Project Management Methodology Applied to a Research and Recommendations Study: Understanding Workplace Accidents Involving Equipment

Abstract

Nearly 25 percent of work vehicle-related deaths take place while the vehicle is moving in reverse. The total cost to employers in 2000 was $60 billion, with two-thirds of the accidents taking place on-the-job. Due to the high number of vehicle blind spot accidents that take place each year, it is critical to ensure current technology is being utilized to prevent future accidents. (“Guidelines for employers to reduce motor vehicle crashes,” 2006) While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigates industrial fatalities, too little information is gathered into general categories to effectively understand the overall effectiveness of U.S. regulations, and if current technology may reduce blind spot incident and accident rates in the workplace. To improve safety performance in the workplace, it is essential to understand the underlying causes of accidents. Researching white papers and gaining an understanding of patterns and contributing factors, recommendations can be made to help improve workplace safety. Data collected from a custom-made questionnaire deployed within the Municipality of Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna Borough provided insight to many jobsites within the area, in addition to thoughts and considerations of working-class individuals regarding company policy, laws, regulations, technology use and potential, and equipment blind spots.