Differences in Risk Perception Between the Construction and Agriculture Sectors: An Exploratory Study with a Focus on...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Psychology
• Risk Perception Studies

Background:

• Risk perception is vital in high-risk industries like agriculture and construction.
• Understanding factors influencing perceived risk, particularly for carcinogenic exposure, is key for safety interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how personality traits, emotional states, and socio-demographic variables affect perceived risks of carcinogenic exposure.
• To identify key determinants of risk perception for targeted safety interventions.

Main Methods:

• Correlational research design with 91 Italian construction and agriculture workers.
• Utilized questionnaires for personality (Big Five), emotional state, safety knowledge, and risk perception.
• Statistical analyses included correlations, ANOVA, and regression models.

Main Results:

• Open-mindedness, emotional stability, and extraversion inversely correlated with perceived risk.
• Conscientiousness and friendliness positively correlated with perceived risk.
• Negative emotional states predicted higher risk perception; safety knowledge had minor correlations.

Conclusions:

• Personality traits, especially openness and emotional stability, are strong predictors of occupational risk perception.
• Emotional state influences risk perception, while self-perceived safety knowledge has limited impact.
• Individual psychological profiles should be considered in occupational safety strategies.