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.

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 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.