CIRIA's project to understand construction hazards

New research funded by the Health and Safety Executive has been announced to better understand the causes of major hazards in construction.

The research will look into the factors behind incidents such as the collapse of buildings, tunnels and scaffolds during construction, major fires and overturn or collapse of plant such as cranes and piling rigs.

Although these incidents could be considered 'low probability' the consequences are potentially catastrophic and may include the risk of multiple casualties, possibly including members of the public, major disruption of infrastructure and services, and irreparable damage to organisation's reputation.

The project will be carried out by CIRIA and Loughborough University and will seek to evaluate the immediate and underlying causes of these incidents and the effectiveness of current control measures such as regulations, standards and guidance.

The aim of the project is to improve risk management of potentially catastrophic events as well increase duty holder awareness of risks and precautions.

The project will also examine if there is scope to improve and build on current control measures.

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