Formwork and False Work Hazards in Construction: Status and Effects in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Despite efforts to enhance health and safety (H&S) practices, construction workers’ practices in relation to formwork and false work usage has been noted as a leading source of injuries and accidents in South Africa. This paper reports on an exploratory research that is aimed at reducing formwork and false work hazards occurrence on construction sites in South Africa. The study obtains primary data from construction participants in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The data were obtained by interviewing management on selected construction projects, and physically observing activities on visited sites. The results show that poor practices concerning formwork and false work contribute to the collapse of structural elements, such as slabs. The hazards related to formwork and false work leads to severe injuries among affected workers, apart from the damage to private and public properties. Such accidents include slips and falls on project sites. Further, the research shows that the delivery, storage, handling (loading and unloading) of formwork and false work are major activities that contribute to site accidents. The findings suggest that practices concerning the use of formwork and false work should be monitored as compliance to construction regulations and adequate planning of temporary elements would avert accidents.