Considerations of the Working Environment within the Method for Assessing Occupational Risks: Mevar in Construction

Preprint

Article

Considerations of the Working Environment within the Method for Assessing Occupational Risks: Mevar in Construction

Altmetrics

Downloads

191

Views

121

Comments

Submitted:

05 May 2023

Posted:

06 May 2023

You are already at the latest version

Alerts

Abstract

Aspects are presented on the interpretation of certainties by assessing risks with maximum level in order to establish reasonable limits of acceptance, tolerance or assumption of risks, supplementing environmental risk factors with external, social, financial elements and introducing a category in the work system analysis.Comparative aspects between INCDPM and MEvAR methods are presented as proposals in the associated tables.The conclusions highlight the current aspects implemented in the method and their usefulness.

Keywords:

Subject: Environmental and Earth Sciences - Environmental Science

1. Introduction

1.1. Current Situation of OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) in the Construction Sector in Romania

The construction sector in Romania has shown an upward trend in the last 30 years for housing construction, mainly due to local economic growth (see Figure 1) and the highest growth in terms of the share of construction area is observed in Ilfov, Cluj and Bucharest counties.

1.2. Accident Situation on Romania

Against this backdrop of increased construction activities, the number of accidents at work also increased in 2018, with Romania being number 1 in the European Union (see Figure 3), the level of fatal accidents being almost double the EU average (see Figure 4), with the construction of buildings accounting for 16.8 of all fatal accidents in 2020 and being in first place (see Figure 5).

As can be seen, the OSH situation is not much different and official statistics do not provide sufficient details for a thorough analysis of the occurrence of events in the construction sector [5,6].

For this reason, we believe that a systematic approach is needed both to the statistical data and information in the field and to the content of the occupational risk assessment report, which should include elements to ensure the large-scale implementation of the OSH management system and integrated quality-environment-OSH management systems [7,8].

Figure 4 shows the comparison of fatalities in Romania and the EU

Table 1, Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 present the accident situations in Romania in 2021 classified by activity category, county, age and seniority [5].

2. Short Presentation on the MEvAR Method of Occupational Risk Assessment

The MEvAR (Method of Evaluation and Appreciation of Risks/ Method of risk assessment and evaluation) method is developed by a team of specialists in the field of occupational health and safety at Politehnica University Bucharest, Romania, the Institute for Research and Development in the field of Occupational Health and Safety Alexandru Darabond, Bucharest, Romania and specialists from the private sector who have adapted the technical requirements of occupational risk assessment methods to current legal and management system requirements [9,10].

The method is intended for technical occupational risk assessment specialists and managers of private or governmental organizations from a managerial and administrative perspective to assessing the level of occupational risk in the organisation, the treatment and prevention and protection measures necessary to mitigate risks, monitoring and recording of control measures and continuous improvement of work processes [11,12,13].

The method is applicable to all areas of activity because it is based on a particular freedom in the selection of the two technical methods of occupational risk assessment that can be adapted to the specifics of the activities and the superimposition of legislative requirements, management system requirements and/or management involvement [16].

In the context of the change in the requirements of the H&S management systems by SR EN ISO 45001:2018 and the need to use a method of assessment and evaluation of occupational risks adapted to the current requirements, the MEvAR method presents the following aspects [14,15]:

-: it has correspondence in the Community or international standards in the field;
-: the method takes into account elements of certainty before risks, risks are aggregated on the basis of sources, dangerous situations and hazards, elements specific to the organisation, work teams, workers, direct relationship with the organization’s management, company management and workplace managers, records and history of impact on workers;
-: the assessment covers the workplace/station/activity/process/sensitive group/work equipment/chemical substances and/or preparations used/workplace layout in the organization;
-: risks generated in the analysis and action, opportunities, vulnerabilities and capabilities are considered;
-: technical data, operating parameters and up to date maintenance are analyzed for failure predictions of analyzed equipment;
-: the work environment is separated into the workplace environment and the environment in its vicinity for better analysis of external sources and impacts;
-: risks in combining and adapting the main elements of SR EN ISO 31010:2019, SR EN ISO 45001: 2018 are analyzed and assessed from different assessment methods (Brainstorming, Delphi, INCDPM - Darabont, Heinrich, FMEA, AMDEC, ARAMIS, ISHIKAWA, NEBOSH, HAZOP, ELVIE, REASON, MEVA, others) considering the participation of minimum 2 assessors, analysis and identification of sources, interview, supervision and organization of process meetings, the assessed values use parameter specific mathematical models, different type 5x5, 4x4, 3x3 with associated values that are chosen by the assessor in order to realize the relevance of the risk and proposed measures;
-: the risk can be assessed in different forms - initial, proposed - residual, weighted with that of the basic method according to the established purpose and objectives, there is a selection of the risk treatment strategy and the risks can be reviewed during the assessment;
-: the method incorporates harmonized elements of classical occupational risk assessment methods, H&S management system requirements and current legislative requirements;
-: severity is expressed as the ratio of consequence to harm, with the level of injury being a ratio of trauma to illness and the level of material damage being estimated according to the financial level of the organization;
-: probability is analyzed in terms of the likelihood of an event occurring and the characteristics of the exposure - route, duration and frequency ;
-: the number and quality of workers are included in the assessment;
-: the influence on processes of situations such as the Coronavirus Sars CoV-2 - Covid -19 pandemic is taken into account ;
-: we consider that the method is relatively easy to use, being accompanied by the Microsoft Excel software application popular among users, with which reports are obtained on the certainties and potential risks, their treatment measures, prevention and protection measures in the field of H&S ;

The MEvAR calculation formula for risk is: R = ((L x S)/ A) x I

where: - R - level of occupational risk/accident, L – likelihood - probability of occurrence, S - severity of the event, A - level of assurance requirements for prevention and protection measures, I – management involvement (adapted from the original) [16,17,18]

The MEvAR method of assessing the risks of occupational risk assessment follows the following stages:

a. Ensuring the prerequisites for the assessment involves ensuring that the occupational risk assessment is carried out properly and includes:

-: the contractual requirements ;
-: administrative requirements ;
-: information on regulatory compliance ;
-: knowledge of work processes ;
-: planning of activities and scheduling of the team and staff to be interacted with prior to the commencement of the risk assessment work;
-: staff briefing and training;
-: preparation of documents, equipment, facilities;
-: travel to the work sites.

b. Identification, analysis and assessment of hazards/hazardous situations will be carried out by collecting data, information and direct observation, documentation, interview, determinations, other, analysis and assessment, use of checklists and checkpoints and provision of documented information [19,20,21].

c. Establishment of certainties and risks shall be ensured by the assessors by comparison with checklists specific to the assessment method, on-site assessment and/or consultation with other specialists in the field [22,23].

d. Occupational risk assessment involves the use of the tool in the application and includes:

-: entering the initial data into the application;
-: assessing, determining and estimating the levels of the risk calculation elements;
-: calculation of the assessed risk, which is carried out by the application;
-: the projection of the residual risk resulting from the recalculation of the analysis of the risk treatment, the verification of the assurance of the prevention and protection measures and the continuous improvement projected to be achieved by the input of new data and is carried out by the application [24,25].

e. The completion of the risk assessment report involves the application generating, checking, validating and printing the report in an acceptable format.

f. The production of the annexed documents of the risk assessment report is generated by the application and includes in principle the following reports/documents:

-: prevention and protection plan;
-: risk register;
-: work equipment assessment sheet;
-: the evaluation sheet for hazardous chemical substances or preparations;
-: workstation layout sheet – ergonomics;
-: sensitive groups assessment sheet;
-: certainties (definite hazards);
-: unacceptable risks;
-: acceptable risks;
-: risk alert form;
-: risk tracking sheet.

g. Completion of the risk assessment activity consists of handing over the receipt of the risk assessment documentation and its signature by the parties [26].

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Study on the Working Environment in Construction

The working environment in the construction sector comprises variable elements to most specific risk factors determined by climatic conditions, organisation, internal or external influences, other sources. Prior to the study of the working environment, it is necessary to establish whether the structure of the working system in the current definition is comprehensive or whether it still needs to be updated or supplemented in order to ensure an analysis adapted to current conditions. The definition of risks also does not contain certainties that have the highest probability of occurrence, and practice shows that these certainties can be activated in situations that do not depend exclusively on employers. The obligation to ensure prevention and protection measures in the field of health and safety at work is incumbent on employers, according to Article 6, paragraph 1 of Romanian Law 319/2006, the employer is obliged to ensure the safety and health of workers in all aspects related to work, and failure to ensure this requirement involves violation of the Penal Code Article 349 Failure to take any of the legal measures of safety and health at work by the person who had the duty to take these measures, if it creates an imminent danger of an accident at work or occupational disease or penalties.

The obligation to comply with prevention and protection measures in the field of occupational health and safety is incumbent on workers under Article 22 of Law 319/2006 Each worker must carry out his work in accordance with his training and instruction and with the instructions received from his employer, so as not to expose to the danger of injury or occupational disease both himself and other persons who may be affected by his actions or omissions during the work process, violation of these being criminally punishable by violation of the Penal Code art. 350 failure by any person to comply with the obligations and measures established with regard to occupational safety and health, if this creates an imminent danger of an occupational accident or occupational illness, contravention or disciplinary according to internal regulations.These issues can significantly affect the work of organizations and in particular occupational risk assessors because the reasonable limit is not clearly defined.

For this purpose, we can present some risks of a certain nature which, when interpreted on the basis of elements of probability, insurance possibilities and competences, can establish reasonable limits of accepted, tolerated or assumed risks (see Table 5).

Workplace risks are related and interdependent with the main environmental risks (see Table 6).

The current structure of the work system includes: the performer, the workload, the means of production and the work environment, elements that may overlap tangentially with the requirements of the SHS management system, the area of management involvement, leadership, planning, performance evaluation not being highlighted.

Table 7 shows the risk types and risks associated with high and specific risk areas generated mainly from the external environment of the organisation that can affect from outside to inside, in proximity or tangent, when leaving the work environment.

A classification of the categories of occupational risk factors is presented in Table 8 from which we can consider a new category that goes beyond the risk assessment of the work system, namely other risks that complement the general and specific situation of the assessed workplace.

The main external risks of the work environment can be (see Table 9):

Following the analysis of the influence of other environmental elements not classified in INCDPM methods, we propose to adapt, complete or compare the following elements specific to the work environment that may affect workers' health and safety (see Table 10):

The main activities and impacts specific to the field of OSH for the work carried out by the installers in the selected construction organisation are detailed in Table 11.

3.2. Workplace- Installer

Description and systemic analysis of the job/ activities/processes/sensitive groups/ work equipment/ chemical substances and/or preparations used/ workplace layout for the – installer (see Figure 5):

-: Activity/Process: installation, commissioning, checking, control of thermal and sanitary installations according to the construction project;
-: Inputs: qualified installers and unqualified personnel, installation of electric lighting, electricity, plumbing, heating, construction elements, construction site, necessary funds;
-: Outputs: construction and proper operation of thermal plumbing, consumption of electricity, water, fuel, spare parts, heat emissions, waste.

Human resources: the post is staffed by 23 site workers (fitters, unskilled workers) out of the required 23, men, with permanent employment contracts, 8-10 hours/working day, working on time, previously obtained qualifications, each worker being medically fit, with work experience of between 4-19 years, equipped with the appropriate PPE for the risks identified. Staff recruitment is provided by external staff with the necessary HR skills and competencies. Work tasks are set out in job descriptions and job managers' instructions and include how tasks are given, passed on and received, how activities are carried out, reporting and working relationships. The main activities consist of carrying out the work of heating and plumbing installations in accordance with the plans and specifications received (taking delivery of materials, equipment, transport, storage, drawing, cutting, soldering, joining, connecting, fitting, checking, commissioning, other related activities. Horizontal and vertical communication, monitoring of activities is carried out.

Means of production used:

Means of work: PPR soldering machine, copper pipe soldering machine, circular saw, drill, press, pump/compressor, pressure gauge, tool kits

-: - means of transport and communication: Ford transit van 3.5 t;
-: - productive buildings/spaces: - office, warehouse, site premises;
-: - the containers and warehouses for storing products: - material warehouse, cabinets, boxes, cases;
-: - Energy, water power, steam, etc. : - electricity, water.

Objects of work : - materials, blanks, etc. , heating, plumbing: pipes, fittings, plugs, taps, fittings, clamps, etc., solder paste, adhesive, cleaning substances, - other

Foreseeable risks of injury and occupational illness at the workplace/ activities/processes/sensitive groups/ work equipment/ chemicals used/ workplace layout as assessed from which we can mention: traffic accidents, impact caused by falling or projecting objects, collision with an obstacle, high-pressure jets (cutting, striking), risks of catching and gripping (puncturing, cutting, abrasions), dangerous movements of technical equipment (moving machine parts, fluid flows, movements of means of transport), self-induced or self-locking of machinery or fluids, movements under the effect of gravity, propulsion (slipping, rolling, rolling on wheels, overturning, free-falling, free-flowing, spilling, surging, collapsing, sinking, movements under the effect of propulsion, projection of bodies or particles, deviation from normal trajectory, rocking, rebound), static compression of a body part (shock, impact, impact, compression), mechanical injuries (abrasion, puncture, cuts, bites, wounds or stab wounds), falls caused by slipping/high falls, noise, accidental electrocution, inhalation of chemical/biological aerosols in the form of dust, direct/indirect contact with biological agents contained in materials people, animals, others, improper operation of equipment, incorrect handling of equipment, pressure vessels (particle design, jet), variable temperature outdoor environment

Protective measures applied.

a) technical measures:

-: - instrinsic protection - compliance of products with the essential requirements of the OSH;
-: - collective protection - means of delimiting and marking work areas, improving microclimate, electrical security, combating noise, air currents, combating mechanical risks, improving lighting.

b) organizational measures:

-: - training of workers, health surveillance, health and safety propaganda, organisation of work and workstation/ activities/processes/sensitive groups/ work equipment/ chemical substances and/or preparations used/ workplace layout;
-: - personal protection - protection of head, eyes and face, ears, respiratory tract, body, hands, feet, whole body, electrical safety protection.

c) hygiene and health measures:

-: - protective feeding, hygienic sanitary materials, first aid stations, changing rooms, bathrooms with showers, etc.

