Building a Safer Future: The Impact of Safety Leadership and Safety Competency in The Construction Industry.

Abstract

The Malaysian construction industry has experienced a concerning trend, ranking fifth in accidents from 2017 to 2021 and witnessing the highest number of fatal workplace injuries compared to other sectors. This study aimed to investigate the influence of safety leadership and safety competency on safety culture within the construction industry. To conduct the research, data were collected from 385 supervisors, engineers, and project managers employed by Grade G7 contractors registered with the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in four Peninsular Malaysia states. A systematic random sampling method was employed, and data analysis was carried out using SmartPLS 4. The study's findings underscore the significance of both safety leadership and safety competency in positively impacting safety culture within the construction industry. The practical implications of these findings suggest that contractors should prioritize safety leadership and allocate resources to safety training and development initiatives. By enhancing employees' safety competencies, organizations can contribute to the establishment of a robust safety culture, ultimately addressing the industry's safety challenges. This research sheds light on crucial factors that can contribute to improving safety outcomes in the Malaysian construction industry