Abstract Paper aims Conduct a set of case studies on risk management in telecommunication companies, in order to reduce the risks of accidents. Originality The present study furthers the discussion of risk management during the maintenance of telecommunication towers. Research method Three teams were assessed during their maintenance work. The risks of accidents were identified through self-made questionnaires and the checklist structured from 95 items from Brazilian regulatory and technical norms. The analysis was conducted by using the Hazard Rating Number and the OHSAS hierarchy of risk control, finally comparing the results with the OSHA´s potential draft of the standard addressing telecommunication tower safety. Main findings The main risks of accidents were: falling objects; falls from height; electrocution; and attacks from animals. Only 20% of occupational safety items were in conformity. Implications for theory and practice Suggestions on control measures were given and discussed for all four risks of accidents.

Resumo A construção de subestações de energia elétrica representa um grande número de riscos devido ao seu ambiente periculoso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a percepção dos trabalhadores da construção civil sobre os riscos, os métodos que utilizam para avaliação e o gerenciamento dos riscos a que estão expostos. Este estudo realizou uma analise qualitativa e quantitativa durante a expansão de uma subestação de energia elétrica, adicionando um transformador de potência de 100 MVA. Os riscos foram identificados e analisados utilizando a Análise de Risco Preliminar (APR). Além disso, um questionário sobre segurança na construção foi criado e aplicado em todos os 27 trabalhadores que participaram da construção. Os resultados mostraram quais atividades estão presentes durante a construção de uma subestação de energia, que os riscos envolvem e como gerenciá-los. Verificou-se que entre várias, as APR e Checklists eram as ferramentas de análise mais utilizadas. Mais adiante, foi encontrada uma relação entre treinamento e percepção de risco. Entre os riscos percebidos estavam: ruído, trabalho em alturas, choques elétricos, acidentes de trânsito, animais peçonhentos, poeira, incêndio e explosões. A conclusão deste estudo foi que a construção de subestações de energia elétrica traz diversos riscos de segurança e que a instrução dos trabalhadores permite um gerenciamento eficaz dos riscos, podendo diminuir o número de acidentes nesse tipo de obra.

Abstract The construction of electric power substations poses a great number of risks due to its dangerous environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the perception of construction workers on risks, methods they use for evaluation and managing risks to which they are exposed. This study carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis during the expansion of one electric substation, adding an additional 100 MVA power transformer. The risks were identified and analysed by using the Preliminary Risk Analysis (PRA). Additionally, a questionnaire on construction safety was created and applied on all 27 workers which participated in the construction. The results showed which activities are present during the construction of a power substation, which risks are involved and how to manage them. It was found that among several, the PRA and Checklists were the most commonly used analysis tools. Further on, it was found a relation between training and risk perception. Among perceived risks were: noise, working at heights, electric shocks, traffic accidents, poisonous animals, dust, fire and explosions. The conclusion of this study was that the construction of electric power substations brings several safety risks and that the instruction of workers allows an effective risk management, and can reduce the number of accidents in this type of working activity.

Abstract Paper aims To study fall-accident cases in order to analyze the commonly missing or not adequately applied risk management measures (RMM) and its consequences depending on falling height. Originality First study to analyze failed RMM for preventing falls from height. Research method The study reviewed court cases published by the journal “Safety & Health Practitioner”. NIOSH recommendations were used to define RMM to apply to this study. Main findings Finally, in 98% of analyzed cases, the fall from height was a result of several non-adequate or missing RMM: in 81.6% procedures of work, 65.8% guardrails and edge protection, 60.5% risk assessment, and 60.5% platforms or scaffolds. It can be concluded that falls from height pose a significant risk for workers, which could be prevented by adequately apply RMM. Implications for theory and practice The focus in the prevention of falls should be given on most common RMM.

Resumo Objetivo : o objetivo do artigo foi avaliar e descrever as diversas tarefas dos postos de trabalho do servente, pedreiro, pintor letrista e encarregado de turma da construção civil para determinar o perfil dos trabalhadores com deficiência que poderiam exercer essas funções e quais as adaptações necessárias. Métodos : esta pesquisa trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal de abordagem quantitativa. Foi utilizada observação direta das atividades realizadas no canteiro de obras em cada uma das funções avaliadas e do ambiente; entrevistas com dois trabalhadores de cada uma das funções avaliadas, com exceção do pintor letrista, que só havia um trabalhador, o trabalhador com deficiência, um engenheiro civil da obra e um técnico de segurança para descrever detalhadamente, em conjunto, como eram realizadas cada uma das tarefas prescritas; registro em vídeo e fotográfico da execução das tarefas e, para análise dos postos de trabalho, foram utilizados os recursos do software ErgoDis/IBV. No momento em que foi realizada a pesquisa de campo, estavam trabalhando na obra um total de 1.547 funcionários. Resultados : observou-se que os trabalhadores com deficiência auditiva poderiam exercer as atividades avaliadas sem nenhuma adaptação no ambiente de trabalho e que, para indivíduos com amputação de perna ou pé, seriam necessárias algumas adaptações. Considerações finais : apenas os trabalhadores com deficiência auditiva total e parcial poderiam exercer todas as funções analisadas sem nenhuma mudança no ambiente de trabalho e que os indivíduos com amputação de perna ou pé somente poderão exercer as tarefas nos postos de trabalho avaliados se utilizarem próteses adequadas.

Abstract Objective : the aim of this paper was to assess and describe the various tasks of the jobs of servant of construction, bricklayer, painter and charge of construction in the civil construction to determine the profile of workers with disabilities who could perform these functions and what adjustments are needed. Methods : this research it is a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative approach. Direct observation of the activities performed at the construction site in each of the jobs evaluated and the environment; interviews with two workers each function evaluated, except painter there was only one worker, a civil engineer and a safety technician to describe detailed, together, as they were carried out each of the required tasks; a video and photographic record of tasks being carried out to analyze the jobs, ErgoDis/IBV software resources were used. At the time the research was conducted in the field, were working a total of 1,547 employees. Results : It was observed that workers with hearing impairments could perform the activities without any adaptations in the workplace and individuals who had had a leg or foot amputated need to use appropriate prostheses to perform the activities of the functions. Conclusion : only workers with full or partial hearing impairment could perform all the jobs analyzed without any accommodation in the workplace and individuals with amputation of leg or foot may only perform tasks using appropriate aids.