Reported occupational accidents and/or illnesses: no events have been reported, investigated and recorded within the organisation since its inception to date.

Workplace: is located on site, in the work area in office spaces, warehouses, car park, construction elements, access, travel and outdoor areas where they carry out activities according to the job description and management decisions.Site dimensions are defined in the project having an area greater than 5,000 m², installation works are carried out after completion of the structure on work areas located in different buildings, levels or height regime. Work may be carried out at basement, floor, ground level or 4.0 m height in enclosed or semi-enclosed areas.Work areas are exposed to draughts, dust, vibrations, noise, temperature variations, airlessness.Handling can be done manually or semi/mechanically with lift, nacelle, front loader, pallet truck.The movement routes are secured, signposted and adequately protected.Appropriate site organisation and hygiene requirements are ensured.There are contractual provisions between the beneficiary and the contractor, collaboration, employment relationship, equal opportunities and social relations.

Financial, material, legal conditions, prioritization, perimeter protection, access control, personal data protection are ensured.

The Figure 6 shows the main non-conformities found during the hazard identification and occupational risk assessment for the activity and position of the installer on the site in question.

The Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11 show some aspects of the MEvAR and INCDPM method-specific spreadsheets for identified, assessed and residual risks on the basis of which the risk level can be determined and how to treat them according to the selections of the professional risk assessors.

In the spreadsheet of identified risks selection areas and calculation areas are shown. Thus in the selection area we have the possibility to select and validate the calculation of risk factors for the INCDPM method a number of 108 and for the MEvAR method 191.

These factors are found in columns B and F and in column D and E hazards/ dangerous situations/ risk factors category.

For the calculation by the INCDPM method the following columns are established G for MAXIMUM FORESEEABLE CONSEQUENCE, K for LIKELIHOOD, N for SEVERITY/ IMPACT, X for RISK LEVEL, Y for RISK LEVEL EXPRESSION and Z for SECURITY LEVEL.

For method MEvAR the columns and formula established are H for DAMAGE LEVEL ( =IF(H20=1,5;"major damage";IF(H20=1,3;"high damage";IF(H20=1,2;"average damage";IF(H20=1,1;"low damage";IF(H20=1;"minor damage";"ERROR"))))) ), I for DAMAGE VALUE, J for EXPRESSION DAMAGE VALUE, L for LIKELIHOOD, M for LIKELIHOOD EXPRESSION (=IF(L20=5;"very high";IF(L20=4;"high";IF(L20=3;"average";IF(L20=2;"low";IF(L20=1;"very low";"ERROR")))) ) , O for SEVERITY / IMPACT, P for EXPRESSION SEVERITY/ IMPACT, Q for IDENTIFIED RISK LEVEL (=((L20+O20)/2) ), R for EXPRESSION IDENTIFIED RISK (=IF(Q20>3,01;"not accepted";IF(Q20>2,51;"tolerated";IF(Q20>2,01;"accepted";IF(Q20>1,57;"controlled";IF(Q20>0,43;"managed";"ERROR"))))) ), S for EXPOSED PERSONS, T for LEVEL OF ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, U for EXPRESSION ASSURANCE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS ( =IF(T278=1,5;"conformable";IF(T278=1,25;"corresponding";IF(T278=1;"minimal";IF(T278=0,5;"uninsured";"ERROR")))) ), V for INVOLVEMENT, W for EXPRESSION INVOLVEMENT (=IF(V278=1,5;"significant involvement";IF(V278= 1,25;"proper involvement";IF(V278=1;"minimal involvement";"ERROR"))) ), AA for RISK LEVEL(=((L278+O278)/2)/(T278*V278) ), AB for RISK EXPRESSION (=IF(AA278>3,01;"not accepted";IF(AA278>2,51;"tolerated";IF(AA278>2,01;"accepted";IF(AA278>1,57;"controlled";IF(AA278>0,43;"managed";"ERROR"))))) ) and AC for RISK TREATMENT STRATEGY.

The other values in columns G-AC are selections of default values in the tables in rows 308-328 and columns G-AI.

In the spreadsheet of residual risks the risk breakdown is entered in column F - THE CAUSES OF RISK and the calculation data in columns B,C,D,E,H-K,O,X,AB, AC( like - ='MEvAR identify'!AC3 ) which are extracted from the spreadsheet with identified risks.

In columns L ( =IF(K2=5;"very high";IF(K2=4;"high";IF(K2=3;"average";IF(K2=2;"low"; IF(K2=1;"very low";"ERROR"))))) ), P ( =IF(Q2=5;"very serious";IF(Q2=4;"serious";IF(Q2=3; "average";IF(Q2=2;"low";IF(Q2=1;"minor";"ERROR"))))) ), R ( =IF(Q2=5;"very serious"; IF(Q2=4;"serious";IF(Q2=3;"average";IF(Q2=2;"low";IF(Q2=1;"minor";"ERROR"))))) ), U ( =IF(T2=1,5;"conform";IF(T2=1,25;"corresponding";IF(T2=1;"minimal";IF(T2=0,5;"unasured";"ERROR")))) ), Y ( =IF(X2>3,01;"not accepted";IF(X2>2,51;"tolerated";IF(X2>2,01; "accepted";IF(X2>1,57;"controlled";IF(X2>0,43;"managed";"ERROR"))))) ), Z ( =((M2+Q2) /2)/(T2*V2) ), AA( =IF(Z2>3,01;"not accepted";IF(Z2>2,51;"tolerated";IF(Z2>2,01;"accepted";IF(Z2>1,57;"controlled";IF(Z2>0,43;"managed";"ERROR"))))) ).

The other columns contain selections according to the tables in rows 206-211 and columns G-AC or newly entered.

In the spreadsheet of acceptable or unacceptable risks are extracted from spreadsheet residual risks like - ='MEvAR identify'!O10 and filtered by risk expression.

