Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the types of accidents that lead to permanent disability of
construction workers resulting in early retirement. The data was obtained from Federated Employer
Mutual Assurance (FEM). The types of accidents were analysed from the decade of data from 2007 to
2016. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis established that 7
670 accidents were experienced in the construction industry from 2007 to 2016, of which the major
cause of accidents in the construction industry in South Africa was being struck by e.g. object while
working. Furthermore, the highest average cost of accident was when a construction worker was
electrocuted, the average cost was R214 767.00. The most fatal accidents was caused by motor vehicles.
The study further established that there is a 10% chance of a construction worker to be permanently
disabled and take early retirement or permanently disabled without taking early retirement when
involved in any type of accident while at work. In conclusion construction workers using any work
related vehicle, either being transported to site or using the vehicle on site, caution should be adhered
to in order to prevent fatalities. The government of South Africa should ensure that strict measures are
taken for drivers who do not observe the traffic rules on site and on the public roads. This will ensure
the prevention of permanent disability, among the construction workers in South Africa. It is also
imperative for construction workers to receive training on health and safety when they work in any
construction project, this need to be emphasized on a daily on site by the construction health and safety
practitioners. The authors recommends a further study on the type of injury and ill-health associated
with the type of accident that force the construction worker to retire early.