Effective Factors on the Occurrence of Falling from Height Accidents in Construction Projects by Using DEMATEL Method

Abstract

In construction industries, falling from height recognized is one of the main factors in the occurrence of construction accidents. In this study, 10 construction blocks were selected in Tehran that were under construction. Three groups of organizational, individual and environmental factors and sub-factors were considered as effective factors on the falling from height. Using the experts’ opinion, the main factors were divided into three groups, whereas their sub-factors were divided into 15 cases. Then, DEMATEL method was used to determine the most important factor and it’s sub-factors influencing the occurrence of accidents falling from a height and their relationship. The matrix of the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation (DEMATEL) method shows both the causal relationship between the factors and the effectiveness of their sub-factors variables. The results showed that individual factors were considered as the most important factors and their sub-factors had the most effect on the occurrence of falling from height accidents. It can be said that in determining the relationships of sub-factors, three out of six individual sub-factors including motivation, training hours, and age/experience and two out of five organizational sub-factors including management commitment and safety culture have the most impact on the occurrence of falling from height accidents. Paying attention to safety training and also increasing the motivation of workers can be effective in reducing occupational/psychological stress and accidents of falling from height.