Recommendations for a Significant Reduction in Construction Accidents in Norway

Despite many preventive measures introduced to reduce accidents in the Norwegian construction industry the last decade, accident rates (fatal and non-fatal) have been relatively stable. The main purpose of this study was to identify and suggest key topics and recommendations to significantly reduce construction accidents in Norway. The material and methods were expert interviews, an expert workshop, and examination of various research, reports and documents. The research resulted in eight overall recommendations for reducing construction accidents on a national level: (1) more targeted measures towards incident concentrations, (2) improve risk-reduction practices, (3) integrate safety in all construction phases, (4) improve safety culture, leadership and participation, (5) improve safety competence among key actors, (6) coordinate guidance materials, (7) reduce time pressure and production pressure, and (8) strengthening the national organizing, coordination and financing of safety work. The results can be useful for other countries and industries aiming at reducing accidents on a national level.

Keywords: Safety, Accidents, Construction, Occupational, Accident prevention, Safety recommendations.