Developing A Work-Related Accident Prevention Program for Onshore Pipeline Construction Workers in Thailand

Abstract

Background: Work-related accidents in construction are not only the cause of significant human suffering and loss; they are also complex phenomena involving multiple risk factors and stakeholders. Accordingly, numerous protocols and regulations have been developed to prevent construction work-related injuries in various settings. However, a specific accident prevention program has not been thoroughly investigated for construction workers in onshore oil and gas pipeline construction in Thailand. This study aims to develop and assess the effectiveness of an accident prevention program among onshore pipeline construction workers in Thailand. Methodology: Mixed-methods research was conducted from March 2022 to March 2023 among 577 workers and 30 stakeholders in construction projects. The data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire and brainstorming. Multiple linear regression analyses, paired samples t-test, Safe-T-Score (STS), and content analysis were applied to analyze the data. Results: The work-related accident prevention program, consisting of six steps with five proactive activities, effectively improved worker health and safety performance (P < 0.001). When compared to past performance, STS was less than -2 (STS = -2.18), which indicates an improved accident record. Worker health and safety performance was associated with poor environment (β = -0.146; P = 0.003), unsafe worker behaviors (β = -0.123; P = 0.026), unsafe workplace conditions (β = -0.466; P <0.001), and organizational psychology factors (β = 0.272; P < 0.001). Conclusions: We recommend extending this program to other construction workers in related contexts to improve accident prevention and promote safe work practices.

Keywords

• Health and safety performance
• Safe-T-Score
• Occupational exposure
• Unsafe behaviors
• Unsafe workplace conditions
• Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory