Abstract
Construction sites constitute major sources of pollutants creating negative impacts on the environment. Sustainable construction aims at mitigating these negative externalities while promoting economic and social outcomes. Dust pollution in construction sites is an invisible hazard, which is often ignored as little more than a nuisance. Although behavioral control is a popular way of preventing dust generation, past research has paid little attention to worker behavior regarding dust mitigation. This study aims to test a model that predicts intentions to alter the conduct of workers towards dust control in construction activities. This study adopted a questionnaire survey design with construction participants in Sri Lanka, using structural equation modelling to test several hypotheses based on the Norm Activation Model. The results proved that awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility could have a positive impact on personal norms, which in turn could influence the behavior of site employees. The study also provided new insights on employees’ awareness of dust hazards, their sense of responsibility for its control, and the importance of their company. Policymakers and practitioners are recommended to pay more attention to how to harness worker’s support to mitigate dust pollution, and construction companies should initiate educational campaigns to raise awareness about environmental impacts, to influence personal norms of the workers in building sites. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by enhancing our understanding of factors influencing employees’ dust control behavior.
Highlights
Sustainable construction aims at reducing negative externalities while increasing economic outcomes, comfort, and social justice of projects [1]
The results suggest that personal norms are strongly associated with dust pollution control behavior of employees of construction organizations
Though it is perceived as a nuisance rather than a health hazard, control of construction dust occupies a high priority among construction managers
Summary
Sustainable construction aims at reducing negative externalities while increasing economic outcomes, comfort, and social justice of projects [1]. Construction projects are renowned for their role in environmental pollution due to noise, waste, dust, and hazardous emissions [2] These negative impacts are highly visible on projects undertaken in cities, making an undeniable mark on the nearby communities, especially where rapid urbanization takes place over a long period of time [3]. Environmental protection measures such as certification systems, assessment methodologies, and environmental management guidelines were proposed over the years to mitigate the adverse impacts during construction activities with mixed results [4]. It threatens the health of site workers, and affects the health and welfare of neighboring communities [6]
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