An investigation into safety attitudes and safety performance in the construction industry

Abstract

This research investigated various factors considered to influence safety attitudes of construction workers, and management, towards safety performance in the UK Construction Industry. The factors examined are listed in the research model and consist of historical, economic, psychological, technical, procedural, organisational, environmental, and safety performance variables (factors). The study based upon the above factors was conducted under the key assumption that: "Safety Performance is a function of operatives' and management attitudes in respect of behavioural and environmental factors in the Construction Industry". This key assumption lead to further sub-hypotheses, namely: a) Safety performance is a function of operative attitudes towards the above listed factors; b) Safety performance is a function of management attitudes towards the above listed factors; c) Operative attitudes towards the above factors differ from those of site managers; d) Site managers' attitudes towards the above factors differ from those of contract managers, and safety advisors, etc.; The research methodology centred upon literature reviews, interviews and questionnaires administered to operatives, site managers, contract managers and safety advisors, in ten construction companies in the UK, covering a sample population of 325 subjects. Analysis of the 325 questionnaires suggests that the key research assumptions, and attendant sub hypothesis are found to be valid as far as the research data examined are concerned. Ultimately, the results of multivariate analysis determined that organisational factor, and industry norms, are the primary and most dominant influence upon safety performance in the UK Construction Industry.