FATALITIES AND INJURIES IN THE KUWAITI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

摘要

This paper presents an analysis of construction accidents in Kuwait along with accident causation and injuries that can be considered serious or fatal, so that corrective measures can be taken to decrease casualties, resulting in a safer construction industry. The paper evaluates the existing injury and cost reporting- investigation system of construction accidents in government agencies and private firms. This research confirms that construction is the most hazardous industry in Kuwait, with accidents accounting for 48/100, 38/100 and 34/100 of all disabling injuries and 62/100, 38/100 and 42/100 of all fatalities in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. These rates are considered high and can be compared to construction accident statistics in the U.S.A. which accounted for 14/100 of all work-related deaths and 9/100 of disabling injuries in 1993. Based on the study, falling from a height appears to be the major cause of construction injuries and fatalities in Kuwait. Poor accident records and reporting systems hide the extent of the construction safety problem in kuwait addition many people at management level are unaware of accident-related costs and the effectiveness of a safety program in reducing project costs.