In the spreadsheet Prevention and protection plan data are extracted from spreadsheet residual risks like - ='MEvAR identify'!O10 and contain selection according to the tables in rows 206-214 and columns D-H, like ='MEvAR residual '!AC6 or newly entered.

The final results are presented in Table 12 showing comparisons between the risk levels assessed by the INCDPM and MEvAR assessment methods for the case study applied to the installer's activity and position.

4. Conclusions

By adapting and correlating risk factors in general and work environment factors in particular with the requirements of the OSH management system applying the MEvAR method can be achieved:

-: update and complete the uncovered and/or niche aspects of the assessment methods used by most specialists;
-: adaptation of occupational risk assessment methods with other general or specific risk assessment methods;
-: linking with the requirements of the OSH management system and the integrated quality - environment - OSH - HACCP - information management system;
-: adaptation with territorial administrative management systems;
-: awareness of hazards and prevention and protection measures on the part of the organizations' management by taking over the assessment report;
-: the possibility of vector development of the assessment system by ensuring the application of general and particular principles of identification, analysis, assessment, evaluation and conclusion by specialists;
-: the possibility of mitigating hazards by ensuring greater attention and weighting to the treatment of risks, managing and keeping under control those that are highly variable or likely to occur;
-: improving the resilience of OSH, Emergency situation, environmental protection to events.

The work environment is an element of the work system together with the worker, the workload and the means of production related to the work process, but it is not directly related in the regulations in the field of occupational health and safety to the external environment, proximal and distal socio-human, relational and informational, financial, political-economic, environment in general.

Occupational risk assessment methods do not aggregate risks into categories, are only partially adapted to quality, environmental, information and safety management systems and ensure that certain risks are treated as risks with maximum probability.

Certainties are hazards that can generate serious events with a single maximum probability, those with multiple probabilities are risks.

Certainties can be dealt with by eliminating hazardous situations/sources of occurrence or eliminating the possibility of occurrence, if man does not interact with the hazardous situation the event will not occur.

Variations in the characteristics of work environment factors are mainly determined by subjective judgements of specialists in estimated short assessment periods or by technical measurements with calibrated equipment, system procedures/established methodologies that show certain values.

The impact on the working environment and in particular on workers can be assessed on the basis of the medical conditions found during occupational medical examinations, the number of days of sick leave or in serious cases death.

Adapting occupational assessments to the elements proposed by the MEvAR method in construction activities can ensure an analysis adapted to the requirements of integrated management systems and optimize expenditure by treating the risks initially assessed with a view to reducing the level of residual risks on the basis of indicators and reports generated in the application associated with the method.

The implementation of system-based communications significantly helps the internal and external processes of the organisation primarily at management level which can ensure the elements of control and continuous improvement.

In the construction sector, activities start from the project preparation phase and during the execution phase, if the necessary elements of risk analysis and the proposed prevention and protection measures are in place, coupled with an adequate level of monitoring and control, both the legislative requirements and the requirements of the H&S or integrated management system are ensured.

Organizations carrying out construction activities, whether beneficiaries or contractors, can compare the elements of the methods applied by the specialists with whom they have contracted to provide assessment or services in the field of OSH with those of the MEvAR method and apply the significant optimized parts in their own processes or collaborations with third parties.

Funding

This work was supported by the grant POCU/993/6/13/153178, ”Performanță în cercetare” - "Research performance" co-financed by the European Social Fund within the Sectorial Operational Program Human Capital 2014-2020.

Acknowledgments

We express our deep gratitude for the support, recommendations and coordination granted through the project "Performance in research", POCU/993/6/13/153178, to the team and the scientific coordinator of the work Ms. Univ. habil. prof. dr. Eng. Oana Roxana CHIVU.

References

In 2021 the most homes were built in the last 30 years - 2022 is the sign of uncertainty. Available online: https://www.wall-street.ro/articol/Real-Estate/284340/in-2021-au-fost-construite-cele-mai-multe-locuinte-in-ultimii-30-de-ani-2022-sta-sunt-semnul-incertitudinii.html (accessed on 17 November 2022).
The places where the most houses were built in Romania in the last 10 years / Counties where fewer houses are built and those where their number has exploded. Available online: https://economie.hotnews.ro/stiri-finante_banci-25674715-locurile-care-construit-cele-mai-multe-locuinte-din-romania-ultimilor-10-ani-judetele-care-construiesc-mai-putine-locuinte-cele-care-numarul-lor-explodat.htm (accessed on 17 November 2022).
France among most dangerous places to work in EU, figures show. Available online: https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20221031-france-among-most-dangerous-places-to-work-in-eu-figures-show (accessed on 17 November 2022).
Accidents at work by sex, age and severity (NACE Rev. 2 activity A, C-N). Available online: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/HSW_MI01/bookmark/line?lang=en&bookmarkId=9edf396d-7316-4e72-93c7-a84acac4d9fb (accessed on 17 November 2022).
More than 2,000 people were injured at work in the first half of 2021. Most fatal accidents are in construction. Available online: https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/peste-2-000-de-oameni-au-suferit-accidente-de-munca-in-prima-jumatate-a-lui-2021-cele-mai-multe-accidente-mortale-sunt-in-constructii-1709721 (accessed on 17 November 2022).
Available online: https://dexonline.ro/definitie/mediu/definitii (accessed on 17 November 2022).
Law 319/2006 of Occupational Health and Safety; Romanian Government: Bucharest, Romania, 2006.
Penal code, adopted by Law 286/2009, Romania, 2014.
Cioca L.I., Moraru R., Băbuţ, G., 2010. Occupational Risk Assessment: A Framework for Understanding and Practical Guiding the Process in Romania, Proc. Int. Conference on Risk Management, Assessment and Mitigation (RIMA ’10), 56-61, Bucharest, Romania, 20-22.04.2010, WSEAS Press.
Matei I., Bǎbuţ G., Moraru R., Hanna C., 1995. The use of the FOCUS program for the assessment of safety conditions with the reope. ning of areas isolated as a result of spontaneous combustions in the Valea Jiului coal basin. In Proceedings of the 3rd Canadian Conference on Computer Applications in the Mineral Industry (CAMI 95); pp. 720-724.
Moraru R., Băbuţ G., Cioca L.I., 2010a. Human Reliability Model and Application for Mine Dispatchers in Valea Jiului Coal Basin, Proceedings of the International Conference on RISK MANAGEMENT, ASSESSMENT and MITIGATION (RIMA ’10), 45-50, Bucharest, Romania, WSEAS Press, 2010; ISSN: 1790-2769, ISBN: 978-960-474-182-3.
Moraru R., Băbuţ G., Cioca L.I. Adressing the human error assessment and management. Arch. Min. Sci. 2010, 55, 873-878.
Cioca L.I., Moraru R.I. The importance of occupational health and safety in the framework of corporate social responsibility. Manag. Sustain. Dev. 2010, 2, 71-77.
Cioca L.I., Moraru R.I. Explosion and/or fire risk assessment methodology: a common approach structured for underground coalmine environments. Arch. Min. Sci. 2012, 57, 53-60. [CrossRef]
Masi, D.; Cagno, E. Barriers to OHS interventions in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Saf. Sci. 2015, 71, 226–241. [CrossRef]
Hadjimanolis, A.; Boustras, G.; Economides, A.; Yiannaki, A.; Nicolaides, L. Work attitudes and safety performance in microfirms—Results from a nationwide survey: (the opinion of the employees). Saf. Sci. 2015, 80, 135–143. [CrossRef]
Cagno, E.; Masi, D.; Leão, C.P. Drivers for OSH interventions in small and medium-sized enterprises. Int. J. Occup. Saf. Ergon. 2016, 22, 102–115. [CrossRef]
Bonafede, M.; Corfiati, M.; Gagliardi, D.; Boccuni, F.; Ronchetti, M.; Valenti, A.; Marinaccio, A.; Iavicoli, S. OHS management and employers’ perception: Differences by firm size in a large Italian company survey. Saf. Sci. 2016, 89, 11–18. [CrossRef]
Cunningham, T.R.; Sinclair, R. Application of a model for delivering occupational safety and health to smaller businesses: Case studies from the US. Saf. Sci. 2015, 71, 213–225. [CrossRef]
Cioca, L.-I.; Ivascu, L. Risk Indicators and Road Accident Analysis for the Period 2012–2016. Sustainability 2017, 9, 1530. [CrossRef]
Babut, G.B.; Cioca, L.I. Rationale and Criteria Development for Risk Assessment Tool Selection in Work Environments. Environ. Eng. Manag. J. 2014, 13, 1371–1376. [CrossRef]
Bao, J.; Johansson, J.; Zhang, J. An Occupational Disease Assessment of the Mining Industry’s Occupational Health and Safety Management Based on FMEA and an Improved AHP Model. Sustainability 2017, 9, 94.
Byon, Y.D. Season-dependent condition-based maintenance for a wind turbine using a partially observed markove decision process. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2010, 25, 1823–1834.
Moraru, R. I.; Babut, G. B.; Cioca, L. I. An Inventory of Environmental Risks Induced by Tailing Dams and Sytematic Mitigation Measures. In 12th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference, SGEM 2012, Vol. V; Stef92 Technology Ltd.: Sofia, Bulgaria, 2012; pp. 43–49. [CrossRef]
Choong, S. W. J., Ng, P. K., Yeo, B. C., Draghici, A., Gaureanu, A., Ng, Y. J., Selvan, H. K. T., A Preliminary Study on Ergonomic Contribution to the Engineering Design Approach of a Wheel Loader Control Lever System, Sustainability 2021, 14, 122. [CrossRef]
Meng, X.; Xue, S.; An, K.; Cao, Y. Physiological Indices and Subjective Thermal Perception of Heat Stress-Exposed Workers in an Industrial Plant. Sustainability 2022, 14, 5019.

