Factors Influencing Construction Workers’ Unsafe Behavior: Evidence from Guangdong, China
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Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the influencing factors and formation mechanisms of construction workers’ unsafe behaviors in Guangdong Province, China. It aims to explore how safety climate, behavioral attitude, and risk perception affect unsafe behavior intentions and actual unsafe behavior on construction sites. Research design, data and methodology: A quantitative approach was adopted using a structured questionnaire based on validated instruments. Data were collected from 400 construction workers using multi-stage sampling across four companies in Guangdong. The questionnaire included five constructs measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Content validity was confirmed via IOC review by experts, and a pilot test confirmed reliability. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS was employed to assess model fit and test hypotheses. Results: The findings reveal that safety climate, behavioral attitude, and risk perception significantly predict unsafe behavior intention. Unsafe behavior intention, in turn, strongly influences actual unsafe behavior. Additionally, safety climate directly impacts actual unsafe behavior. The model showed good fit with all hypotheses supported. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive safety climate, strengthening risk awareness, and shaping worker attitudes to reduce unsafe behavior. These insights offer a foundation for organizations to develop more focused and effective safety management practices in construction settings.
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