Fatal accidents in the construction sector — A Portuguese study

The Construction Sector in Portugal shows high numbers of fatal accidents, with special occurrences in falls from height, crushing, burying and electrocution: From the 115 accidents in 2009, 56 came from this sector (ACT, 2009). So, it is important to understand better these matters bearing in mind what can be improved to minimize those numbers, namely what continues not to work properly and adequately. In this way, a research study was designed aiming to know and to analyze the content of the official reports related to fatal accidents. The Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) is the national body responsible for inspections and regulations in this field. Small and medium companies (SME) are the critical organizations, where safety procedures are not in place, nor legal regulations respected. The sequence of events was identified leading to fatal accidents.