Abstract
Construction accidents and fatalities bear heavily on companies. Thus, achieving zero accidents on construction projects is a desired goal universally. The present study aims to identify critical conditions or factors to ensure zero accidents on projects. A field questionnaire survey was used to collect data in different locations in Gauteng. Participants were selected using snowballing and judgemental sampling techniques. Empirical data were analysed using EXCEL to output descriptive statistics including mean item scores and standard deviation. The factors were further ranked to identify the most important as perceived by the sampled respondents. The study found that clear H&S goals, regular recording of accidents and incidents, regular tool box talks as well as following strict H&S rules, procedures and processes were the most indicators of a good safety record among the sampled organisations. On the other hand, involving staff in H&S planning and worker incentives did not appear to have much bearing on achieving zero accidents in the organizations sampled. The study was conducted in only one Province in South Africa and may not be generalisable to construction organizations in entire country or other geographical areas. The current research identifies factors necessary to prevent or avoid accidents on construction sites. Continuous health and safety improvement is likely if factors to prevent accidents are taken into account to prevent their occurrence.