A retrospective analysis of work-related deaths in the Australian construction industry

Accident investigations are a well recognised and accepted method used to improve health and safety, providing an important link between the lessons of past incidents and safer and healthier operations in the future. In Australia, The National Coronial Information System (NCIS) is a national internet-based data storage and retrieval system for Australian coronial cases. Information about every death investigated by an Australian coroner since July 2000 (January 2001 for Queensland) is stored within the system, providing a valuable source of data for OHS researchers. A retrospective analysis of `construction work-related¿ deaths recorded in the NCIS is presented. Applying an accident causation model developed by Loughborough University to the data, causes of death in the Australian construction industry are identified. However, in many instances, the data do not permit the identification of causes beyond the immediate accident circumstances. Limitations inherent in the data and recommendations for systematic collection of data based upon systemic models of accident causation are made.