Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
Published on: September 19, 2012
How Optimism Bias and Safety Climate Influence the Risk-Taking Behavior of Construction Workers
Siu Shing Man1,2, Ruifeng Yu3, Tingru Zhang4
1Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518060, China.
Abstract:
Risk taking among construction workers is a critical topic in construction safety research. The aim of this study was to empirically investigate how optimism bias and safety climate influence construction worker risk-taking behavior. A survey with a designed questionnaire was conducted to collect data from construction workers. A total of 183 construction workers participated in this study and completed the designed questionnaire. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis by using structural equation modeling. Results show that optimism bias related to work risks positively influences construction worker risk-taking behavior, whereas safety climate and optimism bias related to hazard perception skills negatively affect the risk-taking behavior. These findings can enrich the literature on construction worker risk-taking behavior from the perspective of optimism bias and safety climate. Practical implications are provided for discouraging construction workers from taking risks at work.
Related Concept Videos
Unrealistic Optimism Bias
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as...
Self-Serving Bias
Motivational Bias
Halo Effect
Obedience

