Widespread Construction Incidents: Prevalent Physical Threats & Abuse

Introduction:

A recent study conducted in New Zealand has shed light on the troubling psychosocial hazards faced by workers in the Construction industry. The study, led by Dr. Steve Cantwell of SaferMe, collected over 30,000 data points from construction businesses across the country. The findings revealed that verbal abuse and Physical Threats are common occurrences in the industry, and one in four workers avoid reporting injuries. Additionally, health and safety leaders face significant challenges, including workplace bullying and poor role clarity. The study has sparked a call for action to address these hazards and create safer work environments in the construction sector. SaferMe, with its Safety Snap tool, aims to help businesses measure and address these psychosocial hazards and foster collaborative and supportive workplaces.

Full Article: Widespread Construction Incidents: Prevalent Physical Threats & Abuse

Study Reveals Abuse and Threats Faced by Construction Workers in New Zealand

A recent study conducted by safety software company SaferMe has shed light on the psychosocial hazards faced by construction workers in New Zealand. The study, led by Dr. Steve Cantwell, collected over 30,000 data points from construction businesses across the country. The research was co-funded by ACC through its Workplace Injury Prevention innovation program and supported by CHASNZ (Construction Health & Safety NZ) and Civil Contractors NZ.

Key Findings

The study identified several key findings:

• Verbal abuse and physical threats are prevalent in the construction industry.
• One in four construction workers avoid reporting injuries.
• Health and Safety leaders in the industry face low levels of support, workplace bullying, and poor role clarity.

This report comes in the wake of the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum’s State of a Thriving Nation report, which highlighted that New Zealand has a workplace death rate twice that of Australia’s and costs the country $4.4 billion annually in deaths and injuries.

The Impact of Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards not only increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries but also contribute to higher absenteeism rates and employee turnover. SaferMe founder and CEO Clint van Marrewijk emphasizes the need to address these hazards in order to improve the nation’s statistics and ensure the well-being of workers in the construction industry.

Dr. Cantwell and his team conducted a thorough examination of these challenges in construction and other sectors, and are now assisting businesses in measuring and resolving these problems. SaferMe has developed an evidence-based tool called Safety Snap, which enables businesses to understand and address the psychosocial challenges affecting their staff in less than one minute per week.

Creating a Better Future for Construction Work

CHASNZ CEO Chris Alderson recognizes the value of evidence-based studies like this one in shaping a better future for the construction workforce. The findings provide insights into the importance of fostering collaborative and supportive workplaces while reducing known psychosocial risk factors.

Future Steps

With the help of funding from ACC, SaferMe aims to expand its reach and assist more industries and individual businesses in measuring and addressing psychosocial hazards in their workplaces. Safety Snap is just one tool developed by SaferMe to achieve this goal.

For more information on Safety Snap, visit www.safer.me/features/safety-snap/.

The full Key Findings document can be downloaded from this link.

Summary: Widespread Construction Incidents: Prevalent Physical Threats & Abuse

A recent study conducted in New Zealand construction businesses has revealed concerning psychosocial hazards faced by workers. The study, led by Dr. Steve Cantwell of safety software company SaferMe, collected over 30,000 data points from construction businesses nationwide. The findings indicate that workers are frequently abused and threatened, with one in four workers avoiding reporting injuries. Additionally, health and safety leaders face challenges such as workplace bullying and poor role clarity. These psychosocial hazards contribute to New Zealand’s high workplace death rate and cost the country billions annually. SaferMe’s Safety Snap tool aims to measure and address these hazards in the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Threats & Abuse Widespread in Construction

1. What are some common physical threats and abuses prevalent in the construction industry?

In the construction industry, physical threats and abuses can take several forms. Some common examples include physical violence among workers, unsafe working conditions leading to accidents, lack of proper safety equipment, bullying and harassment, and stress-related health issues.

2. How do physical threats and abuse impact construction workers?

Physical threats and abuse can have severe consequences for construction workers. They may suffer physical injuries, develop mental health issues like anxiety and depression, experience job dissatisfaction, or even face long-term disabilities. Such conditions can also negatively affect their productivity and overall well-being.

3. What measures can construction companies take to prevent physical threats and abuse?

To prevent physical threats and abuse, construction companies should prioritize the implementation of comprehensive safety programs. This includes conducting regular safety training sessions, providing appropriate safety equipment, promoting a culture of respect and accountability, and establishing effective reporting mechanisms for incidents of abuse or violence.

4. How can construction workers protect themselves from physical threats and abuse?

Construction workers can protect themselves by actively participating in safety programs and training provided by their employers. They should always wear personal protective equipment, report any potential safety hazards, and communicate openly with supervisors regarding concerns related to threats or abuse. It is crucial for workers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities and not hesitate to seek help if they encounter any misconduct.

5. What are the legal rights of construction workers in cases of physical threats and abuse?

Construction workers have legal rights to a safe and healthy work environment, as outlined by occupational safety and health regulations. They are entitled to report any incidents of abuse, violence, or unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. If a worker faces physical threats or abuse, they can seek legal remedies and support from relevant authorities, such as labor departments or labor unions.

6. How can construction companies create a safe and respectful work environment?

Construction companies can create a safe and respectful work environment by fostering a culture of safety and communication. This involves conducting regular safety inspections, promoting open dialogue between workers and supervisors, addressing concerns promptly, providing avenues for anonymous reporting, and implementing a zero-tolerance policy against physical threats and abuse. Additionally, offering sufficient breaks, rest periods, and support programs for employees’ mental health can also contribute to a healthy work environment.

7. What resources are available for construction workers who have experienced physical threats or abuse?

Construction workers who have experienced physical threats or abuse can access various resources to seek guidance and support. They can reach out to their company’s human resources department, labor unions, or legal professionals specializing in workplace harassment or workers’ rights. Additionally, government agencies related to occupational safety and health can provide information and assistance in such cases.

Remember, addressing physical threats and abuse in the construction industry requires a collective effort from workers, employers, and regulatory bodies to create a safer and more respectful work environment.