An Analysis of Work Accidents Statistics in the Romanian Construction Industry and Applicable Strategies to Minimize Risks

Abstract The purpose of this article is to make an analysis of the undesirable events that took place in the construction industry in Romania in relation to the last 10 years from a multi-criteria perspective, with an emphasis on the legislative and statistical components. The research approach aimed at identifying and establishing the most appropriate strategies available to minimize the risks specific to this sector of activity. Three specific approaches to risk management applicable in the construction industry were investigated, namely: occupational health and safety management systems, behavior-based safety and security culture change programs, concluding that just by simply complying with legal requirements in the construction field, the needs for organizing activities specific to worker safety and health are not fully covered. At the same time, resorting to the pragmatic, realistic and feasible method of gradually improving the level of safety culture (through either top-down or bottom-up approaches) represents a basis and - at the same time - a guarantee, of the positive evolution of pro-safety behaviors and - implicitly - of reducing the probability of occurrence and/or the consequences and severity of occupational diseases.