An analysis of occupational accidents involving national and international construction workers in Spain using the association rule technique

Abstract

Worker safety awareness on construction sites is a major concern due to the hazardous work conditions. Additionally, globalization is increasing the cultural diversity of the workforce and this influences workers’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviour. The growing number of migrant workers in this sector has become a distinctive feature of the industry’s labour market. The objective of this article is to analyse occupational accidents that occurred on Spanish construction sites while taking into consideration the nationality of the workers. Due to the large number of accidents and attributes associated with them, the use of association rules is proposed. Overall, results evince similar behaviour, although interesting differences can be observed regarding the occupation of workers. In addition, the results are in accordance with previous studies carried out in other countries. The analysis of these accidents will serve to establish initiatives that provide safer work environments. © 2021 Central Institute for Labour Protection–National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB).