with control measures for
both planned and existing. In some cases, the risk assessment process will involve
some liaison with contractors and their employees. This requirement is especially
important with respect to shared workplaces such as in construction site.
b)
Planning the risk assessments
Planning for risk assessments logically requires the employer to carry out a
numbers of steps. The steps are as follows :
i.
Step 1
Nominate a risk assessment leader / coordinator who may then brief
senior management.
ii.
Step 2
Establish a risk assessment team. This logically requires organizations
to ask ‘who have we already got and who is missing from the team.
iii.
Step 3
Ensure that all team members are briefed and have had appropriate
training.
iv.
Step 4
Undertake an organizational analysis to produce a list of activities and
employees job title. Extend the list to include of all ‘non-employees’
who may be affected by the activities. Consider the physical
boundaries of the organization. Nominate specialist for each key areas
of the activity (it may be useful to assign each area as an number for
ease of recording).
17
v.
Step 5
Review all existing assessment (hazardous substances, noise,
asbestos, lead, etc) and define the scope of future assessments and
coordinate activity.
vi.
Step 6
Agree on the methodology for assessments and plan against agreed
timescale.
vii.
Step 7
Collect and collate all relevant information and existing
documentation
viii.
Step 8
Estimate and evaluate risks and agree on an action plan
ix.
Step 9
Record assessments and collate information (and prepare any
necessary documentation). Implement action plan and act on any
priority areas immediately.
x.
Step 10
Define and implement a monitoring system (audit and review) and
agree on criteria for re-evaluation.
xi.
Step 11
Share information (communicate)with all employees and anyone who
are affected by the operations.
It is important to empower the assessment team to implement any
necessary controls. If this requires the commitment of senior management
then they should be part of the decision making team.
18
2.2
Risk Assessment Process
Process can be defined as a series of action that being done for a particular
purpose (New Oxford Dictionary, 2004). The risk assessment of a project can be
defined as a unified procedure that includes identifying, analyzing, evaluating and
managing of the associated risks (Hyun-Ho Choi, Hyo-Nam Cho and J. W. Seo,
2004). Generally, risk assessment process involve several procedures that need to be
done in order to achieve the objectives namely identifying hazard, assessing the risk
and controlling the risk.
Several researchers have develop risk assessment process to suit their
requirements. In the UK, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) initiated one of the
early studies in the development of risk assessment process. HSE have introduced a
Five Steps to Risk Assessment, which aims to help employers and self-employed
people to assess risks in the workplace. According to HSE risk assessment approach,
the important requirement need to decide are whether a hazard is significant and
whether it have been covered by satisfactory precaution so that the risk is small. For
instance, electricity can kill but the risk of doing so in an office environment is
remote, provided that ‘live’ components are insulated and metal casing properly
earthed. The Five Steps to Risk Assessment developed by HSE (1998) are as follow :
a)
Step 1 : Look for the hazards
If the organizations are doing the assessment themselves, walk around the
workplace and look afresh at what could reasonably be expected to cause harm.
Ignore the trivial and concentrate on significant hazards which could result in serious
harm or affect several people. Ask the employees or their representatives for opinion.
The employees may have noticed things which are not immediately obvious.
Manufacturers’ instructions or data sheets can also help to spot hazards and put risks
in their true perspective. So can accident and ill-health records. Look only for
hazards which could reasonably expect to result in significant harm under the
conditions of the workplace. For example, in construction site such hazards are
19
slipping/tripping hazards (eg ; poorly maintained floors or stairs), fire (eg ; from
flammable materials), chemicals (eg ; battery acid) and also moving parts of
machinery.
b)
Step 2 : Decide who might be harmed, and how
When decided the person who might be harmed, take into consideration
several criteria of people who might have high risk exposed to the hazard, namely,
•
Young workers, trainees, new and expectant mothers, etc who may be
at particular risk.
•
Cleaners, visitors, contractors, maintenance workers, etc who may not
be in the workplace all the time.
•
Members of the public, or people who share the workplace with, if
there is a chance they could be hurt by the activities
There is no need to list individuals by name but just think about group of
people who doing similar work or who may be affected, for instance office staff,
maintenance personnel, contractors, people who sharing the workplace, operators,
cleaners and also public. Particular attention should be given to people such as staff
with disabilities, visitors, inexperienced staff and also lone workers because they
may be more vulnerable.
c)
Step 3 : Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing precautions are
adequate or more should be done
Consider how likely it is that each hazard could cause harm. This will
determine whether or not the organization need to do more to reduce the risk. Even
after all precautions have been taken, some risk usually remains. What need to decide
for each significant hazard is whether this remaining risk is high, medium or low. All
the precautions taken by organization must fulfill the following :
•
Meet the standards sets by a legal requirement
20
•
Comply with a recognized industry standard
•
Represent good practice
•
Reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable to achieve the aim of
make all risks small
•
Provided adequate information, instruction or training
•
Provided adequate systems or procedures
In controlling risks apply the principles below, if possible in the following
order:
•
try a less risky option
•
prevent access to the hazard (eg by guarding)
•
organize work to reduce exposure to the hazard
•
issue personal protective equipment
•
provide welfare facilities (eg washing facilities for removal of
contamination and first aid)
Improving health and safety need not cost a lot. For instance, placing a mirror
on a dangerous blind corner to help prevent vehicle accidents, or putting some non
slip material on slippery steps, are inexpensive precautions considering the risks.
And failure to take simple precautions can cost organization a lot more if an accident
does happen.
d)
Step 4 : Record of findings
Record of findings should be in writing, which including significant hazards
and conclusions gain from the assessment. Employer must also tell the employees
about the findings. The recording should be suitable and sufficient and not
necessarily perfect. Risk assessment must be suitable and sufficient and need to be
able to show that :
•
a proper check was made
•
asked who might be affected
21
•
dealt with all the obvious significant hazards, taking into account the
number of people who could be involved
•
the precautions are reasonable, and the remaining risk is low.
The organization should keep the written record for future reference or use.
These records are useful and can help in condition such as :
•
Inspection by an inspector and asking about precautions taken
•
If involved in any action for civil liability
•
It can also remind to keep an eye on particular hazards and
precautions
•
e)
It helps to show that the organization follow the law requirements
Step 5 : Review the assessment and revise it if necessary
The assessment should be review and revise if necessary. Revision should be
made if there is a significant changes in workplace, such as when bringing in new
machines, substances and procedures which could lead to new hazards. In any case,
it is good practice to review the assessment from time to time to make sure that the
precautions are still working effectively. If not, the action needed should be indicate
and the outcome should be note.
In Malaysia, the National Institute Of Occupational Safety And Health
(NIOSH) has include the risk assessment process as one of the scope in their Safety
and Health Officer Course Module (1997). According to NIOSH, three basic steps
should be taken to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. They are based on the
concept that the workplace should be modified to suit people, not vice versa. It is
also important to regularly review the steps, especially if there are changes in the
work environment, new technology is introduced or standards are changed. The three
steps are:
22
a)
Step 1 : Identifying the hazards
The identification of hazards should involve a critical appraisal of all
activities to take account of hazards to employees, others affected by activities
(members of the public and contractors) and to those using products and services.
Adequate hazard identification requires a complete understanding of the working
situation.
In the simplest cases hazards can be identified by observation, comparing the
circumstances with the relevant information. A combination of the following
methods may be the most effective way to identify hazards. Methods of identifying
workplace hazard are include:
•
Previewing legislation and supporting codes of practice and guidance
•
NIOSH/ DOSH published information
•
Reviewing relevant Malaysian and international standards
•
Reviewing industry or trade association guidance
•
Reviewing other published information
•
Developing a hazard checklist
•
Conducting walk-through surveys (audits) and inspections
•
Reviewing information from designers or manufacturers
•
Assessing the adequacy of training or knowledge required to work
safely
•
Analysing unsafe incident, accident and injury data
•
Analysing work processes
•
Job safety analysis
•
Consulting with employees
•
Observation
•
Examining and considering material safety data sheets and product
labels
•
Seeking advice from specialists
23
Some hazards are inherent in the work process, such as mechanical hazards,
noise or the toxic properties of substances. Other hazards result from equipment or
machine failures and misuse, control or power system failures, chemical spills and
structural failures. The conclusion of hazard identification should result in a list of
hazard sources, the particular form in which that hazard occurs, the areas of the
workplace or work process where it occurs, and the persons exposed to the hazard.
b)
Step 2 : The risk assessment process
Gather information about each hazard identified. Think about how many
people are exposed to each hazard and how long. Use the information to assess the
likelihood and consequences of each hazard and produce a qualitative risk table.
How likely is it that a hazardous event or situation will occur?
•
Very likely – could happen frequently
•
Likely – could happen occasionally
•
Unlikely – could happen, but only rarely
•
Highly unlikely – could happen, but probably never will
What might be the consequences of a hazardous event or situation?
•
Fatality
•
Major injuries (normally irreversible injury or damage to health)
•
Minor injuries (normally reversible injury or damage to health
requiring days off work)
•
Negligible injuries (first aid)
Once the decision on the likelihood and consequences of each
hazardous event or situation have been made, then need to rate the hazard
according to how serious the risk is. The risk table is one of the way in rating
the hazard and to translate the assessments of likelihood and consequences
into levels of risk. Table 2.1 below is the example of the qualitative risk table.
24
Table 2.1 : Qualitative risk table (Adapted from Safety and Health Officer Course
Module, NIOSH, 1997)
Consequences
Likelihood
Very likely
Likely
Unlikely
Highly unlikely
Fatality
High
High
High
Medium
Major injuries
High
High
Medium
Medium
Minor injuries
High
Medium
Medium
Low
Negligible
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
injuries
The events or situations assessed as very likely with fatal consequences are
the most serious (high risk) and those assessed as highly unlikely with negligible
injuries are the least serious (low risk). The risk rating for each hazard should be note
on a worksheet. During the developing of risk control strategies, the hazard with the
high risk rating should be tackle first.
c)
Step 3 : Risk Control
The information or ideas on control measures can come from:
•
Codes of practice
•
Industry or trade associations
•
Specialist
•
MSDS’s
•
Other publications including those by manufacturers and suppliers
The following hierarchy should be used when considering the control
measures for the hazards.
Most effective
•
Elimination – removing the hazard or hazardous work practice from
the workplace.
25
Fairly effective
•
Substitution – substituting or replacing a hazard or hazardous work
practice with a less hazardous one
•
Isolation – isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work
practice from people not involved in the work or the general work
areas. This can be done by marking off hazardous areas, installing
screens or barriers
•
Engineering control – if the hazard cannot be eliminated, substituted
or isolated, an engineering control is the next preferred measures. This
may include modifications to tools or equipment, providing guarding
to machinery or equipment.
Least Effective
•
Administrative control – includes introducing work practice that
reduce the risk. This could include limiting the amount of time a
person is exposed to the particular hazard
•
Personal protective equipment (PPE) – should be considered only
when other control measures are not practicable or to increase
protection.
The control measures are not mutually exclusive. That is, there may be
circumstances where more than one control measure should be used to reduce
exposure to hazards.
The risk control measures must also be maintained, for example interlocking
guards have to be kept in working order, work procedures have to be monitored to
ensure they are being followed, and hearing protectors have to kept clean and
checked for damage. In order to keep accurate records, a recording or reporting
system should be developed, implemented and maintained. The control of high risk
activities may requires procedures which need to be strictly followed, for example, a
permit-to-work system which ensure close supervision during implementation.
26
Maintaining risk control measures requires adequate inspection, maintenance and
monitoring procedures to secure continued operation.
