The article analyzes to what extent the introduction of a new building technology in a construction production process can cause accidents. Through a case study the authors demonstrate how the introduction of a new kind of propping for ribbed concrete slabs, used to improve quality and productivity, exposes workers to new risks and may cause accidents. The gap between the workers' experience acquired in a previous situation and the new work experience, which has not been fully developed, originates these accidents. The new slab mould propping system was introduced presuming it would demand only specific technical knowledge (straighten up, lining up etc.) However, work ergonomic analysis has shown that accidents happen because workers have not yet developed the necessary caution awareness to face new risks.
new technologies; work injuries; work ergonomic analyses; civil construction; caution awareness
