REDUCING ROCKFALL HAZARDS IN SABIHA GOKÇEN – TAVSANTEPE METRO PROJECT CONSTRUCTION BY USING ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY

Abstract

A realistic goal in efforts to reduce worker injuries related to rockfall incidents is to assess the conditions that create a rockfall hazard. If employers can properly assess the risks of rockfall and implement appropriate technical and administrative controls, they can better mitigate the risks. In order to achieve this goal, the methodology of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) can be considered as a method of risk assessment. An effective risk assessment method should include the ability to observe variable ceiling conditions and assess how much potential they represent for injuring workers. RCA's ability to prioritize the risks associated with changing conditions provides significant benefits to anyone responsible for designing, approving, or installing controls that are reasonably repeatable and stabilize the ceiling or reduce the risk of material falling from the roof. Herein, this study is based on a case analysis of the risks and causes of rock fall incidents in a metro construction project using the RCA methodology. This study explains the use of an RCA methodology that can help improve system-level failures and weaknesses, such as rocks falling from the ceiling of a tunnel. Furthermore, the present report examined the causes that led to the accidents and the predictors/variations were assessed using fishbone approach. Accordingly, inadequate training, lack of experience and the use of inappropriate equipment were identified as the causes of accidents. Careless behavior is also a major source of danger, in addition to failure to follow safety procedures.