Fall Risk Assessment for Vertical Formwork Activities in Construction

Abstract

Vertical formwork in construction accounts for many fatal falls and injuries, among all other activities. Experts believe that an effective risk assessment could enhance safety performance by preventing accidents and injuries at the site. Despite the fact that little research has focused on quantifying the overall safety risks of formwork operations, vertical formwork activities that pose the risk of falls have been uncharted. This study aimed to assess the activity-based fall risks associated with vertical formwork. First, the formwork activities that pose the risk of falls were identified through observations, and industry professionals validated the descriptions of the resulting activities. Next, the Delphi method was employed with a panel of 13 construction experts. The identified activities were presented to experts to quantify each formwork activity based on probability and severity scales developed in prior research. Results indicated that the formwork panel stripping and erection have the highest risk of falls during vertical formwork operations. The findings of this study could help contracting companies target high-risk activities associated with vertical formwork for fall prevention safety programs.