The objective of this research study is to provide an accurate and reliable analysis that can be used to develop safer and healthier work environments for all North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) employees. The specific objectives of this research study are twofold: (1) to closely examine the NCDOT’s RISKMASTER Database; and (2) to develop a standard reporting template from that database which can then be used to generate any needed reports.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is experiencing an increase in job-related injuries, illnesses, and accidents. These incidents and accidents lower worker morale, increase workers’ compensation claims, decrease productivity, and increase costs. The risk of injury and accident is particularly acute in highway construction because road construction workers are perilously close to dense, fast-moving traffic every day. The Safety & Loss Control Division recognizes that preventing work-related incidents and accidents is a vital part of keeping the NCDOT’s workforce functioning at full capacity. This Division is charged with developing and implementing an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) System to protect both employees and the traveling public. Hazard assessments are performed using data gathered from audits of facilities and work sites; once the hazards are identified, protocols can be developed to prevent incidents and accidents before they happen.
The purpose of this research is to analyze the Division’s database of incidents and accidents with the ultimate goal of improving safety in the NCDOT’s operations. The goals of this research project are to (1) identify various risk factors for the operations of the NCDOT’s Divisions; (2) analyze the circumstances related to the occurrence of incidents and accidents; and (3) identify trends in the rate of incident/accident occurrence. Through examination and analysis of the NCDOT’s “RISKMASTER Database,” the specific tasks of the NCDOT’s operations whose performance frequently results in injuries, illnesses, or fatalities are identified and the type of hazards that are most prevalent determined. This will provide valuable insight into how to mitigate the risk factors. A standard reporting format is developed so that the OSH System’s management team can track incident and accident trends in the future.