Figure 1. Building construction situation Romania 2020 [1].

Figure 2. Construction situation by county 2020 [2].

Figure 3. EU fatality situation 2020 [3].

Figure 4. Fatal accident situation EU – Romania [4].

Figure 5. Workplace for installer.

Figure 6. Non-conforming aspects identified of the construction site.

Figure 7. MEvAR risk assessment sheet p1.

Figure 8. MEvAR risk assessment sheet p2.

Figure 9. MEvAR risk assessment sheet p3.

Figure 10. MEvAR residual risk assessment sheet p1.

Figure 11. MEvAR residual risk assessment sheet p1.

Table 1. Accident situation in Romania 2021.

Year	2021
Category	No. injured	Percent from total	Fatalities	Percent from total
Total	2055	-	41	1.99
Retail trade, except motor vehicles and motorcycles	189	9.2	-	-
Building construction	130	6.3	6	14.6
Manufacture of road transport vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers	96	4.7	-	-
Forestry and logging	-	-	4	9.8
Works of civil engineering	-	-	4	9.8

Table 2. Accident situation in Romania 2021 by place.

Year	2021
Place/County of injury	Bucharest	Brasov	Maramureș	Sibiu
No. injured	493	122	81	78
Percent from total	24.0	5.9	3.9	3.8

Table 3. Accident situation in Romania 2021 by age.

Year	2021
Age of injury (first 6 month of year)	40-50 years	50-60 years
Percent from total	27.9	26.7

Table 4. Accident situation in Romania 2021 by seniority.

Year	2021
seniority	Under 5 years	5-10 years	10-20 years
No. injured	1386	303	242
Percent from total	67.5	14.7	11.8

Table 5. Certainty analysis MEvAR method.

CERTAINTY OF THE WHOLE WORKING SYSTEM
FACTORS HAZARDS/ HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS/ RISK FACTORS FOR OCCUPATIONAL INJURY AND ILLNESS	CAUSES OF RISK
electrocution by touch/induction lasting more than 1 min	occurrence/existence of dangerous voltage in the area of action of the worker who does not distinguish/avoid the hazard in time or touch/touch/penetration/induction of the hazard
bank overtopping deeper than 1m	occurrence/existence of excavation more than 1 m deep, lack of protection/ supports and access of the worker to the area not recognizing/ avoiding the danger in time
falling objects weighing at least 500 grams from a height of more than 2m	the appearance/existence of objects weighing at least 500 g at a height of more than 2 m in the area of action/travel of the worker who does not distinguish/avoid the danger in time or in the absence of protection and improper use of PPE
slipping on ladders, scaffolding, platforms, ramps	occurrence/existence of environmental/health factors/elements that may cause slipping, falling on ladders, scaffolding, platforms, ramps in the area of action of the worker who does not recognize/avoid the danger in time or in the absence of protection and improper use of PPE
being hit/struck by vehicles/tools	the appearance/existence of vehicles/tools in the worker's area of action which do not recognize/avoid the danger in good time, or in the absence of safeguards/ signs/warnings/maintaining normal conditions of movement/ safety zone boundaries
assaults, attacks, violence, other offences/contraventions	the occurrence/existence of dangerous situations such as assaults, attacks, violence, other crimes/contraventions in the area of action of the worker who does not recognize/avoid the danger in time
intent, non-compliance with duties, procedures, work instructions, OSH instructions, provisions	occurrence/existence of situations where the worker intentionally or unintentionally fails to comply with the worker's duties, procedures, work instructions, OSH instructions, provisions
unauthorized/unconscious/ access to dangerous areas	occurrence/existence of situations of intentional or unintentional non-compliance by the worker with duties, procedures, work instructions, OSH instructions, provisions in hazardous areas

Table 6. Environmental risk factor-work environment correspondence (MEvAR).