2.3
Risk Assessment Process for Hazards in Construction Sites
The risk assessment process developed by Loughborough University of
Technology in the UK will be refer in this study. The assessment are adopting a
categorical or qualitative approach and the methods and approaches described are
based on the collective experience of the workshop team. Five steps of risk
assessment process by Loughborough University of Technology are as follow :
a)
Step 1 : Analysing work activities
b)
Step 2 : Identifying hazards
c)
Step 3 : Estimating risk
d)
Step 4 : Evaluating risk
e)
Step 5 : Planning control options
2.3.1
Step 1 : Analysing Work Activities
The first stage of the risk assessment process is the analysis of work
activities. The description and analysis of work activities provide the scope, content
and organizational context of the work which need to be assessed. It describes the
purpose and nature of the risk, the processes and activities involved and how it forms
part of the structure and function of the organization. In practice it may be limited to
a specific area ( for example, a construction site, an office, a workshop or a
laboratory) or a particular job (for example, general worker, clerical officer, machine
27
tool operator or laboratory technician) or generic tasks such as lifting and carrying,
welding or working with visual display terminal (VDTs). If this initial stage of the
risk assessment process is not carried out effectively, then what follows will be
incomplete and may not be meaningful. It is builds on the organizational analysis
which provides a broad overview of the purpose of the organization and the nature of
its activities such as construction activity.
2.3.1.1 Defining the Scope
The first step in the work analysis is to more clearly define the scope of the
activities involved. This may be achieved in terms of :
•
Geographical area (for example, a specific construction area, a
specific laboratory area or a reception area)
•
Generic activities (for example, glass-handling, manual handling or
working with VDTs)
•
Specific activities or substances (for example, working in confined
spaces, working with acids, mineral oils or solvent or working under
extreme high heat)
•
Specific jobs.
Various types of information might be used in this initial exercise, including
organization charts and records, interviews and ‘walk through’ survey of the work
areas involved. This data may be presented in the form of graphical structures and
associated tables and the different graphical area may be numbered for ease of
identification.
28
2.3.1.2 Walk through Survey
One of the initial requirements of anyone analyzing work activities is to go
and look at the defined work area/ site and to undertake a ‘walk through’ survey. In
order to get the most out of such a survey, a pro forma may be used. One of the
outcomes of walk through survey is the identification of key jobs for further detailed
analysis. It is also enables the responsible person to identify any hazardous situations
or particular concerns. It also enables assessors to eliminate hazards which are not
present in the area under consideration.
2.3.1.3 Job Analysis
The terms job analysis and task analysis are often used interchangeably,
although implicit in everyday discourse is the notion that the work which represented
by a particular job maybe made up to many different tasks. A procedure is a step by
step description of ‘how to proceed’, from start to finish, in performing a task
properly. Work analysis thus involves identifying and describing the different tasks
involved in those activities and the way in which they come together and are
organized. Job safety analysis (JSA) is a similar process which analyses jobs from a
safety perspective. JSA thus identifies safety critical tasks and hazards. Safe working
procedures may be developed from these analyses. Work analysis usually takes one
of two forms depending on the nature of the work being examined : hierarchical (top
down) or sequential analysis.
29
2.3.1.4 Data Collection
Just as there are special techniques which have been developed for the
description of jobs and their component tasks, there are different ways of harvesting
such data. These reflect a mixture of sources and methods. Table 2.2 set out several
different ways in which data can be collected on jobs.
Table 2.2 : Job Data – sources and methods of collection (Adapted from
Loughborough University of Technology, 1994)
Job Data
From :
By :
Job incumbents
Observation
Supervisors
Film (video)
Managers
Interview
Trade Union representatives
Group discussion
Other experts
Questionnaire/video
Participant observation
Written descriptions
Participation
(Records)
30
2.3.1.5 Identifying Critical Tasks
Critical tasks may be identified by asking the following questions :
•
Can this task, if not done correctly, result in hazard potential while
being performed ?
•
Can this task, if not done correctly, result in hazard potential after
being performed ?
•
Is there a safe working procedure for this task ?
•
Has the job safety analysis been carried out recently ?
•
What is the harm/consequences of any incident ? is it low, medium or
high ?
•
What is the expected frequency (or likelihood) of an incident
occurring ? is it low, medium or high ?
•
Have any of the task been modified recently ?
2.3.1.6 Identifying Critical Personnel
Most accidents/incidents occur in the work area/site to which a worker is
unaccustomed and during a task that is not a worker’s usual task. It is therefore
important to remember that people are an important factor in the initial analysis and
description of work activities. Critical personnel may be identified using the
following questions :
•
Are employees adequately trained in all health and safety aspects of
the task ?
•
Do all personnel routinely carry out this task or is it only carried out
by certain (competent) persons ?
31
•
Is anyone in the organization temporarily assigned to the task ?
•
Are there any contractors or trainee in the vicinity of the task ?
•
Is anyone assigned to the task suffering from any temporary or
permanent disability ?
2.3.1.7 Presentation of Result
The data from work analyses may be presented in various ways such as
diagrammatic method, etc. Diagrammatic method has the advantages of visual
representation which is useful in the next stage of the process. It is also enables
assessors to highlight critical tasks. This representation may be extended through the
use of pictorial data, for example using process systematically photographed of all
the stages in a job and constructed a photographic flow chart of the sequential
analysis.
2.3.2
Step 2 : Hazard Identification
In the most accepted usage, a hazard is defined in terms of its potential for
harm (see section 2.4). However, it is necessary to extend this area and distinguish
two further concepts : hazardous situation and hazardous event. A hazardous
situation is a situation (or set of circumstances) in which a person interacts with the
hazard but is not necessarily affected by it; it relates to the notion of ‘safety in use’.
A hazardous event is the trigger which exposes the person to the harm; it is the
accident (or unplanned event) which initiates the chain of events leading to harm.
Table 2.3 may serve these distinctions clearer by using the example of stairs in a
building.
32
Table 2.3 : Hazard, hazardous situation and hazardous event (Adapted from
Loughborough University of Technology, 1994)
Concept
Example
Nature
Hazard
Stairs
Constructional feature
Hazardous situation
Walking down the stairs
Particular use of feature
Hazardous event
Tripping on the stairs
Accident
The search for hazards and hazardous situations is by far the most creative
step of the whole risk assessment. In principle, the assessors should ask the
questions, “what could cause deviations from safe working procedures or conditions
and what are the harms or consequences of such deviations ?”. They should focus on
the task of describing all possible hazards, hazardous situation and also examine all
available data from previous hazardous events on their evaluation.
The process of hazard identification should encompass the whole work
system. It should be based on direct observation of the site and all available hazard
data. Detailed information on equipment and raw materials, systems of work and
human factors should be available together with the sketch of the working area and
the observations made on the walk-through survey.
The assessors should also adopt a systems approach to the task. They should
consider all the contributing factors to possible hazardous events including those :
•
With technical causes (for example, the failure of a piece of
equipment)
•
Caused by human factors within the operating environment/site (for
example, human error or inadequate training)
33
•
Resulting from inadequate software (for example, inadequate permitto-work systems)
Various methods are available for searching hazards, hazardous situations
and hazardous event which will be described in detail at the next section of this
study. Hazard may also be categories in various ways (see section 2.1.1) to provide a
framework for understanding and as ‘aide memoire’ for the assessors.
2.3.2.1 Methods of Identifying Hazard and Hazardous Situations
The three main categories of methods used for identifying hazards and
hazardous situations are intuitive, inductive or deductive as summarized in Table 2.4.
Each of these categories includes technique which are used in other areas of business
activity (for example, quality or production).
Table 2.4 : Methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations (Adapted from
Loughborough University of Technology, 1994)
METHOD
EXAMPLE
Intuitive
Brain storming
Inductive
Failure mode and effect analysis
“what could go wrong ?”
Hazard and operability study
“what if…?”
Analysis of potential problems
Action error analysis
Job Safety Analysis
Key points/checklists
Deductive
Fault tree technique
“how can it happen ?”
Accident analysis
34
a)
Intuitive Methods
The best known method in this group is Brainstorming.
i.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a technique invented by Alex Osborn in the 1930s
for getting a large numbers of ideas from a small group of people in a short
time. There are a few general rules of brainstorming such as no criticism,
freewheel, quantity above all, record, cross fertilize, consolidating and
building and developing. A brainstorming session on hazards needs the leader
to provide the following :
•
An adequate description of the work activity or task (the topic to be
brainstormed)
•
A flipchart and pens
•
An encouraging environment where all ideas are recorded
•
Wherever possible the team should either have picture or include the
plan of the site. In most cases the team will be familiar with the
area/site.
This method of generating information on hazards and hazardous
situations obviously builds on the knowledge and experience of the team
members. It is an excellent method of fostering cooperation in a work team.
b)
Inductive Methods
These methods proceed from the questions “what could go wrong ?” or “what
if….should occur ?”. The failure of any particular part of the system or step is
assumed and investigate further and the consequences (or harm) for the entire system
are considered. Inductive technique with a much broader application include Job
Safety Analysis and Key Point/Checklist coupled with the ‘what-if’ method.
35
i.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
JSA is a method of generating potential hazards within a certain job.
The key aspects are described in the following notes under the four main
action areas of selection, team building, implementing and recording.
a.
Selecting job for JSA
Jobs are usually selected using ‘critical-job/task criteria’. For
example :
•
there is a high potential for severe injury or damage
•
the work is new, resulting from a change in equipment,
process or procedure
•
accidents or incidents have occurred during operation,
resulting in injury or unplanned events
•
the need for assessment
b.
Assembling the JSA team
The team should include the line supervisor for the job and job
incumbent. Whenever possible trainees should participate in and study
safety analyses of jobs which will form part of their work.
c.
Carrying out a JSA
The job is first broken down into a sequence of steps, each
starting with an action word such as ‘remove’ or ‘mix’ together with a
description of what is being done. An experienced worker is then
briefed on the purpose of the exercise and asked to do the job whilst
the other participants observe and record each step.
36
The JSA team then review the tasks to identify any potential
hazards, ask the what-if question, develop corrective actions to control
the hazards and define a safe procedure for the job includes a
statement of the key tasks.
d.
Filling out the JSA form
The analysis is recorded on a form with three column; basic
steps of job, potential hazard and recommended safe mode procedures
and other corrective actions.
ii.
Key Points/Checklists
These method summarize accumulated experience and expertise and
are used as a starting point for critical consideration of a particular workplace,
for example such a checklist may be constructed for a VDTs workstation. The
main issues should be considered with respect to each work station.
Deviations from recommended standards may be assessed using the ‘what
if…’ approach.
iii.
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
FMEA is an inductive technique which usually focuses on the
technical reliability of components.
c)
Deductive Methods
These methods are based on a structured analysis of hazardous events. They
start with the questions, “How could this…..have happened ?”. The most widely used
method is the fault tree technique. Alternatively, organizations can use the output
from an accident investigation or a quality initiative to provide hazard information.
All these methods should provide useful information on the root causes of hazardous
events.
37
i.
The Fault Tree Technique
Fault trees shows how effects derive from causes and start from a ‘top
event’, for example an eye injury from a plant fitting or a fire in a facility as
show in Figure 2.2. A tree diagram may then be constructed showing the
conditions or events which could be contributory to the top events. Such a
tree will trace through the system to the various root causes of the failure and
display the ways in which these contributory factors must combine for this to
occur.
The conditions or events are assumed to be those which can be
identified as existing or not existing. In reality, there is a multiplicity of
failure possibilities, some will be partial failure, other will be total. Hence
decision have to be taken on what degree of partial failure constitutes
‘failure’ in the fault tree. It is a powerful aids in situations where there would
be several pathways which could lead to the undesired top event.
The main use of Fault Tree Technique is as follow :
•
To structure the failure logic, although the construction
procedure provides a prompt to the analyst to consider ways in
which situations appearing in the fault tree can arise, thereby
identifying cause.
