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Worker fatigue is an important risk factor in civil engineering and construction projects, particularly when night-time shift working is required. It is a significant cause of accidents and negatively affects health and well-being. Biomathematical models can be used to assess and reduce fatigue risk. Research funded by Tideway, the company delivering London's Thames Tideway Tunnel, was carried out to explore the current use and knowledge of such models in tunnelling, and to produce guidance on how the models can be used for fatigue management within the wider construction industry. The research identified limitations in how the tunnelling sector currently applies fatigue modelling. Knowledge and understanding of the models need to increase throughout construction for them to be effective and used appropriately. It is also important for an industry consensus on acceptable fatigue risk to be reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction-related ill health, including respiratory conditions, hand–arm vibration syndrome, musculoskeletal disorders and stress-related issues, has enormous personal and financial cost. Following research on major construction projects, a range of interventions are proposed in this paper, illustrated by examples from the Thames Tideway Tunnel project in London, UK. A consistent approach to occupational health management and health surveillance is needed across construction, with a commitment to better training and improved portability of occupational health data. Major projects are critical to raising health management standards, but good practices need to be universally adopted in small- to medium-sized enterprises to achieve lasting improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes aspects of the findings of a three-year research project, Construction Accident Causality, funded by the UK Health and Safety Executive. The project developed a causality model, through a combination of focus groups and detailed study of 100 construction accidents, using an ergonomics systems approach, to identify where safety is compromised and why. It concludes that stakeholders responsible for the immediate accident circumstances, shaping factors and originating influences must all work hard to remove flaws in their safety systems to ensure that accidents are reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]