An ANALYSIS of FACTS and FIGURES of THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ACCIDENTS in VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

This report reviews the occupational health and safety (OHS) issues in the Victorian construction industry. The key findings of the report are that the construction industry is one of the major industries with significant injury risk; moreover, the OHS performance of the construction industry is unacceptable. Since the last decade, the construction industry remains among the five most hazardous industries in Victoria. Construction industry contributes about 10% fatalities in all Victorian industries and 25% fatalities in the construction industry throughout Australia. However, it appears that the trend in OHS performance of Victorian construction industry has improved consistently compared with the other industries. The enforcement of OHS law and regulation, and the outcome of authority function to assist and promote health, safety education and training are the significant factors for the improvement of safety performance in construction industry. Data on occupational injuries from National Occupational Safety and Health Commission were combined with data from the Victorian WorkCover Authority. Statistical analysis reveals that the frequency of accidents does not have a positive correlation with the economic activity and the number of employment in construction industry.