RISKS/ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES	WORK ENVIRONMENT SPECIFIC RISKS (MEvAR)
general environmental requirements, permits, authorisations, other	authorisation, endorsements, OSH audit
	authorised trades/qualifications
	work permits and other recognition and control methods
	technical data: equipment conformity
emissions into the air	air temperature: high/low
	air humidity: high/low/ presence of steam/condensation
	air currents: in the environment/ at head level/ at torso level/ at feet level
	air quality: natural ventilation/ventilation/stationary/filtered/conditioned/with supply/without supply of fresh air
	air pressure: high/low
	air ionization
soil contamination	specific risks: chemical pollution
spills into water	precipitation: rain/snow
hazardous substances	materials hazardous chemical substances and/or preparations used (classified according to hazard/ precaution phrases): materials with physical hazards: explosive substances/ flammable gases, aerosols, liquids, solids/ gases, liquids, oxidising solids/ liquids under pressure/ self-reactive substances and mixtures/ liquids, pyrophoric solids/ self-heating substances and mixtures/ substances and mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases/ organic peroxides/ corrosive to metals
	materials with health hazards: toxic, corrosive/irritating to skin, harmful/irritating to eyes, sensitising to respiratory tract, mutagenic, carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction, toxic to an organ, toxic by aspiration
	materials with environmental hazards: hazards to the aquatic environment, to the ozone layer
waste management, packaging	waste management, packaging
use of energy, raw materials and natural resources	energy fluids: electricity, gas, fuels, pressurised water, steam
	hazardous energies: electrical voltages, pressures, kinetic energies, potentials
	work objects: raw materials, materials, semi-finished products for processes: powders, liquids, chemicals, stabilisers, reagents, others
	objects of work: natural resources: air/water/wood/coal/ natural gas
detergents, plant protection products	specific risks: chemical pollution
noise	noise
radiation	electromagnetic radiation: infrared/ ultraviolet/ microwave/ high/medium/low frequency/ laser
radiation	ionizing radiation: alpha/beta/gamma
buildings, equipment, containers, packaging	productive buildings: office, administrative building, production hall, circulation area, parking lot, buildings, premises of institutions/customers/beneficiaries/authorities; means of work/work equipment (as per attached list): installations/tools/instruments;
	means of work processes (as per attached list): (as per attached list);
	means of transport and means of communication: means of public/proprietary/service transport; containers and stores for the storage of products (as per attached list)
flora	dangerous plants (poisonous plants, irritants, etc.)
fauna	biological risk factors airborne micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses (including SARS CoV 2), rickets, spirochaetes, protozoan, fungi, etc. ;
	dangerous animals or insects (diseased, aggressive, venomous animals, etc.)
dusts, vapours aerosols	irritant/pneumoconiogenic/carcinogenic dusts: nanomaterials/toxic/toxic dusts/flammable dusts/smoke/mist
dusts, vapours aerosols	chemical risk factors: toxic or caustic gases, vapors, aerosols; airborne dusts, flammable or explosive gases or vapors
odors	-
human health	regular occupational health checks
	history of serious diseases
	days of medical care/days worked
	risk-sensitive group records
	sensitive groups: pregnant women/childbirth/breastfeeding/young people/disabled people
climate change	natural disasters: (lightning, flood, wind, hail, hailstorm, blizzards, landslides, landslides, landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, etc.); other foreseeable risks: falling of atmospheric, cosmic objects
community, local environment and stakeholder issues	social elements (ethnicity, faith, gender/sex, social category, culture, background, other)
	active participation in forums on occupational health and safety issues
	social factors
	external risks: relations with external stakeholders and their perceptions and values

Table 7. Risk types, associated risks.

Type of risk	Associated risk
Storms and blizzards	Blizzards
	Thunderstorms - strong wind and/or heavy rainfall
	Hailstorms
Flooding	Flooding as a result of natural overflows of watercourses caused by increased flows from precipitation and/or snowmelt or blockages due to undersized drainage sections of bridges and culverts, blockages caused by ice or flotsam (waste and timber), landslides, avalanches and snow avalanches, and flooding by runoff from slopes
	Floods caused by incidents, accidents or damage to hydro-technical constructions
	Floods caused by rising groundwater levels
	Floods caused by sea storms
Massive snowfall	Heavy snowfall
	Internal/external road and rail blockages
Tornado	Swirling air currents
Drought	Hydrological
	Pedological
Temperature extremes	Deposition of ice, frost, early or late frosts
	Ice
	Ice bridges and dams on water (ice floes)
	Ice bridges and dams on the Danube
	Heatwave
Vegetation fires	Forest fires
	Fires in grass and/or shrub vegetation
	Fires in cereal crops
Avalanches
Landslides
Earthquakes
Accidents, breakdowns, explosions and fires in industry, including landslides caused by mining or other technological activities
Accidents, damage, explosions and fires in transport and storage of dangerous goods	Major accidents involving the site
	Major accidents with off-site implications
	Accidents involving dangerous goods during transport activity
Accidents, damage, explosions and fires in transport activities	Land
	Air
	Naval
Accidents, damage, explosions and fires in transport activities	Railway tunnels
	Road tunnels
	Subway
	By cable
Accidents, breakdowns, explosions, fires or other events in nuclear or radiological activities
Water pollution	Endangering human life, the aquatic environment and major water supply targets
	With major transboundary impact
	Accidental pollution of watercourses
	Marine pollution in the coastal zone
	Marine pollution
Collapse of buildings, installations or fittings
Failure of public utilities	Major radio and television networks
	Major communications and IT networks
	Major electricity and gas networks
	Major heat networks
	Major water supply networks
	Major sewerage and storm water networks
	Dam failures or other incidents leading to outflows of water endangering human life
Falling objects from the atmosphere and the cosmos
Unexploded or unexploded ordnance left over from military conflicts
Epidemics
Epidemics/Zonoses
Radiological risk
Fires
Situations caused by attack by organisms harmful to plants

Table 8. Categories of occupational risk factors.

WORK SYSTEM ELEMENTS/ RISKS	CATEGORIES RISK FACTORS
WORK SYSTEM ELEMENTS/ RISKS	INCDPM methods	MEvAR method
worker	-	organisation/ team/ group/ worker
	wrong actions	dangerous actions
	omissions	omissions
workload	-	day-to-day operations and decisions
	-	OSH opportunities
	inadequate content of the work task in relation to safety requirements	requests
	under/oversized task in relation to the worker's capacity	requests
means of production	-	means of work
	-	objects of work
	-	hazardous materials
	-	technical data
	mechanical risk factors	mechanical risk factors
	thermal risk factors	thermal risk factors
	electrical risk factors	electrical risk factors
	chemical risk factors	chemical risk factors
	biological risk factors	biological risk factors
work environment	-	own workplace environment/ environment in the vicinity
	-	job details
	physical risk factors	physical risk factors
	chemical risk factors	chemical risk factors
	biological risk factors	biological risk factors
	special nature of the environment	special risk factors
other risks	-	sensitive, financial, specific, external, other

Table 9. Risk factors specific to the external work environment.

