Traumatic Work-Related Death in the Construction Industry: Experiences of Victims’ Families

摘要: This exploratory study investigated the impact of traumatic work-related death (TWD) on victims’ families. Over five thousand family members of Australian workers become survivors of TWD each year. Occupational health and safety issues and regulatory responses to TWD are well researched. However, the consequences for surviving families remain unexplored. With the assistance of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the Workplace Tragedy Family Support Group, this study examined the financial, social, and health consequences for families following a TWD, the adequacy of available support structures, and the proficiency of institutional responses.In-depth interviews were conducted with seven family members who had experienced TWD an average of three years prior to the interviews taking place (range 1 to 20 years). All reported serious health, social and financial consequences, and identified significant bureaucratic problems arising from poor communication and a lack of information and support.