Safety and environmental variables: effect on steel erection task durations

In 2002, the construction industry had the undesirable distinction of having two of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with fatalities among structural steel workers at 58.2 fatalities per 100,000 workers (4 highest rate) and construction laborers experiencing fatalities at the rate of 27.7 fatalities per 100,000 workers (9 highest rate). In addition to the costs associated with construction accidents such as increased insurance premiums and medical expenses, loss of productivity is a cause for concern to the industry. This paper presents the results from the analysis of observations at steel erection projects in the state of Indiana, USA and statistical analysis of task durations in steel erection collected over a six month period. The results of the analysis showed safety and environmental factors can influence worker productivity and demonstrate the need for research in order to find the causes of these impacts.