•
Used in accident investigations to provide an insight into
providing safer procedure
38
•
Hazard Identification
•
Fault Tree Analysis
•
Fire without
alarm
&
Alarm System
fails
Fire
or
Sensor line
detective
Central alarm
unit fail
Sensor
defective
or
Central unit
defective
No current
Figure 2.2 : Fault Tree Technique (Adapted from Loughborough University of
Technology, 1994)
39
2.3.2.2 Accident Investigation
Accident investigations should be systematic and should be carried out in a
manner which seeks to establish causation rather than to attribute blame. Table 2.5
lists the ten stages of an accident investigation. It includes the important step of
planning actions to prevent recurrence. Organization should also examine their
existing accident database to develop an understanding of hazardous events.
Table 2.5 : The Ten steps of accident investigation (Adapted from Loughborough
University of Technology, 1994)
Step
Action
1.
Establish facts
2.
Photograph scene
3.
Sketch/measure
4.
List witnesses and interview
5.
Evaluate facts
6.
Establish cause(s)
7.
Examine system of work
8.
Consult competent person
9.
Produce report
10
Detail action to prevent recurrence
40
2.3.2.3 Health Data
Date of incidence of occupational ill-health and health records need to be
maintained and used for further support the hazard evaluation. Health surveillance
data also need to be maintained for much longer period than accident data because
many cases of occupational ill-health arise over many years after the initial exposure
to the hazard.
2.3.2.4 Presentation of Hazard Data
The data obtained from the various hazard analyses should be presented in a
form which may be evaluated in the following steps of risk assessment. The form
may be filled in from the results of the various hazard identification exercises to
enable the assessor to progress to the stage of risk estimation. The presentation of
data should include :
•
A description of the potential hazard or hazardous situation
•
An overview of the existing control measures (machinery, people and
system)
•
Any relevant accident/incident information
This lead onto an initial review of the likelihood of any hazardous events,
possible harms and consequences and a record of how many people are exposed.
41
2.3.3
Step 3 : Estimating Risks
Risk is the product of likelihood of a specific events (or exposure) and harm.
Two of the dimension of risk are, therefore :
a)
the overall probability (or likelihood) of a harm or consequences occurring as
a result of exposure to a specified hazard as shows in Figure 2.3.
b)
the severity of that harm or consequences
Likelihood
(Lk)
Harm/consequences
(Cs)
Figure 2.3 : Combination of likelihood and harms or consequences of risk (Adapted
from Loughborough University of Technology, 1994)
It is important to distinguish between consequences and harm. For example,
the same harm to property (fire) may result in differing consequences depending on
the purpose of the building.
Its measurement thus requires the assessors to adequately describe the
hazardous situation, to review all accident data and to estimate the likelihood of
harm, the nature and severity of harm and its consequences together with the
exposure potential.
42
There are various categories of harm as show in Table 2.6 and some of them
may result in both short term and long term effects. The harm listed are not rigidly
segregated from one another, nor is a boundary between short term and long term
strictly define. In practice there may be a fair degree of overlap and a single
hazardous event may result in several types of harm.
Table 2.6 : Categories of harm arising from specified hazardous events (Adapted
from Loughborough University of Technology, 1994)
Categories of harm
Death
Immediate or delayed
Physical injuries
Disabling and non-disabling
Disease
Immediate or delayed
Mutagenic effects
Short or long term
Teratogenic effects
Immediate or delayed
Mental ‘injuries’
Short and long term
Social trauma
Short and long term
Disruption of the community
Short or long term
Environmental damage
Short and long term
Financial loss
Property damage; business interruption;
consequential loss
43
2.3.3.1 The Risk Matrix
The dimension of risk (likelihood of a specified hazardous event and severity
of harm or consequences) may be plotted on a risk matrix (Figure 2.4). Hazardous
events may be ranked in terms of high, medium or low likelihood and outcome may
be similarly ranked in terms of high, medium or low harm or consequences. They
may then be plotted on the risk matrix together with an exposure factor.
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Likelihood
HIGH
MEDIUM
LOW
Consequences (harm)
Figure 2.4 : Risk Matrix (Adapted from Loughborough University of Technology,
1994)
44
a)
Estimating Likelihood
The estimate of likelihood in this exercise is based on the knowledge and
experience of the assessors. The estimate of high, medium or low likelihood may be
as follow :
i.
An ‘event’ occur on a regular basis (for example, once a shift or every
working day or so regularly that it is perceived to be a real problem)
then the likelihood is high.
ii.
It occurs on a less regular basis but is still recognized as a problem by
the team then the likelihood is medium.
iii.
It has not happened for a long period of time or happens infrequently
then the likelihood is low.
b)
Estimates of Harms/Consequences
Estimates of high, medium or low harm/consequences may be made by
referring to an estimate grid. This is usually developed by the assessors and may be
used as an appropriate ‘metric’ for a defined hazardous event. Table 2.7 provides an
example of a harm/consequences grid. In practice organizations should be able to
produce their own grid and enumerate the possible harms or consequences which
may result from the hazardous situations.
45
Table 2.7 : Example of a harm/consequences grid (Adapted from Loughborough
University of Technology, 1994)
Category
Nature
High
Medium
Low
Of harm
Harm to people
Major injury /
Hospital visit
Up to and
(Accident)
accident resulting
and/or absence for
including first aid
in over 3 day
up to 3 days
absence
Harm to plant
Accident resulting
Accident resulting
(Accidental
in long term
in short term
damage)
damage costing
damage
Slight damage
time and money
Harm to
Large scale
Small scale
Unplanned
environment
emission to air of
emission to air of
emission of non
toxic gas
toxic gas not
toxic substance
significant
c)
Estimating the Exposure Factor
The exposure factor is dependent on the number of people who may be
affected by a specific hazardous event together with the length of time they may be
exposed.
For example, if only one person is exposed to the hazard for only a short
period then the exposure factor is obviously low. However if a large number of
employees are exposed to the hazardous situation throughout the whole working day
then the factor is high. Exposure factors may be estimated from multiplying the
exposure frequency (a) by the number of persons exposed (b).
46
(a)
Frequency of exposure from
0
No exposure
1
f/low
2
low
3
medium
4
f/high
5
high exposure
And,
(b)
Number of person exposed
0
None
1
1-5
2
6-10
3
11-20
4
21-49
5
50+
Exposure factors range is from 0 to 25.
d)
Using the Risk Matrix
The matrix may be used as a visual representation of various hazards,
hazardous situations or hazardous events within the site. The assessors can locate
hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events on the grid to provide an estimate
of the potential risk. Table 2.8 show how risks may then be assigned to one of nine
possible categories revealed on the grid and how exposure factors may be overlaid
onto it when a specific hazard is considered.
47
Table 2.8 : Categories of risk / possible action (Adapted from Loughborough
University of Technology, 1994)
Category
(A)
(B)
(C)
Grid Reference
Exposure
Action Priority Moderated by
Factor (0-25)
exposure factor
High likelihood/high
Immediate action. High
consequences (harm)
likelihood of serious injury.
High likelihood/medium
Immediate action. Reduce
consequences (harm)
likelihood.
High likelihood/low
Seek longer term means of
consequences (harm)
reducing likelihood. May need
to judge priority.
(D)
Medium likelihood/high
Plan reduction of likelihood of
consequences (harm)
event. Consider design of lower
consequences system. Judge
priority.
(E)
Medium likelihood/medium
Plan reduction of likelihood of
consequences (harm)
event. Consider design of lower
consequences system. Judge
priority.
(F)
(G)
Medium likelihood/low
Judge priority long term plan to
consequences (harm)
reduce likelihood.
Low likelihood/high
Monitor standard regularly to
consequences (harm)
reduce/maintain likelihood to
lowest possible level. Seek
design of lower consequences
system as a priority.
(H)
Low likelihood/medium
Monitor to maintain standards.
consequences (harm)
Consider the possibility of lower
consequences system.
(I)
Low likelihood/low
Monitor annually to ensure
consequences (harm)
likelihood do not increase.
48
e)
A Plot on the Matrix is a Recognized Risk
The key point is that once a hazard is plotted then the assessors have
recognized the fact that there is a risk. The nature of the risk obviously varies
depending on the position on the matrix. The grid may then be used as an aid to
decision making in the evaluation process.
2.3.3.2 Simplified Numerical Risk Estimation Techniques
Simplified numerical risk estimation techniques are extensively used and are
described in the safety literature. Steel (1990) outlines two simple techniques for risk
estimation for safety management. The first technique ascribes numerical values to
the likelihood of a specific event (ranging from 1 = almost impossible, to 9 = almost
certain) and the similar manner to the severity of the event (ranging from 1 = minor
injury, to 9 = death). A risk number from 1 to 81 is obtained from the product of the
likelihood and the severity. This number acts as a comparator of risks and assists in
the setting of priorities. However, this methods has a serious drawback because a low
likelihood event (ranking 2) of serious consequences (ranking 9) may only have a
total ranking of 18 out of a possible 81. This low score may underrate the importance
of continuing management actions to minimize risks.
The second technique provides a Hazard Rating Number (HRN) based on the
quantification of the following factors :
i.
the possibility of exposure to the hazard (ranging from 0 = impossible,
to 15 = certain)
ii.
the frequency of exposure to the hazard (ranging from 0.1 =
infrequently, to 5 = constantly)
49
iii.
the number of person at risk (ranging from 1 = 1-2 persons, to 12 = 50
persons or more)
iv.
the maximum probable loss (ranging from 0.1 = scratch or bruise, to
15 = fatality).
The HRN is obtained from the products of all four factors and any risk levels
are deduced as show in Table 2.9. The assessors must exercise extreme caution in
evaluating these numbers.
Table 2.9 : Risk estimates and management action levels/plan (Adapted from
Loughborough University of Technology, 1994)
Risk
HRN
Action Plan
‘Acceptable’ risk
0–1
Accept risk/ consider possible actions
Very low risk
1–5
Take action within 1 year
Low risk
5 – 10
Take action within 3 months
Significant risk
10 – 50
Take action within 1 month
High risk
50 – 100
Take action within 1 week
Very high risk
100 – 500
Take action within 1 day
Extreme risk
500 – 1000
Take immediate action
Unacceptable risk
Over 1000
Stop the activity/remove hazard
a)
Caveats on Simplified Risk Estimates
The user of simplified numerical risk estimation techniques should always be
aware of the limitations of simplified risk estimates :
•
They are not absolutely accurate
50
•
They are intended to support decision making and must be used
alongside other evidence (eg; statistical data, etc)
•
They are a precursor to practical action and as such they provide a
‘relative picture’ of risks within an undertaking
2.3.3.3 Presentation of Risk Estimates
The risk data may be presented in a form continuation from the form prepare
in hazard identification stage (see section 2.3.2.4). However in this case it may be set
against a ‘category’ ranking or a Hazard Rating Number (HRN). This information
may be used to plan action priorities. The form should includes details of:
•
Potential hazards or hazardous situations
•
Existing control measures (machinery, people, systems)
•
Accidents and incidents information
•
Matrix category or HRN
•
Recommendation including future control measures, personal
protective equipment requirements or ant requirement for health
surveillance.
51
2.3.4
Step 4 : Evaluating Risks
2.3.4.1 Decision Making as Part of the Risk Assessment Process
The evaluating stage of the risk assessment process involves the assessment
team in making decisions on the most appropriate risk management strategies. These
decisions making may require the following issues to be explored :
i.
acceptance criteria within the organization – these require operating
standards, appropriate arrangements and management systems.
ii.
Cost-benefit analysis – costs of implementing controls against
benefits which may accrue.
iii.
humanitarian issues – injuries cause real pain and suffering.
iv.
Legislative constraints (or opportunities) – organizational standards
should at least meet legislative requirements.
