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Regler, roller och risker - En studie om arbetsmiljö inom byggsektorn

Westerlund, Tova LU (2025) In 0349-4969 VBEL05 20252
Department of Building and Environmental Technology
Construction Management
Abstract (Swedish)
Title: Rules, roles and risks- A study on occupational health and safety in the construction
sector
Author: Tova Westerlund
Supervisor: Radhlinah Aulin
Examiner: Anne Landin
Aim & goal: The purpose of this report has been to investigate occupational health and
safety risks in the construction sector, how responsibility roles relate to these risks, and the
impact of Arbetsmiljöverkets regulations on workplace safety. The aim of the study has been
to increase the understanding of the underlying causes of risks in the construction sector and
how these can be prevented.
Research questions: The research questions guiding this work were:
• How has the development of workplace accidents and work-related illness in the
construction... (More)
Title: Rules, roles and risks- A study on occupational health and safety in the construction
sector
Author: Tova Westerlund
Supervisor: Radhlinah Aulin
Examiner: Anne Landin
Aim & goal: The purpose of this report has been to investigate occupational health and
safety risks in the construction sector, how responsibility roles relate to these risks, and the
impact of Arbetsmiljöverkets regulations on workplace safety. The aim of the study has been
to increase the understanding of the underlying causes of risks in the construction sector and
how these can be prevented.
Research questions: The research questions guiding this work were:
• How has the development of workplace accidents and work-related illness in the
construction sector evolved during 2013-2023, and which underlying causes or trends
can be identified during this period?
• Can the new regulatory framework issued by Arbetsmiljöverket reduce the trends of
accidents and illness in the construction sector in the future, and if so, how?
• What role do the different responsibilities functions play in preventing and reducing
the risk of accidents in the construction sector?
• How can occupational accidents and illnesses in the construction sector be prevented?
Method: The study was based on both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Qualitative methods:
- Literature studies of relevant research, legal frameworks, and reports were conducted
in order to interpret and analyse texts forming the theoretical basis of the report.
- Interviews of respondents holding relevant responsibility roles, and representatives of
organizations representing different groups within the construction sector.
Quantitative method:
- Statistical- and data analysis was conducted to identify patterns and trends, and to
create an understanding of how the construction sector has changed during 2013-
2023.
5
Findings
The study shows that responsibility for occupational health and safety in the construction
sector is clearly regulated but perceived differently depending on the role. Both employers
and employees, as well as other active roles within the sector, emphasize the importance of
systematic and proactive work environment management, but highlight different challenges
from their respective perspectives.
Employees point to shortcomings in communication, knowledge and risk assessments, while
employers stress that it is a matter of resources, proper equipment, and improved monitoring
and follow-up.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority’s new regulations are perceived as more
structured, simplified, and written in clearer language, which may facilitate proactive
occupational health and safety work. However, there is some concern that they have become
too stripped down, with important practical support being removed.
The most prominent causes of workplace accidents in the construction industry are stress,
time pressure, insufficient risk management, carelessness, and communication problems.
Organizational factors such as the complexity of construction sites and low profit margins are
also highlighted. Preventive measures identified include education and training, work
environment plans, risk assessments, safety inspections, and increased awareness across all
responsibility roles.
Keywords: Occupational health- and safety, Responsibility roles, Swedish Work
Environment Act, Construction accident prevention (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Westerlund, Tova LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Rules, roles and risks- A study on occupational health and safety in the construction sector
course
VBEL05 20252
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Arbetsmiljö, Ansvarsroller, Arbetsmiljöverkets författningssamling, Byggarbetsmiljörisker
publication/series
0349-4969
report number
5767
other publication id
LUTVDG/TVBP-25/5767-SE
language
Swedish
additional info
Examinator: Anne Landin
id
9213799
date added to LUP
2025-10-22 14:23:40
date last changed
2025-10-22 14:23:40
@misc{9213799,
  abstract     = {{Title: Rules, roles and risks- A study on occupational health and safety in the construction
sector
Author: Tova Westerlund
Supervisor: Radhlinah Aulin
Examiner: Anne Landin
Aim & goal: The purpose of this report has been to investigate occupational health and
safety risks in the construction sector, how responsibility roles relate to these risks, and the
impact of Arbetsmiljöverkets regulations on workplace safety. The aim of the study has been
to increase the understanding of the underlying causes of risks in the construction sector and
how these can be prevented.
Research questions: The research questions guiding this work were:
• How has the development of workplace accidents and work-related illness in the
construction sector evolved during 2013-2023, and which underlying causes or trends
can be identified during this period?
• Can the new regulatory framework issued by Arbetsmiljöverket reduce the trends of
accidents and illness in the construction sector in the future, and if so, how?
• What role do the different responsibilities functions play in preventing and reducing
the risk of accidents in the construction sector?
• How can occupational accidents and illnesses in the construction sector be prevented?
Method: The study was based on both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Qualitative methods:
- Literature studies of relevant research, legal frameworks, and reports were conducted
in order to interpret and analyse texts forming the theoretical basis of the report.
- Interviews of respondents holding relevant responsibility roles, and representatives of
organizations representing different groups within the construction sector.
Quantitative method:
- Statistical- and data analysis was conducted to identify patterns and trends, and to
create an understanding of how the construction sector has changed during 2013-
2023.
5
Findings
The study shows that responsibility for occupational health and safety in the construction
sector is clearly regulated but perceived differently depending on the role. Both employers
and employees, as well as other active roles within the sector, emphasize the importance of
systematic and proactive work environment management, but highlight different challenges
from their respective perspectives.
Employees point to shortcomings in communication, knowledge and risk assessments, while
employers stress that it is a matter of resources, proper equipment, and improved monitoring
and follow-up.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority’s new regulations are perceived as more
structured, simplified, and written in clearer language, which may facilitate proactive
occupational health and safety work. However, there is some concern that they have become
too stripped down, with important practical support being removed.
The most prominent causes of workplace accidents in the construction industry are stress,
time pressure, insufficient risk management, carelessness, and communication problems.
Organizational factors such as the complexity of construction sites and low profit margins are
also highlighted. Preventive measures identified include education and training, work
environment plans, risk assessments, safety inspections, and increased awareness across all
responsibility roles.
Keywords: Occupational health- and safety, Responsibility roles, Swedish Work
Environment Act, Construction accident prevention}},
  author       = {{Westerlund, Tova}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{0349-4969}},
  title        = {{Regler, roller och risker - En studie om arbetsmiljö inom byggsektorn}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}