Identifying construction workers injury predictors : a thematic content analysis

Abstract: Construction is a dangerous industry globally, with high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries. Furthermore, there is paucity of analytical research that considers the predictors of injuries among construction workers in South Africa construction industry and in the developing countries. The objective of this paper is to review existing research literature to identify the variables that are considered to be predictors of occupational injuries among construction workers. It also aimed to identify the gaps that exist in the current literature. The review spanned two decades between the periods January 1995 to 2015. The search was based on a systematic keyword combination search in two databases that is- emerald and science direct and in google. Twenty one quantitative and mixed method research studies were adjudged relevant for analysis in this current study. They were analysed using thematic content analysis, by identifying themes. All the studies reviewed had different predictors of construction workers injury. Furthermore, no study identified the safety leadership characteristics of the construction workers especially the tradesmen, hence a further gap identified in the current literature. Despite the gaps identified, five broad themes were adjudged to be good predictors of construction workers injuries, these were: work related variables, demographic variables, unsafe health and safety (H&S) behaviour, poor safety climate, and psychosocial factors. A further study is advocated to develop a predictive model for injury occurrence among construction workers in South Africa using logistic regression analysis. The model to be tested will also include the safety leadership characteristics of the construction workers