Essentially, assessors need to decide whether they can control all the
estimates risks to a level which is ‘acceptable’ or ‘tolerable’. The ‘acceptability’ or
‘tolerability’ of risk relates the level of risk to internal and external standards and to
the perception of the public at large. If the risk of the hazard is acceptable or
tolerable, it will only being monitor but if not, corrective actions or preventive
measures are needed. These standards are not only based on observations of the
single operations but they relate to the collective experience of a large number of
diverse organizations. Within a particular organization the evaluation should include
a review of the existing controls and any relevant accident or incident experience.
They then need to manage any residual risks by adopting adequate control
strategies for the specified hazards and hazardous situations.
52
2.3.5 Step 5 : Planning Control Options
Control options are the practical workplace measures we may implement in
relation to the control of the total work system. The total work system includes
technological and engineering controls (hardware), management procedures
(software) and human factors. Control options which do not adopt a ‘systems’
approach are not adequate. Figure 2.5 illustrates the total work system approach.
FEEDBACK
INPUTS
Physical Resource
• Plant
• Equipment
• Raw materials
• Semi-finished &
finished goods
• Tools
• Energy
Human Resources
• Individual skills
• Physical character
Financial Resource
• Cash
• Account
• Loan
• Land
Information
• Ideas
• Reports
TRANSFORMATION
PROCESS
OUTPUTS
Products or service
(safe and reliable)
Consumer satisfaction
(quality)
Employee satisfaction
Profit (or loss)
(wages, salaries)
Efficiency
Wastes
(pollution)
Public image
Accident or incidents?
Hardware
Software
Liveware
Person
Org.
Job
Figure 2.5 : A system approach to safety management (Adapted from Loughborough
University of Technology, 1994)
53
2.3.5.1 Hazard Control
The control (either elimination or reduction) of hazards within an
organization requires careful planning as there will be, in the majority of situations,
both a short term (temporary) and a long term (permanent) method of controlling the
hazard.
a)
Principles of Hazard Control
The following hazard control priority checklist will serve to illustrate the
above principle :
i.
ii.
Long Term
•
Eliminate hazard at source
•
Reduce hazard at source
•
Remove employee from hazardous situation
•
Contain hazard by enclosure
•
Reduce employee’s exposure to hazard
Short Term
•
Utilize protective equipment
The long term aim always be to eliminate the hazard at source but, whilst
attempting to achieve this aim, a more short term action, for example utilization of
protective equipment, will be necessary.
54
An attempt should always be made to control the hazard via elimination at
source. If this cannot be achieved in practice, then reduction at source should be
tackled. If this proves unsuccessful, then the employee should be removed from the
hazard. If this is impracticable, then the hazard should be contained. If this is not
possible, then the employee’s exposure to the hazard should be reduced. If this
proves difficult, then protective equipment should be utilized.
b)
Technique of Hazard Control
Some example of technique in hazard control is as follows :
i.
Mechanical hazards
May be engineered out of the process, or effectively enclosed by
means of fixed guarding. Alternative forms of guarding involve the use of
light-sensitive barriers or pressure-sensitive mats. Trip devices and other
forms of emergency stops may also be incorporated.
ii.
Environmental hazards
May be controlled via effective ventilation systems, adequate heating
and lighting, and the general provision of good working conditions.
iii.
Chemical hazards
May be controlled via effective ventilation, regular monitoring,
substitution of material, change of process, purchasing controls and the use of
protective equipment.
55
2.3.5.2 Safe Systems of Work
A safe system of work is a formal procedures which results from systematic
examination of a task in order to identify all the hazards. It defines safe methods to
ensure that hazards are eliminated or risk minimized (HSE, 1990)
The HSE recommend the following five steps in establishing a safe system of
work :
i.
Assess the risk. Take account of what is used, who does what, where
the task is to be carried out and how the task is to be done.
ii.
Identify the hazards. Weigh up the risk from them.
iii.
Define safe methods.
•
Preparations
•
Authorization
•
Planning of job sequence
•
Specifying safe methods including the necessary ‘permit to
work’ systems
iv.
•
Inclusion of access and escape (if relevant)
•
Consideration of dismantling and disposal at the end of the job
Implement the system. A safe system needs to be communicated to all
concerned, understood properly and applied correctly :
•
Brief supervisors and ensure the necessary skills are learned
and rehearsed
•
Check awareness of potential risks
•
Ensure precautions are understood fully
56
v.
•
Stop work if an unexpected problem is encountered
•
Restart only when a safe solution is found
•
Avoid the temptation to take short cuts
Monitor the system
•
Check the planned system is actually operating smoothly
•
Check the procedures to see that they are effective
•
Make certain any changes in circumstances are noted and that
any alterations to the system of work which they call for are
actually made
2.4
Hazards in Construction Site
Hazards in construction have drawn a great attention in the past decade,
beginning with the passage of Occupational Safety and Health Act since 25th
February 1994 (OSHA). The term of hazard in reference to Oxford Advanced
English Dictionary (Fourth Edition) shall mean danger or risk. A hazard in this study
shall be defined as anything that can cause harm such as scaffold, excavation, roof
work, working from ladders and etc (Health and Safety Executive, 1998). Concern in
hazard has also initiated by escalating in compensation cost paid out, medical cost
and increasing in insurance premium. There is a popular belief that the construction
site is unsafe and the risk that the workers are subjected to hazard are usual.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to mitigate this problem. In order to ensure a safe
and conducive working condition, risk assessment approach should be practice.
57
2.4.1
Categories of Hazard
Hazard can be broadly categories into seven categories, namely physical
hazard, electrical hazard, explosive hazard, biological hazard, chemical hazard,
mechanical hazard and also ergonomics hazard. The examples and control and
prevention methods for each categories of hazard are as followed :
2.4.1.1 Physical hazard
a)
b)
Examples of physical hazard :
•
Excessive noise / vibration (drills, pneumatic hammer, saw)
•
Extreme temperature (heat / cold)
•
Machinery / equipment
•
Height / gravitational
•
Sharp objects
•
UV Radiation
•
Confined working space
•
Slip / trip / fall
Control and prevention methods for physical hazard :
•
Reduction of noise at source
•
Reduction of noise transmitted through air or building structures
•
Use of personal hearing protectors
•
Reduction in exposure time by good breaks or shorter working hours
58
2.4.1.2 Electrical hazard
a)
b)
Examples of electrical hazard :
•
Electric shock
•
Over voltage power
Control and prevention methods for electrical hazard :
•
The used of earthed conductor which gives a low-resistance path to
earth
•
The use of low voltage power to reduce the shock potential
•
The use of double insulation
•
Approved and specially-protected apparatus
2.4.1.3 Explosive hazard
a)
b)
Examples of explosive hazard :
•
Spark or flame – flammable atmosphere
•
Movement of chemical substances tanks or drums
•
Material stored under high pressure
Control and prevention methods of explosive hazard :
•
Use of flammable gas detector
•
Use of fire detector
•
Use of emergency fire fighting appliances
59
2.4.1.4 Biological hazard
a)
b)
Examples of biological hazard :
•
Human fluids, secretions, feces
•
Infectious agents from animal infestation or droppings
•
Bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites
Control and prevention methods of biological hazard :
•
Avoid contact with the source of biological hazard
•
Use of personal protective clothing
2.4.1.5 Chemical hazard
a)
Examples of chemical hazard :
•
Avoid contact with the source of biological hazard
•
From paint solvents and to thinners (if painting work is being done)
•
Dust : mercury, asbestos, mineral
•
Acids and alkalis
•
Metals : lead, mercury
•
Non-metals : arsenic, phosphorous
•
Gases : Carbon monoxide, arsine, LPG, natural gas
•
Organic compound : benzene, chlorinated carbon
60
b)
Control and prevention methods of chemical hazard :
•
Supplier product information for every material to be handled
•
Labeling system
•
Practical handling problems
•
Discussion, training and demonstration session to ensure maximum
practical understanding of the material hazards
2.4.1.6 Mechanical hazard
a)
b)
Examples of mechanical hazard :
•
Design deficiencies of mechanical machine
•
Material defects
•
Processing and manufacturing deficiencies
•
Assembly and installation error of mechanical machine
•
Maintenance deficiencies
•
Improper operation of mechanical machine
Control and prevention methods of mechanical hazard :
•
Supplier product information for every mechanical machine to be
handled
•
Manual guide / procedures to operate the machine
•
Discussion, training and demonstration session to ensure maximum
practical understanding of the mechanical machine hazards
61
2.4.1.7 Ergonomics hazard
a)
Examples of mechanical hazard :
•
Repetitive work – prolonged similar task
•
Manual handling – lifting (frequent / heavy load) , pulling, pushing,
twisting
b)
•
Computer works – sitting posture, eyes strain
•
Lighting – adequacy of light
•
Ventilation – indoor air quality
Control and prevention methods of ergonomics hazard :
•
Information transmission
•
Visual control – all movement should be made under visual control
•
Unnecessary manual work – manual work of secondary importance
should be kept to a minimum
•
Pedal-operated switches and control can reduce less essential hand
movement
2.4.2
Types of Hazards in Construction Sites
There are two major categories of hazard in construction sites toward the
workers namely :
i.
the risk of physical injury or physical injury hazards
ii.
the risk of ill health or health hazard (Davies and Tomasin, 1996)
62
Hazard that has risk of physical injury can cause direct injury to worker at
site and if severe can cause death. However, hazard that has risk of ill health can only
be notified after long term of period and shall cause sickness or death after certain
period of time.
2.4.2.1 Physical Injury Hazards
The agents to physical injury hazard are normally associated with process of
works or equipment used and climatic conditions. This section shall identify the
hazards due to the following activities or equipment on site :
a)
Scaffolds
The main hazards associated with scaffolding are as the following :
•
People falling from the working platform
•
People below working platform being struck by material falling or
being thrown from it
•
The scaffold, or part of it, collapsing and throwing people from the
working platform; or collapsed structure crushing people under it or
nearby at ground level
•
The collapsed scaffold causing damage to adjacent property or to the
structure associated to the scaffold
•
Safe access not being provided for the worker to go to working
platform
63
b)
Power access Equipment and Manual Handling
The main hazards associated with power access equipment (eg: tower crane,
etc) or manual handling appliances operations (eg: hoist, tele-handlers, wheel
barrows, etc) on construction sites may be categorized as follow :
•
The overturning of crane or the structural failure of one of its
elements due to overloading, eccentric lifting, etc.
c)
•
The dropping of suspended load or part of it
•
Electrocution
•
Trapping of people
•
Incorrect erection and dismantling procedures
Ladder
The main hazards associated with ladder are the following :
•
Slipping of ladder sideways or outward
•
People falling from ladder due to insufficient height of ladder to
landing place
•
The collapse of ladder causing throwing of people from ladder or
collapse ladder crushing people under it or nearby at ground level
d)
Roof Work
The main hazard associated with roof work are the following :
•
People falling from the roof due to insufficient barriers at working
platform
•
People below the roof being struck by material falling or being thrown
from it
64
e)
Plant and Machinery
The main hazard associated with plant and machinery at site are as follow:
•
People being struck by moving traffic at site especially by reversing
machinery
•
Site machinery falling in the excavation area
•
Overturning of machinery due to travelling at a steep slope
•
Falling material from construction equipment especially hauler truck,
hitting people behind or nearby it
f)
Excavation
There are three types of excavation works normally carried out within the
construction sites; trenches, basement and wide excavations and shafts. The main
hazards associated with these excavation work shall be as follow :
•
Collapse of the trench wall or failure of battering slope for excavated
area will bury people inside the trenches
•
Worker inside the trenches or excavation are being struck by falling
materials or rocks
•
People falling into the excavation area
•
Unsafe means of access and insufficient means of escape in case of
flooding
•
Workers being struck by excavating machinery such as loader,
excavator, etc
•
Machinery falling into the excavation area particularly while
reserving too close to the edge of excavation
•
Asphyxiation or poisoning caused by fumes entering into the
excavation area (eg: exhaust fumes from diesel and petrol engines)
65
2.4.2.2 Health Hazards
According to Davies and Tomasin (1996) health hazards in construction work
may be grouped under chemical, physical and biological hazards .
