Stakeholder’s perspectives on accident causes in rehabilitation and maintenance work in Portugal and Brazil

Abstract

Construction accidents are one of the main indicators of the claims recorded at work all over the world. Identification of the causes and factors related to work accidents is essential for a proper analysis of risk and the consequent adoption of procedures and measures to achieve more effective prevention. Focus on rehabilitation and maintenance has increased worldwide and it is in this kind of construction that accidents are more frequent, principally motivated by a lack of planning and adequate projects that consider workers safety during the building life cycle. Studies have shown that the planning and project phases are essential in guaranteeing occupational safety during the maintenance and rehabilitation stages. Based on studies done in Portugal and Brazil during the past few years, this work puts forward the stakeholder’s perspective on the main reasons for observed safety noncompliance and suggestions for procedures to improve these types of activities.