Critical Analysis about Management of Physical Hazards - Term Paper Example

The paper "Critical Analysis about Management of Physical Hazards" is a good example of a term paper on management.
PART 1: CAUSES OF FALLS FROM HEIGHT

• Introduction

The construction industry has developed in the last decade resulting in improvements in construction processes including revenues generated from the constructions. Construction continues to influence the economic and social aspects of society, but the industry creates numerous types of challenges. Falls from heights are some of the common issues and problems associated with the industry. The worker's work from height and slipping or tripping contributes to falls resulting in various types of injuries. The report analyses the causes of falls from height proposes strategies to reduce falls from height and provide recommendations.

• Causes of Falls from Height

Falls from height are influenced by numerous factors including weather/environmental conditions, agent, management/organization, site conditions, individual characteristics, and risky activities. However, the common causes of falls from height are individual characteristics and risky activities. Risky construction activities are when construction workers perform hazardous activities and tasks (Abbe et al. 2011). The common sources of accidents in regards to risky activities include roofing and scaffolding. Roofing workers are vulnerable to fall hazards because of handling heavy equipment or tools and fragile roofing material (Sousa, Almeida & Dias, 2014). The hardship or task complexity also contributes to falls since the attention of the workers is diverted, which leads to falls from heights.

Individual characteristics contribute to falls from height, and these characteristics incorporate numerous variables and factors. Some of these characteristics include health such as fatigue and chronic disease, physical characteristics, human behaviors and attitudes, knowledge level (experience and education), and demography such as weight, gender, and age (Blaikie et al. 2014). In health, persons suffering from overweight or are facing weight-related challenges are exposed to fatigue, and older workers are more vulnerable compared to younger ones (Sousa, Almeida & Dias, 2014). In addition, education and knowledge are important while working from heights and experiencing contributing to increased chances of falls from height include poor communications, capabilities, work practice, tolerance, ignorance towards embracing safety training, experience, and dexterity and lacking appropriate educational qualifications (Lee, Seo & Kang, 2011). Furthermore, the behavior of the workers contributes to the problem especially due to overconfidence, misjudgment, stupidity, and carelessness. Such behaviors and attitudes increase the chances of accidents.

The site conditions influence or may increase falls from heights. The surface or platform conditions contribute to accidents in different approaches such as sloped or slippery surfaces, improper guardrails, or unprotected walkways (Sousa, Almeida & Dias, 2014). Furthermore, unexpected modification increases the chances of falls from height occurring. In certain situations, the construction occurs overnight meaning poor illumination or insufficient lighting on night shifts affects visibility. Hence, the employees may fall because of poor lighting systems.

Agents and environmental/weather conditions also contribute to falls from height. Ladders and scaffolds are frequently used in the construction industry to enable the workers to work from a height. However, poor positioning of the ladders and scaffolds in a risky manner may contribute to accidents. Moreover, prolonged construction activities on an unreliable ladder or scaffold explain the reasons behind falls from height (Lee, Seo & Kang, 2011). The environmental and weather conditions have the impact of falls from height. The workers working from heights face windy weather, rain, cold, and heat (Sousa, Almeida & Dias, 2014). The persons facing these challenges are roofers and carpenters. Moreover, modification of weather and environmental conditions contributes to the occurrence of accidents and falls from height.