Factors influencing workplace accident costs of building projects

• Average total accident cost (TAC) account for 0.25% of contract sum.
• Indirect accidents cost (IAC) is significant for building contractors.
• IAC is impacted by project and company size and involvement of sub-contractors.
• Relationship of accident frequency rate and TAC depends on project hazard level.

Workplace accidents would incur various losses to the injured workers and their families, employers and society. This study aims to investigate the magnitude of workplace accident costs to building contractors and identify factors influencing workplace accident costs of building projects. Data were collected using multiple techniques (structured interviews, archival records and questionnaires) from 47 completed building projects in Singapore. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlation analysis and moderated regression analysis. It is found that the average direct accident costs, indirect accident costs and total accident costs of building projects account for 0.165%, 0.086% and 0.25% of contract sum, respectively. It is concluded that workplace accident costs of building projects are influenced by accident rates, project hazard level, project size, company size and the involvement of sub-contractors. The findings of this study may enhance decision makers’ understanding of financial implications of workplace accidents in their building projects and motivate them to undertake accident prevention initiatives voluntarily.