a)
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances or also known as chemical hazard are cause by toxic
substances towards construction workers at site are generally classified into the
following :
•
Gases
•
Organic solvents (used in paints, varnishes, glues, resins, etc)
•
Water-soluble acids, alkalis, salts, etc (used in stone cleaning fluids,
rust inhibitors, cement, etc)
•
Metal fumes and metal pigments dusts (from welding, brazing, cutting
and paint spraying, etc)
•
Other non-solvent organic compounds (fungicides, insecticide,
weedkiller, concrete addictive and water proofing compounds)
•
Other airborne dusts and fibers such as silica and asbestos, limestone
and iron oxide (King and Hudson, 1985)
The hazard associated to above mention chemical substances at site are
namely :
•
Hazardous chemical contacts with skin
•
Inhalation of harmful chemicals
•
Inhalation of harmful gas such as silica dust, carbon monoxide,
carbon dioxide, welding fume and etc due to atmospheric pollution
66
b)
Physical Hazard
Physical hazards can be described as exposure to excessive levels of ionizing
and non-ionizing radiations, lighting, noise, vibration, extremes temperature or heat,
extreme pressure or etc. The hazards lead a bad effect to the physical of the person
who regularly exposed to it. The main hazards associated with physical hazard at site
are the following :
•
Exposure to extreme cold and to biting winds accompanied by rain
over long period
•
Exposure to extreme high heat and humid weather over a long period
•
Exposure to high level of noise over a long period
•
Exposure to high frequencies of vibration from tools such as
pneumatic hammer, concrete breaker, drills, chipping hammer,
vibrator, etc
•
Exposure to ionizing radiation for the industry to check welded joints
in pipeline, etc
•
Exposure to working in air at pressure above atmospheric pressures
(compressed air) such as during tunneling or caisson construction
•
c)
Exposure to lasers where it is used as an aid for setting out work
Biological Hazard
The main hazards associated with biological hazard at site are the following :
•
Mosquito bite causing malaria, dengue, etc
•
Infection from bacteria due to skin contact
•
Ingestion of food or water contaminated with hazardous materials
such as urine of rates, etc.
67
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1
Introduction
There are various steps that can be adopted to fulfill the objectives of this
study. The research methodology for this research includes discussion on method of
data collection, the approach used, research consideration such as design of interview
form and questionnaire and data analysis.
3.2
Research Process
The research process involves literature reviews, development of interview
form, development of questionnaire to establish the level of application of risk
assessment process and analysis of data.
68
Data collection for this study is carried out within Johor Bahru area. Most of
the main or primary data were collected from the interview session and questionnaire
which need to be filled and submit back to the author. After that data have been
analyze using Statistical Package for Science Social 11.0 (SPSS).
3.3
Determining the Research Objectives
The objectives of this research are primarily to determine the process of the
risk assessment of hazard currently applied on construction sites. The other objective
is to determine the level of application of risk assessment process of hazard in
construction site. In determining the research objectives, a review process is
undertaken to determine the methodology in terms of its feasibility, achievable data
collection and its analysis to achieve results.
69
3.4
Steps in Methodology
CONCEPTUALISATION
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTERVIEW
QUESTIONNAIRE
DATA ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
Figure 3.1: Steps in Methodology
3.4.1
Conceptualisation
Conceptualization is aimed to understanding the importance and basics of the
work to be carried out. In this stage, the objectives of the project will be set and the
problem will be stated. After that, the literature review will be undertaken.
70
3.4.2
Literature Review
The main aim in carrying out the literature reviews is to gather informations
on the research topic. The source are from seminar conference, articles, journals
paper, paperwork, thesis, websites and also reference books as stated in the
bibliography at the end of the project report.
3.4.3
Interview session
Interview session were conducted with the key person of a construction
company such as Safety Officer. Interview had been carried out to meet the first
objective of the project which to determine the process of the risk assessment of
hazard currently applied on construction sites. There are thirty (30) companies that
have been contact by the writer to fulfill this objective. From the thirty companies,
the writer had managed to interview ten (10) construction company due to the time
constraint and late response of the construction company.
The interview form consists of two parts. First part includes information
about company profile such as company name and business activity of the company
and also respondent particulars such as field of specialization and numbers of years
of experience. The second or final part of the interview form dealt with the risk
assessment process of hazard applied on construction sites by the company itself.
The questionnaire was developed from the interview session carried out by the writer
in order to determine the level of application of the risk assessment process of hazard
in construction sites.
71
3.4.4
Questionnaire
A four scale Likert Type questionnaire has been used as a research tools for
collecting data concerning opinions and attitudes of experienced respondents in risk
assessment process of hazards. Likert Scale is a widely use instrument in measuring
opinions, beliefs and attitudes (Davellis, 1991).
This questionnaire consists of three parts. The first part consists of the
background of the respondent, such as his engineering field and years of experience.
The second part consist of Likert type four scale questions, which was formulated to
collect information regarding the level of application of the risk assessment process
of hazard in construction site, and each requiring only one choice to be made out of
four; High Application, Medium Application, Little Application and Not Applied at
all. The third part consists of one free questions. The objective of the question is to
have an ideas regarding the risk assessments process of hazards itself such as the
problem and the opinion of the personnel.
Questionnaire has been done with the professional whose practiced in
construction field. The total numbers of 100 questionnaire been distributed to the
potential respondent in Johor Bahru. Out of 100 questionnaire, only 42 questionnaire
were returned to the researcher. The parties responds to the questionnaire included
the clients, contractors, consultants and developers.
72
3.4.5
Analysis
The collected data were analyzed by using the Statistical for Social Science
(SPSS) program version 11.0. Frequency analysis and average index method is
adopted for analysis. The frequency analysis is used as the preliminary analysis. This
method will show the frequency and the percentage. The frequency represented in
the form of table and pie chart.
3.4.5.1 Average Index
In part two of the questionnaire, the respondents were asked to evaluate the
level of application of risk assessment process of hazards in construction sites. From
the frequency analysis that have been done, the frequency value will be used in
determining the average index value.
Refer to Odeh and Battainneh, 2001, the average index value will be
calculated using this formula:
Average index = ∑ (aX), where X = n / N
a = constant expressing the weight given
N = total number of respondent
N = variable expressing the frequency of respondent
73
The classification of the rating scales proposed by Abd. Majid (1997) have
been referred in this study. The classification of the rating scale are as follows :
“Very important” or “Very Satisfy”
1.00 < Average Index < 1.50
“Important” or “Satisfy”
1.50 ≤ Average Index < 2.50
“Moderately important” or “Fair”
2.50 ≤ Average Index < 3.50
“Less important” or “Less Satisfy”
3.50 ≤ Average Index < 4.50
“Not important” or “Not Satisfy”
4.50 ≤ Average Index < 5.00
In order to determine the level of application of risk assessment process of
hazards considered in this study, the rating scale are as follows :
High Application
3.50 ≤ Average Index < 4.00
Medium Application
2.50 ≤ Average Index < 3.50
Little Application
1.50 ≤ Average Index < 2.50
Not Apply At All
1.00 < Average Index < 1.50
3.5
Proposal of Guidelines
From the study and analysis, the Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of
Hazards in Construction Sites in Malaysia have been proposed.
74
CHAPTER 4
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
4.1
Introduction
The interview were carried out to meet the first objective of this report which
to determine the process of risk assessment of hazards currently applied on
construction sites. There are ten (10) construction companies had given their
cooperation with the writer in carried out the interview session in order to fulfill this
objectives.
During the interview session, the writer had given an interview form to the
company representatives as a guidelines to facilitates the interview session. As
mentioned in chapter 2, the risk assessment process of hazards developed by
Loughborough University of Technology in the UK were referred in this study. In
the interview form the respondents were given an optional question between yes or
no and they have to tick on the relevant process of risk assessment applied by their
company. From the information gathered, the writer can review on the risk
assessment process of hazards currently applied on construction sites.
75
The questionnaire was developed from the interview session carried out by
the writer in order to determine the process of the risk assessment of hazards
currently applied on construction sites in Malaysia.
4.2
Interview’s Analysed Data and Results
Data analysis from interview session with ten (10) construction company are
summarize in Table 4.1 below :
76
Table 4.1 : Summary of process of risk assessment of hazard in construction sites applied by ten construction company
No
Risk Assessment Process of
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
Company
hazards
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
in construction sites
A
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Planning assessment
Nominate a risk assessment
A1
leader / coordinator & brief
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
senior management
A2
A3
Establish a risk assessment
Ensure all team members are
briefed and trained
Undertake
A4
9
team
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
organizational
analysis to produce list of
activities and employees / job
9
title
Review existing assessment and
A5
define overall scope of
9
9
9
9
9
9
assessment
A6
Agree on the methodology and
timescale
9
9
9
9
9
9
77
Collect and collate relevant
information and existing
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
monitoring system
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
A11
Share information
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
B
Analysing Work Activities
activities involved
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
B2
Walk through survey
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
B3
Job Analysis
B4
Data Collection
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
B5
Identifying critical task
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
B6
Identifying critical personnel
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
C
Hazard Identification
C1
Focus on task with possible
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
A7
documentation / all hazard
information
A8
Estimate and evaluate risks and
agree on action plan
Record assessment and collate
A9
information. Act where
necessary
A10
B1
Define and implement a
Defining the scope of the
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
78
hazard and hazardous situations
Examine all data from previous
hazardous event
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
C3
Consider all contributing factor
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
C4
Produce hazard framework
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
C2
C5
Appropriate
methods
identifying
hazards
9
9
of
and
hazardous situations
C6
Presentation of hazard data
D
Estimating Risk
Define the dimension of risk –
D1
the likelihood (probability) and
the severity (consequences)
D2
E
Rate the risk – risk table / risk
matrix
Evaluating Risk
Decision making on the most
E1
appropriate risk management
strategies
F
F1
Planning Control Options
The control options of hazard
adopted to the specified hazards
79
4.2.1
Framework of Process of Risk Assessment of Hazard Currently Applied
on Construction Sites
The combination of this ten construction companies will developed the actual
process of risk assessment of hazard applied on construction sites. The writer had
combined the process of risk assessment of the ten companies and had developed a
framework of process of risk assessment which is to meet the objectives on the study.
This study is not intended to be specific or limiting in scope but is intended to
define what would normally be done in actual risk assessment process of hazards.
This study is primarily intended to serve as a guide to construction company in
respect of the suggested on the implementation of risk assessment process of hazards
in construction sites.
From the framework the writer would conduct an industry survey using the
questionnaires to measure the level of application of each risk assessment process.
Table 4.2 below shows the framework of process of risk assessment of hazard
currently applied on construction sites.
Table 4.2 : Framework of process of risk assessment of hazard currently applied on
construction sites.
No
Risk Assessment Process of hazards currently applied on construction sites
A
Planning Assessment
A1
Nominate a risk assessment leader / coordinator who then brief senior management
A2
Establish a risk assessment team
A3
Ensure all team members are briefed and have had appropriate training
A4
Undertake organizational analysis to produce list of activities and employees / job title
A5
Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment
A6
Agree on the methodology and timescale
80
A7
Collect and collate relevant information and existing documentation / all hazard information
A8
Estimate and evaluate risks and agree on action plan
A9
Record assessment and collate information. Implement action plan and act on any priority
areas immediately
A10
Define and implement a monitoring system and agree on criteria for reevaluation
A11
Share information with all employees and anyone affected by the operations
B
Analysing Work Activities
B1
Defining the scope of the activities involved
B2
Walk through survey
B3
Job Analysis
B4
Data Collection
B5
Identifying critical task
B6
Identifying critical personnel
C
Hazard Identification
C1
Focus on task with possible hazard and hazardous situations
C2
Examine all data from previous hazardous event
C3
Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous events
C4
Produce hazard frameworks
C5
Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations
C6
Presentation of hazard data
D
Estimating Risk
D1
Define the dimension of risk – the likelihood (probability) and the severity (consequences)
Rate the risk
D2
Rating the risk according to how serious the risk is by using risk table or risk matrix. The risk
are rate high risk, medium risk or low risk.