RISK FACTORS SPECIFIC TO THE EXTERNAL WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
the cultural, social, political, legal, financial, technological, economic and natural environment, as well as market competition at	social/religious/cultural/political/group affiliation/ psychological pressure on management/workers/ demotivation/competitive stress/decreased
international, national, regional or local level, environmental dynamics
the emergence of new competitors, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, partners and providers, new technologies, new laws and new occupations	income/predictability/major changes in business dynamics/risk of job loss/employees/significant environmental changes/other competitive environment/ psychological pressure on management/ workers/ demotivation/ competitive stress/ prediction failure/short-term solutions/ major changes in business dynamics/ legislative changes/ industry uncertainties/ emergence of new activities/ trades/occupations
new knowledge about products and their effect on health and safety	emergence/modification/updating of products/knowledge of products and effects on environment and workers//lack of adaptation to new developments/lack of short-term solutions/ insufficient analysis of influences
key drivers and trends relevant to the industry or sector impacting the organisation	emergence/introduction/modification/updating of new trends relevant to industry or sector/lack of adaptation to new development vectors/lack of short-term solutions/insufficient analysis impact
relationships with external stakeholders and their perceptions and values	analysis of stakeholder relations, perceptions and values/insufficient development of external relations/poor adaptation to external values/ superficial market research
changes relating to any of the external issues	emergence/analysis and provision of measures on changes to external aspects/lack of/weaknesses/ adaptation measures on change analysis
overlapping activities	emergence of overlapping activities/superficial/weak analysis on impact

Table 10. Risk factors specific to the working environment.

WORK SYSTEM ELEMENTS /WORK ENVIRONMENT
CATEGORY HAZARDS/ HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS/ RISK FACTORS	HAZARDS/ HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS/ RISK FACTORS FOR OCCUPATIONAL INJURY AND ILLNESS	CAUSES OF RISK
OWN WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT/ ENVIRONMENT IN THE VICINITY	HIGH AND SPECIFIC RISK AREAS:
	areas exposed to natural hazards	the occurrence/existence of work areas exposed to natural hazards (working in open air areas, snow clearing, construction site, landscaping, others) regular/predicted/random
	hazardous weather events: storms, floods, tornadoes, drought, frost, forest fires, avalanches	occurrence/existence of hazardous weather events affecting the working environment
	destructive phenomena: landslides, earthquakes	regular/predicted/random occurrence/existence of destructive phenomena such as landslides or earthquakes
	areas exposed to technological risks industry, transport, dangerous products, storage: accidents, damage, explosions, fires, water pollution, collapse of buildings, installations, installations, failure/damage to public utilities, falling objects from the atmosphere or cosmos, ship grounding/sinking, unexploded ordnance	the regular/predicted/ random/ random occurrence/occurrence of technological hazards affecting the working environment caused by careless performance of work tasks
	CBRN/NBC risks: chemical contamination, biological contamination, epidemics, epizootics, irradiation, nuclear contamination	regular/predicted/random occurrence/existence of CBRN/NBC hazards
	risk areas for visitor security	regular/planned/random occurrence/existence of hazards in the visitors' area of operation
	general risks: (fall, slip, hit, road accident, others)	occurrence/regular/planned/random occurrence of other general risks not specific to the working environment
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT DETAILS	DETAILS/LOCATION/SIZING OF WORK ENVIRONMENT/WORKPLACE LAYOUT:
	environment: building/ outdoors/site/mixed/on premises/means of transport/underground/other	influence of the type of environment on the working environment
	access zones: in administration premises/clients, beneficiaries/ institutions/at home/on site/means of transport/other	influence of access areas on the working environment
	height regime: high/max. 4 levels/floor/ground floor/ subsurface/ underground/ other	influence of height regime on the working environment
	working level: underground/ ground/ floor/floor/ gondola/ scaffolding/ pit/ overhead/ underwater/ underwater/ hoists	influence of working level on the working environment
	structure: concrete/brick/ metal/wood/enclosure/slabs	influence of structure on the working environment
	facade: glazed/classic/ without/altars	influence of the façade on the working environment
	partitioning: office/ rooms/workshop/ hall/warehouse/storage/storage/mixed/ booth/altars	influence of partitioning on the working environment
	interior access: normal/ double/ revolving/automatic door/ other:	influence of indoor access on the working environment
	circulation routes: corridor/hollow/elevator/ concrete slabs/steel slabs/rolling slabs/alley/parking/others:	influence of traffic routes on the working environment
	access restrictions : no access control/access control/card or human identification/barrier/turnstiles/ others	influence of access restrictions on the working environment
	furniture: ergonomic/classic/ metal/ wood/ PFL/PVC/bureau/ table/ rotating chair/ rigid chair/ closed armchair/ open armchair/ locker/altars	influence of furniture on the working environment
	installation/cable route: protected/unprotected/on route/level floor/within human action area/maintained/ unmaintained/other	the influence of the route of installations/wiring on the working environment
	energy fluids/facilities: air/water/steam/electricity/ natural gas/LPG/pressure/ fuels/thermal/other	influence of energy fluids on the working environment
	utilities: dining room/kitchen/bathroom/ dressing room/lounging area/ bedroom/network/surveillance system/detection system/others	influence of utilities on the working environment
	Workplace dimensions: area - under 5 m2/ 10 m2/50 m2/100 m2/500 m2/ 1000 m2/10000 m2/ over 10000 m, height - under 2.0 m/ between 2.0-3.0 m/ over 3.0 m	the influence of workplace size on the working environment
PHYSICAL RISK FACTORS	season: hot/cold	variation in seasonal characteristics
	air temperature: high/low	variation in the influence of air temperature
	temperature of objects/ materials/ work equipment: high/ low	variation in the influence of the temperature of objects
	precipitation: rain/snow	variation in the influence of precipitation
	air humidity: high/low/ presence of steam/condensation	variation in the influence of air humidity
	draughts: in the environment/at head level/ at torso level/at feet level	variation in the influence of air currents
	air quality: natural ventilation/ventilation/stationary/filtered/conditioned/with fresh air supply/without fresh air supply	variation in the influence of air quality
	air pressure: high/low	variation of air pressure influence
	air ionization	air ionization influence variation
	overpressure in water depth	variation in the influence of overpressure in water depth
	noise	noise influence variation
	ultrasound	ultrasound influence variation
	vibration	vibration influence variation
	lighting: low light level/natural/ artificial/mixed/ glow/ flicker	variation in the influence of ambient lighting
	electromagnetic radiation: infrared/ ultraviolet/ microwave/ high/medium/low frequency/ laser	variation in the influence of electromagnetic radiation
	ionizing radiation: alpha/beta/gamma	variation in the influence of ionizing radiation
	electrostatic potential	variation in the influence of electrostatic potential
	natural disasters: (lightning, flood, wind, hail, hailstorm, blizzard, landslides, landslides, landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, etc.)	variation in the influence of natural disasters
	irritant/ pneumoconiogenic/ carcinogenic dusts: nanomaterials/ toxic/harmful dusts/flammable dusts/smoke/mist	variation in the influence of irritant dusts
CHEMICAL RISK FACTORS	toxic or caustic gases, vapors, aerosols	variation in the influence of toxic or caustic gases, vapors, aerosols
CHEMICAL RISK FACTORS	airborne dusts, flammable or explosive gases or vapors	variation in the influence of flammable or explosive airborne dusts, gases or vapors
BIOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS	airborne micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses (including Sars CoV-2), fungi, spirochetes, protozoan fungi, etc.	variation in the influence of airborne micro-organisms
	dangerous plants (poisonous, irritant plants, etc.)	variation in the influence of contact with hazardous plants
	dangerous animals or insects (diseased, aggressive, venomous animals, etc.)	variation in the influence of contact with dangerous animals or insects
SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS	underground/aquatic/underwater/swampy/aerial/cosmic/others	variation in the influence of the particular environment
SENSITIVE RISK FACTORS	risks identified/previous/on record	the influence of the number and consequences of risks observed/previous/on record
SENSITIVE RISK FACTORS	pregnant women/childbirth/breastfeeding/young people/disabled people	influence on the number and needs of sensitive categories of workers
FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS	financial means: cash, bank cards, vouchers, bank cheque	influence of financial means
FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS	damage: loss of money, loss of turnover	influence and effects of damage
SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS	chemical pollution	influence of chemical pollution
	risks arising from ensuring prevention and protection measures	influence of risks associated with the provision of prevention and protection measures
	damage to reputation	influence on the organization’s reputation
	dangerous actions of workers, visitors, neighbors	influence of dangerous actions of workers, visitors, neighbors and their consequences
	reduced yield following an event	influence of workers' performance following an event
EXTERNAL RISK FACTORS	cultural, social, political, legal, financial, technological, economic and natural environment, as well as market competition at international, national, regional or local level, environmental dynamics	influence of the contextual environment
	the emergence of new competitors, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, partners and providers, new technologies, new laws and new occupations	influence of competition, new technologies or occupations
	new knowledge about products and their effect on health and safety	the influence of new knowledge
	key drivers and trends relevant to the industry or sector impacting the organisation	the influence of factors and trends impacting on the organisation
	relationships with external stakeholders and their perceptions and values	influence of stakeholder relationships
	changes relating to any of the external issues	influence of changes in external aspects
	overlapping activities	influence of overlapping activities
OTHER FORE SEEABLE RISK FACTORS	atmospheric, cosmic object falls	periodic/predicted/random occurrence/existence of atmospheric, cosmic object falls

