Why construction workers involve in unsafe behaviors? Part A: A qualitative research

The construction industry continues to rank among the most dangerous industries in the worldwide. The aim of this study was investigating the factors influencing unsafe behavior in the construction industry from the perspective of experienced workers, supervisors and managers. Triangulation approach was used for data generation in this grounded theory study. Sixty nine participants from a variety of work groups took part in focus group interviews, individual interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted to emerge and identify the contributing factors. The thematic analysis identified six main categories as the factors influencing unsafe behaviors, namely: (1) Social; (2) Organizational; (3) Contractor; (4) Supervision and system safety; (5) Unsafe condition; and (6) Individual characteristics. Findings indicated the significant role of social and organization factors as precondition of unsafe conditions and behaviors. The results can be used to improve safe behaviors on construction sites.