E
Evaluating Risk
Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies
E1
Essentially need to decide whether can control all the estimated risk to level of which is
‘acceptable’ or ‘tolerable’.
F
Planning Control Options
F1
The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards and hazardous situations.
81
4.3
Questionnaire’s Analysed Data and Results
Data analysis was discussed for 42 questionnaires received. The questions
asked included the three parts which are:
i.
Part One: Demographics
Respondent’s background which included the information about organization,
field of specialization, number of years of practiced in construction field and
experience working in construction sites.
ii.
Part Two: Opinions
Respondent’s opinions about the level of application of risk assessment
process of hazards in construction sites.
iii.
Part Three: Feedback
All the collected data from the questionnaires were analysed in frequency
analysis which is used as preliminary analysis. This method will show the frequency
and the percentage. The frequency represented in the form of table and pie chart. In
order to generate the result, the researcher had used the Statistical for Social Science
(SPSS), version 11.0.
4.3.1
Respondent’s Background
Amongst the three parts consist in the questionnaire, part one which is
demographic is the only one referring to the respondents background.
82
4.3.1.1 Type of Organization
Referring to Table 4.3 and Figure 4.1, 7.1% of the respondents (3 persons)
work with an owner, 9.5% (4 persons) works in consultant firms, 71.4% (30 persons)
work with contractor and 11.9% (6 persons) in other type of organization like
developer.
Table 4.3 : Type of Organization
Owner
Consultant
Contractor
Others
Total
Frequency
Percent
3
4
30
5
42
7.1
9.5
71.4
11.9
100
Others
12%
Valid
Percent
7.1
9.5
71.4
11.9
100
Owner
7%
Cumulative
Percent
7.1
16.7
88.1
100.0
Consultant
10%
Contractor
71%
Figure 4.1 : Percentage of type of organization
83
4.3.1.2 Field of Specialization
Majority of the respondents, 64.3% (27 persons) are civil engineer. Besides
that, 4.8% (2 persons) are electrical engineer, 16.7% (7 persons) are quantity
surveyor, 9.5% (4 persons) are architect and 4.8% (2 persons) are from other
specialization such as safety officer. The proportioning is shown in Table 4.4 and
Figure 4.2 below.
Table 4.4 : Field of Specialization
Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Quantity Surveyor
Architect
Others
Total
Frequency
27
2
7
4
2
42
Percent
64.3
4.8
16.7
9.5
4.8
100
Architect
10%
Quantity
Surveyor
17%
Electrical
Engineer
5%
Valid
Percent
64.3
4.8
16.7
9.5
4.8
100
Others
5%
Civil
Engineer
63%
Figure 4.2 : Percentage of field of specialization
Cumulative
Percent
64.3
69.0
85.7
95.2
100.0
84
4.3.1.3 Number of Years Practiced in Construction Field
Table 4.5 and Figure 4.3 show that majority of the respondents, 50% or 21
persons have 6 - 10 years experience practiced in construction. Follow by 21.4% (9
persons) with 0 – 5 years of experience, 16.7% (7 persons) with 11 – 15 years, 7.1%
(3 persons) with 16 – 20 years of experience and only 4.8% or 2 persons have more
than 20 years of experience practiced in construction field.
Table 4.5 : Number of Years Practiced in Construction Field
0-5 Years
6-10 Years
11-15 Years
16 - 20 Years
More than 20 Years
Total
Frequency
9
21
7
3
2
42
16 - 20 Years
7%
Percent
21.4
50.0
16.7
7.1
4.8
100
Valid
Percent
21.4
50.0
16.7
7.1
4.8
100
More than
20 Years
5%
Cumulative
Percent
21.4
71.4
88.1
95.2
100.0
0-5 Years
21%
11-15 Years
17%
6-10 Years
50%
Figure 4.3 : Percentage of Number of Years Practiced in Construction Field
85
4.3.1.4 Number of Years Working in Construction Sites
The number of years working in construction sites are shown in Table 4.6 and
Figure 4.4 below. It shows that 31% (13 persons) of the respondents have 0 – 5 years
of experience, most of the respondents have 6 – 10 years of experience with 42.9%
or 18 persons, 16.7% (7 persons) have 11 – 15 years, 7.1% (3 persons) with 16 – 20
years and 2.4% (1 person) have more than 20 years of experience working in
construction sites.
Table 4.6 : Number of Years Working in Construction Sites
0-5 Years
6-10 Years
11-15 Years
16 - 20 Years
More than 20 Years
Total
Frequency
13
18
7
3
1
42
16 - 20 Years
7%
11-15 Years
17%
Percent
31.0
42.9
16.7
7.1
2.4
100
More than
20 Years
2%
Valid Percent
31.0
42.9
16.7
7.1
2.4
100
Cumulative
Percent
31.0
73.8
90.5
97.6
100.0
0-5 Years
31%
6-10 Years
43%
Figure 4.4 : Percentage of Number of Years Working in Construction Sites
86
4.3.2
Level of Application of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards
In this part, detail analysis using the SPSS program were use to clarify the
objectives. The researcher were used two types of analysis which are frequency
analysis and average index.
4.3.2.1 Frequency Analysis
Using the result from the questionnaire, the SPSS software were used to do
the frequency analysis of the level of application of risk assessment process of
hazards in construction site.
a)
Nominate a risk assessment leader who then brief senior management
Referring to Table 4.7, it is seem that 85.7% of the respondent agreed that
nominate a risk assessment leader or coordinator is highly applied and the other
14.3% approved that it is in a “medium application”.
Table 4.7 : Nominate a risk assessment leader who then brief senior management
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
6
36
42
14.3
85.7
100
14.3
85.7
100
Cumulative
Percent
14.3
100.0
87
b)
Establish a risk assessment team
Table 4.8 shows that 45.2% of the respondents agreed that this process is
medium applied, 47.6% judged it of “little application” and 7.1% of “not applied at
all”.
Table 4.8 : Establish a risk assessment team
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Not Applied at all
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
c.
3
20
19
42
7.1
47.6
45.2
100
7.1
47.6
45.2
100
Cumulative
Percent
7.14
54.76
100.00
Ensure all team members are briefed and have had an appropriate
training
For 40.5% of the respondent, they agreed that this process is highly applied,
for 45.2% it is medium applied and the other 14.3% respond it “little application”.
Table 4.9 below show the percentage.
Table 4.9 : Ensure all team members are briefed and have had an appropriate training
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
6
19
17
42
14.3
45.2
40.5
100
14.3
45.2
40.5
100
Cumulative
Percent
14.3
59.5
100.0
88
d)
Undertake an organizational analysis
Undertake an organizational analysis is done to produce a list of activities and
employees or job title. Table 4.10 shows that 23.8% of the respondents agreed that it
is medium applied and the others 76.2% respond it “little application”.
Table 4.10 : Undertake an organizational analysis
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
e)
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
32
10
42
76.2
23.8
100
76.2
23.8
100
Cumulative
Percent
76.2
100.0
Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment
Refer to Table 4.11, it shows that 19% of the respondents replied that this
process is “medium application”. The other 81% of them respond it as “little
application”.
Table 4.11 : Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
34
8
42
81.0
19.0
100
81.0
19.0
100
Cumulative
Percent
81.0
100.0
89
f)
Agree on the methodology and timescale
Refer to Table 4.12, it shows that 2.4% of the respondents replied that this
process is highly applied, 50% or half of them respond it as “medium application”
and the other 47.6% respond it as “little application”.
Table 4.12 : Agree on the methodology and timescale
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
g)
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
20
21
1
42
47.6
50.0
2.4
100
47.6
50.0
2.4
100
Cumulative
Percent
47.6
97.6
100.0
Collect and collate all relevant information and existing document
For 4.8% of the respondents respond this process as highly applied, 47.6%
respond it as “medium application” and 47.6% more respond it is “little application”.
Table 4.13 below show the percentage.
Table 4.13 : Collect and collate all relevant information and existing document
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
20
20
2
42
47.6
47.6
4.8
100
47.6
47.6
4.8
100
Cumulative
Percent
47.6
95.2
100.0
90
h)
Estimate and evaluate on risk and agree on action plan
Refer to Table 4.14, 85.7% of the respondents said it is medium application
and the other 14.3% respond it as “little application”.
Table 4.14 : Estimate and evaluate on risk and agree on action plan
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
i)
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
6
36
42
14.3
85.7
100
14.3
85.7
100
Cumulative
Percent
14.3
100.0
Record assessment and collate information, act immediately where
necessary
Majority of the respondents, 85.7% respond this process as medium applied
and the other 16.7% respond it is “little application”. Table 4.15 below show the
percentage.
Table 4.15 : Record assessment and collate information, act immediately where
necessary
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
7
35
42
16.7
83.3
100
16.7
83.3
100
Cumulative
Percent
16.7
100.0
91
j)
Define and implement a monitoring system
Refer to Table 4.16, it shows that 9.5% of the respondent replied that it is
highly applied and the other 90.5% respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.16 : Define and implement a monitoring system
Medium Application
High Application
Total
k)
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
38
4
42
90.5
9.5
100
90.5
9.5
100
Cumulative
Percent
90.5
100.0
Share the information with all employees
Share the information with all the employees and also anyone who may be
affected by the activities in the construction site is one of the process that have been
applied in construction site management. Table 4.17 below shows that 23.8% of the
respondent said that it is highly applied, 73.8% said it is “medium application” and
the other 2.4% respond it as “little application”.
Table 4.17 : Share the information with all employees
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
1
31
10
42
2.4
73.8
23.8
100
2.4
73.8
23.8
100
Cumulative
Percent
2.4
76.2
100.0
92
l)
Defining the scope of the activities involved
Refer to Table 4.18, it shows that 28.6% of the respondent respond this
process as highly applied and the other 71.4% said that it is “medium application”.
Table 4.18 : Defining the scope of the activities involved
Medium Application
High Application
Total
m)
Frequency
30
12
42
Percent
71.4
28.6
100
Valid Percent
71.4
28.6
100
Cumulative
Percent
71.4
100.0
Walk through survey
Walk through survey is one of the process of risk assessment that obviously
applied in many construction site. Table 4.19 below shows that 42.9% of the
respondent replies it as highly applied and 57.1% respond it as “medium
application”.
Table 4.19 : Walk through survey
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
24
18
42
Percent
57.1
42.9
100
Valid Percent
57.1
42.9
100
Cumulative
Percent
57.1
100.0
93
n)
Job analysis
Refer to Table 4.20, it shows that the application of job analysis in risk
assessment process is little application with 45.2% respondent respond to it, 14.3%
respond it as “medium application” and 40.5% respond it as “not applied at all”.
Table 4.20 : Job analysis
Not applied at all
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
o)
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
17
19
6
42
40.5
45.2
14.3
100
40.5
45.2
14.3
100
Cumulative
Percent
40.5
85.7
100.0
Data collection
Refer to Table 4.21, it shows that 28.6% of the respondent respond this
process as highly applied and the other 71.4% said that it is “medium application”.
