Why construction workers involve in unsafe behavior? Development and cross-validation of a structural model

Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the worldwide. Workplace safety is a complicated phenomena and behavioral safety in the construction industry is even more so. The Aim of this study was the development of a new model for understanding the factors influencing unsafe behavior in construction industry. In the current quantitative study, a three-stage Structural Equation Model (SEM) was conducted on two main construction workplaces in Iran. In the first stage, the measurement model was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. Then, a modified structural model was extracted for the workplace 1. Finally, the modified model was evaluated in the workplace 2. LISREL 8.8 was used for data analysis process. Goodness-of-fit indices indicated the modified structural model in the workplace 1 was confirmed in the workplace 2 (GFI=0.93; SRMR=0.04; RMSEA=0.06; CFI=0.97; NFI=0.98; χ2/df=1.98). Client safety climate had the highest correlation (SPC=0.87, t-value=16.21) with overall safety climate. Attitudes and beliefs had the greatest correlation (SPC=0.87, t-value=13.34) with overall individual factors. The physical condition had the highest correlation (SPC=0.77, t-value=7.69) with the overall safety performance. For implementing of the effective interventions in the construction industry, we must use an integrated and good-fit model to understanding factors influencing unsafe behavior. The current model can help us to understanding the factors influencing unsafe behavior in construction projects.