Why operatives engage in unsafe work behavior: Investigating factors on construction sites

Abstract

This work discusses empirical research aimed at why construction workers engage in unsafe behavior. Interviews were conducted in Hong Kong with workers who had been accident victims. Both Chinese and non-Chinese operatives recorded their safety experiences when working on construction sites. Participants’ information such as age, experience and work environment was documented. Seven individual accidents and resulting injuries as reported by the injured operatives are described. Work-in-progress is briefly reported in an attempt to acquire and disseminate knowledge as to why operatives performed work in an unsafe behavior at construction sites. In-depth semi-structured interviews provided a rich data base allowing a grounded theory approach to be adopted to identify emerging themes during data analysis. The findings indicated that workers were involved in unsafe behavior because of: a lack of safety awareness; to exhibit of being ‘tough guys’; work pressure; co-workers’ attitudes; and other organizational, economic and psychological factors. The results substantiate the significant role of management; safety procedure; psychological and economic factors; self-esteem; experience; performance pressure; job security; and education as well as safety orientation and training. The influences of these factors on the safety behavior of workers are discussed along with implications of the research for management of the construction industry.