Table 4.21 : Data collection
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
30
12
42
71.4
28.6
100
71.4
28.6
100
Cumulative
Percent
71.4
100.0
94
p)
Identifying critical task
Refer to Table 4.22, it shows that ‘Identifying critical task’ have been applied
in the risk assessment process of hazards in construction site with 88.1% of the
respondent respond it as “high application” and the other 11.9% respond it as
“medium application”.
Table 4.22 : Identifying critical task
Medium Application
High Application
Total
q)
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
5
37
42
11.9
88.1
100
11.9
88.1
100
Cumulative
Percent
11.9
100.0
Identifying critical personnel
Refer to Table 4.23, it shows that ‘Identifying critical personnel’ have been
applied in the risk assessment process of hazards in construction site with 54.8% of
the respondent respond it as “high application”, 42.9% respond it as “medium
application” and the 2.4% respond it as “little application”.
Table 4.23 : Identifying critical personnel
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
1
18
23
42
2.4
42.9
54.8
100
2.4
42.9
54.8
100
Cumulative
Percent
2.4
45.2
100.0
95
r)
Focus on the task with possible hazard and hazardous situations
Referring to the Table 4.24 below, 40.5% of the respondent agreed that this
process is “high application” and 59.5% respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.24 : Focus on the task with possible hazard and hazardous situations
Medium Application
High Application
Total
s)
Frequency
25
17
42
Percent
59.5
40.5
100
Valid Percent
59.5
40.5
100
Cumulative
Percent
59.5
100.0
Examine all data from previous hazardous event
Referring to Table 4.25 below, 66.7% of the respondent respond it as medium
applied and the other 33.3% judged it as “little application”.
Table 4.25 : Examine all data from previous hazardous event
Little Application
Medium Application
Total
Frequency
14
28
42
Percent
33.3
66.7
100
Valid Percent
33.3
66.7
100
Cumulative
Percent
33.3
100.0
96
t)
Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous event
The other process of risk assessment of hazards that applied is consideration
of all contributing factors to possible hazardous event. Table 4.26 below shows that
19% of the respondent respond it as high applied, 61.9% responds it as “medium
application” and 19% more said it is “little application”.
Table 4.26 : Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous event
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
u)
Frequency
8
26
8
42
Percent
19.0
61.9
19.0
100
Valid Percent
19.0
61.9
19.0
100
Cumulative
Percent
19.0
81.0
100.0
Produce hazard framework
Refer to Table 4.27, it shows that ‘produce hazard framework’ to identifying
hazards in risk assessment process is medium application with 57.1% respondent
respond to it, 23.8% respond it as “high application” and 19% respond it as “little
application”.
Table 4.27 : Produce hazard framework
Little Application
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
8
24
10
42
Percent
19.0
57.1
23.8
100
Valid Percent
19.0
57.1
23.8
100
Cumulative
Percent
19.0
76.2
100.0
97
v)
Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations
During hazard identification process in risk assessment, appropriate methods
of identifying the hazards and hazardous situation is an important process. 71.4% of
the respondent classified it as “medium application” and the other 11.9% respond it
as highly applied. The percentage are show in the Table 4.28 below.
Table 4.28 : Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations
Medium Application
High Application
Total
w)
Frequency
37
5
42
Percent
88.1
11.9
100
Valid Percent
88.1
11.9
100
Cumulative
Percent
88.1
100.0
Presentation of hazard data
The data obtained from the hazards identification process should be presented
in a form to facilitate the evaluation. Table 4.29 below shows that 28.6% of the
respondent respond it as high applied and 71.4% respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.29 : Presentation of hazard data
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
30
12
42
Percent
71.4
28.6
100
Valid Percent
71.4
28.6
100
Cumulative
Percent
71.4
100.0
98
x)
Define the dimension of risk
In estimating the risk itself, it is important to define the dimension of the risk
in terms of it likelihood or probability to occur and the severity of the harm or
consequences. Table 4.30 below shows that majority of the respondent ranked it as
high applied with 97.6% respondent and 2.4% respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.30 : Define the dimension of risk
Medium Application
High Application
Total
y)
Frequency
1
41
42
Percent
2.4
97.6
100
Valid Percent
2.4
97.6
100
Cumulative
Percent
2.4
100.0
Rate the risk
Refer to Table 4.31 below, it shows that ‘Rate the risk’ by using risk table or
risk matrix have been applied in the risk assessment process of hazards in
construction site with majority of 92.9% of the respondent respond it as “high
application” and 7.1% respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.31 : Rate the risk
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
3
39
42
Percent
7.1
92.9
100
Valid Percent
7.1
92.9
100
Cumulative
Percent
7.1
100.0
99
z)
Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies
In the process of evaluating the risk, it is important to make a right decision
on the most appropriate risk management strategies. From Table 4.32 below, it show
that most of the respondent agree that it is highly applied with 92.9% and 7.1%
respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.32 : Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies
Medium Application
High Application
Total
aa)
Frequency
3
39
42
Percent
7.1
92.9
100
Valid Percent
7.1
92.9
100
Cumulative
Percent
7.1
100.0
The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards
Refer to Table 4.33 below, it shows that the adoption of control option to the
specified hazard have been applied in the risk assessment process of hazards in
construction site with majority of 95.2% of the respondent respond it as “high
application” and 4.8% respond it as “medium application”.
Table 4.33 : The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards
Medium Application
High Application
Total
Frequency
2
40
42
Percent
4.8
95.2
100
Valid Percent
4.8
95.2
100
Cumulative
Percent
4.8
100.0
100
4.3.2.2 Average Index Analysis for Level of Application of Risk Assessment
Process of Hazard in Construction Sites
In analyzing the data using the average index, the following assumed values
have been used. “High Application”, “Medium Application”, “Little Application”
and “Not Applied At All”, and were coded as 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. Table 4.33
shows the overall result for the Average Index Value for Level of Application of
Risk Assessment Process of Hazard in Construction Sites.
From the result that shown in Table 4.34, the highest average index for the
risk assessment process is 3.98 which is “high application” and the lowest value is
1.74 which is “little application”. The highest value of 3.98 belongs to ‘Define the
dimension of risk’ and the lowest is ‘Job analysis’ with the index value of 1.74.
For the first process of risk assessment which is ‘Planning Assessment’, the
“high application” process for the level of application of risk assessment process of
hazard in construction sites with the highest value of 3.86 belongs to ‘Nominate a
risk assessment leader who then brief senior management’. Followed by “medium
application”; ‘Ensure all team members are briefed and have had appropriate
training’ (3.26), ‘Share information with all employees and anyone affected by the
operations’ (3.21), ‘Define and implement a monitoring system’ (3.10), ‘Estimate
and evaluate on risk and agree on action plan’ (2.86), ‘Record assessment and collate
information, act immediately where necessary’ (2.83), ‘Collect and collate all
relevant information and existing information’ (2.57) and ‘Agree on the methodology
and timescale’ (2.55). The process which included in “little application” are
‘Establish a risk assessment team’ (2.38), ‘Undertake organizational analysis’ (2.24)
and ‘Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment’ (2.19). The
overall average index for ‘Planning Assessment’ process are medium in application
for the risk assessment process of hazards in construction site, with the overall
average index of 2.82.
101
For ‘Analysing Work Activities’ or the second process of risk assessment, the
“high application” process for the level of application of risk assessment process of
hazard in construction sites with the highest value of 3.88 belongs to ‘Identifying
critical task’ and ‘Identifying critical personnel’ with the value of 3.52. The process
classified in “medium application” are ‘ Walk through survey’ (3.43), ‘Define the
scope of the activities involved’ (3.29) and also ‘Data collection’ with the value of
3.29. Followed by “little application” process with the lowest value of 1.74, ‘Job
analysis’. The overall average index for “Analysing Work Activities” process are
medium in application for the risk assessment process of hazards in construction site,
with the overall average index of 3.19.
For the third process of risk assessment which is ‘Hazard Identification’, all
of the process are include in “medium application”; ‘Focus on the task with possible
hazard and hazardous situation’ (3.40), ‘Presentation of hazard data’ (3.29),
‘Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations’ (3.12),
‘Produce hazard framework’ (3.05), ‘Consideration of all contributing factors to
possible hazardous event’ (3.00) and ‘Examine all data from hazardous event’ (2.67).
The overall average index for ‘Hazard Identification’ process are medium in
application for the risk assessment process of hazards in construction sites, with the
overall average index of 3.09.
For the fourth process of risk assessment which is ‘Estimating Risk’, all of
the process are include in “high application” with the highest average value if
compared with all process of risk assessment, 3.98 belongs to ‘Define the dimension
of risk’ and followed by ‘Rate the risk’ with the value of 3.93. The overall average
index for ‘Estimating Risk’ process are high in application for the risk assessment
process of hazards in construction sites, with the overall average index of 3.95.
The fifth process of risk assessment ‘Estimating Risk’ may be categorized in
“high application”; ‘Decision making on the most appropriate risk management
strategies’ with the average index of 3.93. For ‘Planning Control Options’ or the
102
sixth and also the last process of risk assessment process of hazards in construction
sites, it is categorized in “high application”, ‘The control options of hazard adopted
to the specified hazards’ with the average index of 3.95.
From the result above, it can be concluded that all the six (6) major process of
risk assessment of hazards that are studying can be groups into two groups; medium
and high application. The major process of risk assessment categorized in “high
application” are ‘Estimating Risk’, ‘Evaluating Risk’ and also ‘Planning Control
Options’. And the major process of risk assessment of hazards that categorized in
“medium application” are including ‘Planning Assessment’, ‘Analysing Work
Activities’ and ‘Hazard Identification’. The overall results of level of application of
risk assessment process of hazards in construction sites were tabulated in figure 4.5.