Table 11. OSH activities and impact.

Activity	Estimated impact of OSH
Administrative activities (training, information, record-keeping, computer work, completion of documentation, files, medical examinations, other)	Risk of injury and potential occupational illness from/through: - specific team/ group/ worker risks non-compliance with employment requirements, mode of travel, workload, work procedures and instructions, OSH - non-use or misuse of PPE. - nervous solicitation, relations with beneficiaries - traffic/route accidents - impact caused by falling or projecting objects, collision with an obstacle, high pressure jets (cutting, hitting) - risks of being caught and trapped (puncture, cut, abrasion) - dangerous movements of technical equipment (moving machinery parts, fluid flows, movement of means of transport) - self-initiation or self-locking of machinery or fluids - movements under the effect of gravity, propulsion (slipping, rolling, rolling on wheels, overturning, free falling, free flowing, spilling, surging, collapsing, sinking, movements under the effect of propulsion, projection of bodies or particles, deviation from normal trajectory, rocking, rebounding) - static compression of a body part (shock, impact, impact, compression) - mechanical injuries (abrasion, puncture, cuts, bites, wounds or stab wounds) - falls caused by slipping/falling from height - noise - vibrations - accidental electrocution - inhalation of chemical/biological aerosols in powder form - direct/indirect contact with biological agents contained in materials people, animals, other - improper operation of equipment - incorrect operation of equipment - pressure vessels (particle design, jet) - outdoor ambient temperature - level slippage - musculoskeletal disorders - change in visual acuity - performing other activities not foreseen in the workload The environment in the vicinity of the workplace - high and specific risk areas Occupational illnesses Additional expenses Material or financial losses in case of technological breakdowns Reputational damage Contravention and/or criminal activities
Receiving, handling, transporting, storing materials and thermal and sanitary installations required on site (specific job activities)
Moving around the site (accessing the entrance, moving along the site's horizontal and/or vertical traffic routes, use of mechanized means - lift, bucket, pallet truck as appropriate, leaving the site) transport, cutting, positioning, fitting, fixing, commissioning, handover to the beneficiary of the materials and the necessary heating and plumbing installations
Use of collective means of protection (ladders, scaffolding, parapets, gangways, panels, etc.)
Use of PPE. (reception, adjustment, checking, use, maintenance, replacement, etc.)
Other activities within the compartment (emergency action, hazard, outdoor area maintenance, other)
Transport of materials, movement of workers from site to site/other workplace/household

Table 12. Risk level comparisons between INCDPM and MEvAR method.

Risks specific to organization
Risk assessment expression INCDPM methods		Risk assessment expression MEvAR method
Number of risks value 7	0
Number of risks value 6	0	7	Number of certainties
Number of risks value 5	1	1	Number of unaccepted risks
Number of risks value 4	13	7	Number of risks tolerated
Number of risks value 3	83	32	Number of accepted risks
Number of risks value 2	0	108	Number of risks controlled
Number of risks value 1	11	43	Number of risks managed
Total number of risks	108	191	Total number of risks
General risk level	3,13	4,12	General level of risk assessed
		1,82	General level of residual risk
Expression risk level	medium	controlled	Expression risk level

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

© 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Copyright: This open access article is published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, which permit the free download, distribution, and reuse, provided that the author and preprint are cited in any reuse.

MDPI Initiatives

Important Links

Choose an area of interest and we will send you notifications of new preprints at your preferred frequency.

Disclaimer

Considerations of the Working Environment within the Method for Assessing Occupational Risks: Mevar in Construction

Abstract

1. Introduction

1.1. Current Situation of OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) in the Construction Sector in Romania

1.2. Accident Situation on Romania

2. Short Presentation on the MEvAR Method of Occupational Risk Assessment

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Study on the Working Environment in Construction

3.2. Workplace- Installer

4. Conclusions

Funding

Acknowledgments

References

MDPI Initiatives

Important Links

Subscribe