Edwards, D J and Holt, G D (2008) Health and safety issues relating to construction excavators and their attachments. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 15(4), pp. 321-335. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - In striving to minimise downtime and optimise the productivity of construction excavators, very often, they employ a "quick-hitch" (Qh) as a means of changing attachments (like buckets) more quickly. Health and safety issues can relate to Qh use. The purpose of this paper is to observe these health and safety issues and consider their implications for stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach - Triangulation, embracing a literature review; case studies; and the researchers' experiential knowledge, is employed to examine the nature and prevalence of Qh health and safety incidents. Findings - It is confirmed that significant risks are associated with (inappropriate) Qh use, especially relating to "manual" and "semi-automatic" types. The main causes of Qh incidents are observed to be due to workers' acts or omissions, particularly, failure to properly implement safety mechanisms. Practical implications - An identified emphasis on "people" and their actions, suggest a need for changes in construction working methods and management practice, as ways to help remove Qh risks. Accordingly, proffered solutions relate predominantly to improved worker training, combined with stricter site management. Mechanical solutions may involve possible changes to Qh design. Originality/value - This specific area of academic plant management study is novel.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; general management; health and safety; machine tools; mechanical engineering |
| Index terms: | case study, productivity, machine tool, site management, construction industry, mechanical engineering, health and safety, literature review, health and safety issues, methodology, management practice, triangulation |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, research design and methodology, mechanical systems, data analysis and analytics, construction operations, management, manufacturing engineering, research methods, health safety and environment, occupational health and safety management, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here