103
Table 4.34 : Average Index Value for Level of application of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in Construction Sites
1
Respondent's Frequency
2
3
4
Total
%
Average
Index
f
%
f
%
f
%
f
%
f
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
7.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
20
6
32
34
20
20
6
7
0
0.0
47.6
14.3
76.2
81.0
47.6
47.6
14.3
16.7
0.0
6
19
19
10
8
21
20
36
35
38
14.3
45.2
45.2
23.8
19.0
50.0
47.6
85.7
83.3
90.5
36
0
17
0
0
1
2
0
0
4
85.7
0.0
40.5
0.0
0.0
2.4
4.8
0.0
0.0
9.5
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
42
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
3.86
2.38
3.26
2.24
2.19
2.55
2.57
2.86
2.83
3.10
0
0.0
1
2.4
31
73.8
10
23.8
42
100
3.21
0
0
17
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
40.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
0
19
0
0
1
0.0
0.0
45.2
0.0
0.0
2.4
30
24
6
30
5
18
71.4
57.1
14.3
71.4
11.9
42.9
12
18
0
12
37
23
28.6
42.9
0.0
28.6
88.1
54.8
42
42
42
42
42
42
100
100
100
100
100
100
3.29
3.43
1.74
3.29
3.88
3.52
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0
14
8
8
0.0
33.3
19.0
19.0
25
28
26
24
59.5
66.7
61.9
57.1
17
0
8
10
40.5
0.0
19.0
23.8
42
42
42
42
100
100
100
100
3.40
2.67
3.00
3.05
A. Planning Assessment
A1. Nominate a risk assessment leader who then brief senior management
A2. Establish a risk assessment team
A3. Ensure all team members are briefed and have had appropriate training
A4. Undertake organizational analysis
A5. Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment
A6. Agree on the methodology and timescale
A7. Collect and collate all relevant information and existing documentation
A8. Estimate and evaluate on risk and agree on action plan
A9. Record assessment and collate information and act where necessary
A10. Define and implement a monitoring system
A11. Share information with all employees and anyone affected by the
operations
B. Analysing Work Activities
B1. Defining the scope of the activities involved
B2. Walk through survey
B3. Job analysis
B4. Data collection
B5. Identifying critical task
B6. Identifying critical personnel
C. Hazard Identification
C1. Focus on the task with possible hazard and hazardous situations
C2. Examine all data from previous hazardous event
C3. Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous event
C4. Produce hazard framework
104
C5. Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations
C6. Presentation of hazard data
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
37
30
88.1
71.4
5
12
11.9
28.6
42
42
100
100
3.12
3.29
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
1
3
2.4
7.1
41
39
97.6
92.9
42
42
100
100
3.98
3.93
0
0.0
0
0.0
3
7.1
39
92.9
42
100
3.93
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
4.8
40
95.2
42
100
3.95
D. Estimating Risk
D1. Define the dimension of risk - the likelihood and the consequences
D2. Rate the risk by using risk table or risk matrix
E. Evaluating Risk
E1. Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies
F. Planning Control Options
F1. The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards
*1=Not Applied At All, 2=Little Application, 3=Medium Application, 4=High Application
105
F1
3.95
E1
3.93
D2
3.93
D1
3.98
2.67
C6
3.00
C5
3.05
C4
3.12
C3
3.29
C2
3.40
Risk Assessment Process
C1
1.74
B6
B5
3.29
B4
3.29
3.43
B3
3.52
B2
3.88
B1
2.19
A11
2.24
A10
2.38
A9
A8
2.55
A7
2.57
A6
2.83
A5
2.86
3.10
A4
3.21
A3
3.26
A2
3.86
A1
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
Average Index
Figure 4.5 : The Level of Application of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in
Construction Sites
4.00
106
Where,
A
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
B
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
C
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
D
D1
D2
E
E1
F
F1
Planning Assessment
Nominate a risk assessment leader who then brief senior management
Ensure all team members are briefed and have had appropriate
training
Share information with all employees and anyone affected by the
operations
Define and implement a monitoring system
Estimate and evaluate on risk and agree on action plan
Record assessment and collate information, act immediately where
necessary
Collect and collate all relevant information and existing
documentation
Agree on the methodology and timescale
Establish a risk assessment team
Undertake organizational analysis
Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment
Analysing Work Activities
Identifying critical task
Identifying critical personnel
Walk through survey
Defining the scope of the activities involved
Data collection
Job Analysis
Hazard Identification
Focus on the task with possible hazard and hazardous situations
Presentation of hazard data
Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations
Produce hazard framework
Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous event
Examine all data from previous hazardous event
Estimating Risk
Define the dimension of risk - the likelihood and the consequences
Rate the risk by using risk table or risk matrix
Evaluating Risk
Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies
Planning Control Options
The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards
107
4.4
The Proposal of Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in
Construction Sites in Malaysia.
From the study, the Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in
Construction Sites have been proposed. The proposal have gained fully corroboration
from Mr. Yap Lin Kong, a safety officer from MB Capital Sdn. Bhd and also Mr.
Aidil Adha bin Sulaiman, a safety officer in National Institute Of Occupational
Safety And Health (NIOSH). From the interview, they have proposed to the writer to
arrange the guidelines for risk assessment process of hazards according to the level
of application which are ‘high application’ and ‘medium application’. The ‘high
application’ and ‘medium application’ process of risk assessment are the process that
are important and must be take into consideration in the application of risk
assessment process of hazards in construction site.
The process of risk assessment of hazards that have been proposed represent
current best practice of risk assessment which aim to encouraging the construction
project team to implement it in their construction sites. Implementation of risk
assessment of hazards in construction site hopefully can formulate a safe and
conducive working condition and also minimized the number of construction
accidents. The guidelines of risk assessment process of hazards are shown in Figure
4.6.
108
GUIDELINES OF RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS OF HAZARDS IN
CONSTRUCTION SITES IN MALAYSIA
A
PLANNING ASSESSMENT
A1.
Nominate a risk assessment leader or coordinator who then brief senior
management.
A2.
Ensure all team members are briefed and have had appropriate training.
A3.
Share information with all employees and anyone affected by the operations.
A4.
Define and implement a monitoring system.
A5.
Estimate and evaluate on risk and agree on action plan.
A6.
Record assessment and collate information, act immediately where necessary.
A7.
Collect and collate all relevant information and existing information.
A8.
Agree on the methodology and timescale.
B
ANALYSING WORK ACTIVITIES
B1.
Identifying critical task.
B2.
Identifying critical personnel.
B3.
Walk through survey.
B4.
Define the scope of the activities involved.
B5.
Data collection.
C
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
C1.
Focus on the task with possible hazard and hazardous situation.
C2.
Presentation of hazard data.
109
C. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (cont’d)
C3.
Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations.
C4.
Produce hazard framework.
C5.
Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous event.
C6.
Examine all data from hazardous event.
D
ESTIMATING RISK
D1.
Define the dimension of risk.
Two of the dimension of risk are the likelihood (or probability) and the
severity of the harm (or consequences).
D2.
Rate the risk.
Rating the risk according to how serious the risk is by using risk table or risk
matrix. The risk are rate high risk, medium risk or low risk.
E
EVALUATING RISK
E1.
Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies.
Essentially need to decide whether can control all the estimated risk to level
of which is ‘acceptable’ or ‘tolerable’.
F
PLANNING CONTROL OPTIONS
F1.
The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards.
Figure 4.6 : Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in Construction Sites
110
4.5
Summary of Analysis and Results
42 sets of questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents who
involved in construction project in Johor Bahru area. The questionnaire survey was
divided into 3 sections. The first part consisted of requests for relevant personnel
data of the respondent, such as the type of specialization and years of experience.
The second part consisted of Likert type four scale questions regarding level of
application of risk assessment process of hazards in construction sites. The third part
consisted of one question devoted to free response. All the collected data from the
questionnaire were analysed by using two methods, Frequency and Average Index.
Part One represent the demographic section which the main concerned are to
identify the respondent’s background such as the type of organization, the field of
specialization and number of years practiced in construction field and also
experience working in construction sites. The study found that most of the
respondent were comes from the contractor firm.
In Part Two, the respondent were asked to rate the level of application of the
risk assessment process of hazard in construction sites. The result of the survey
shows that the respondents have classified the major risk assessment process of
hazards under two main categories which are “high application” and “medium
application”.
In Part Three or the last part of the questionnaire, the respondent were asked
to give comments about the risk assessment process of hazards in construction sites.
The study found that some of the respondent have given a good comments such as
implementation of risk assessment process of hazard should be done regarding on the
type of construction, for example for high risk construction activities sites which
involve the usage of dangerous material such as explosive in earthwork project.
Location of the construction sites is also one of important factor to be take into
111
account, for example for a construction sites in town area, high public liability or in
high population area where third party liability are significantly high. Other comment
is regarding the enforcement of risk assessment of hazards in construction site where
it need to be enforce by the authority such as Department of Occupational Safety and
Health (DOSH).
4.6
Discussion
From the analysis and result obtained, few improvement need to be consider
in this study. The factors involve are:
a.
Numbers of respondent
b.
Scope of research
c.
Respondent’s experience and knowledge in risk assessment of hazards
112
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1
Conclusion
From the interview session and the result obtained from the questionnaire, the
conclusion will be write follow the objectives that have been set.
5.1.1 Objective 1 : To determine the process of risk assessment of hazards
currently applied in construction sites.
From the interview session carried out by the author in Chapter 4 of this
report, the author had made a combination of ten construction companies risk
assessment process of hazards in construction sites. The writer had combined the
result obtained from the ten construction company interview session and had
developed a framework of risk assessment process of hazards currently applied in
construction sites which is to meet the first objectives of the study. The study is not
intended to be specific or limiting in scope but is intended to define what would
113
normally be done in actual risk assessment process of hazards. This study is
primarily intended to serve as a guide to construction company in respect of the
suggested on the implementation of risk assessment process of hazards in
construction sites. The results of the study carried out on the process of risk
assessment of hazards currently applied in construction sites were as follows:A. Planning Assessment
A1.
Nominate a risk assessment leader or coordinator who then brief senior
management.
A2.
Establish a risk assessment team.
A3.
Ensure all team members are briefed and have had appropriate training.
A4.
Undertake organizational analysis to produce list of activities and
employees / job title.
A5.
Review existing assessment and define overall scope of assessment.
A6.
Agree on the methodology and timescale.
A7.
Collect and collate relevant information and existing documentation / all
hazard information.
A8.
Estimate and evaluate risks and agree on action plan.
A9.
Record assessment and collate information. Implement action plan and
act on any priority areas immediately.
A10.
Define and implement a monitoring system and agree on criteria for
reevaluation.
A11.
Share information with all employees and anyone affected by the
operations.
B. Analysing Work Activities
B1.
Defining the scope of the activities involved.
B2.
Walk through survey.
B3.
Job Analysis.
B4.
Data Collection.
B5.
Identifying critical task.
B6.
Identifying critical personnel.
114
C. Hazard Identification
C1.
Focus on task with possible hazard and hazardous situations.
C2.
Examine all data from previous hazardous event.
C3.
Consideration of all contributing factors to possible hazardous events.
C4.
Produce hazard frameworks.
C5.
Appropriate methods of identifying hazards and hazardous situations.
C6.
Presentation of hazard data.
D. Estimating the Risk
D1.
Define the dimension of risk.
Two of the dimension of risk are the likelihood (or probability) and the
severity of the harm (or consequences).
D2.
Rate the risk.
Rating the risk according to how serious the risk is by using risk table or
risk matrix. The risk are rate high risk, medium risk or low risk.
E. Evaluating the Risk
E1.
Decision making on the most appropriate risk management strategies.
Essentially need to decide whether can control all the estimated risk to
level of which is ‘acceptable’ or ‘tolerable’.
F. Planning Control Options
F1.
The control options of hazard adopted to the specified hazards and
hazardous situations.
115
5.1.2 Objective 2 : To determine the level of application of risk assessment
process of hazards in construction sites.
The respondent’s backgrounds were investigated in this study. From the total
numbers of 42 respondents, majority are working with contractor firms with 71.4%
of them. Most of the respondents are civil engineer (64.3%) and quantity surveyor
with 16.7%. Majority of the respondents have 6 – 10 years of experience practiced in
construction field and working in construction sites.
In Part Two the respondents were asked to rate the level of application of risk
assessment process of hazards in construction sites. The result of the survey shows
that the respondents have classified the major risk assessment process of hazards
under two main categories which are “high application” and “medium application”.
5.1.3 Objective 3 : To propose guidelines of risk assessment process of hazards
in construction sites in Malaysia
From the study, the Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in
Construction Sites have been proposed. The guidelines that have been proposed
represent current best practice of risk assessment process of hazards which aim to
encouraging the construction project team to implement it in their construction sites.
Implementation of risk assessment of hazards in construction site hopefully can
formulate a safe and conducive working condition and also minimized the number of
construction accidents. The guidelines are as shown in Figure 4.6.
116
5.2
Overall Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the study, a framework of risk assessment process of
hazards currently applied in construction sites have been developed. The study also
found that the major risk assessment process of hazards in construction sites listed
were approved by the respondent as ‘high application’ and ‘medium application’.
Based on the study analysis, a Guidelines of Risk Assessment Process of Hazards in
Construction Sites have been proposed.
5.3
Recommendations
Apart from the study that have been carried out, the writer is suggesting to
further the area of study especially on the following area :
a.
An analysis of cost benefits that can be achieved from risk assessment of
hazards in construction sites implementation.
b.
It was highlighted that the safety issue in construction site will improve, as
the level of risk assessment of hazards implementation get higher. Since in
this study there were no indication of the actual impact on project safety, it is
recommended that further study should be carried out to determine the actual
safety benefits gained from risk assessment process of hazards in construction
sites.
c.
A further study regarding the national regulatory framework to safeguard the
implementation and quality of risk assessment.
117
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