Abstract

During this project, the research group studied the role of social, occupational and organizational factors on the frequency and severity of industrial accidents that occurred on James Bay construction sites between 1976 and 1986. Key officials commented on the results of the statistical analyses, which suggest that occupational factors play a major role in accidents, but that they do not show a link with the severity of injuries. However, they indicate a relationship between work intensity, i.e. the number of hours worked in a month, and the severity of accidents. The results demonstrate that company size is an indicator of frequency or severity. In addition, they show an association between lack of experience in working at James Bay (consecutive number of months of work) and accidents. The results of the study and meetings with key officials confirm the unique nature of major construction sites in remote regions.