Factors influencing personal protective equipment (PPE) use among blue-collar workers: an accessible survey

The proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can save lives and prevent major injuries among blue-collar workers who are at heightened risk of workplace accidents. Yet, the non-use or improper use of PPE is not uncommon. Despite academic interest in the issue, there is an absence of accessible and theory-driven PPE surveys for blue-collar workers. This study seeks to develop a simple language Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour (COM-B) survey for PPE wearing among blue-collar workers.

A combined deductive and inductive approach to item generation was adopted. This included referencing existing research and surveys and working closely and iteratively with blue-collar workers and their managers to develop the survey. A 14-item survey based on five factors of the COM-B model was developed and tested with 867 multi-national male blue-collar workers. Additional questions on demographics and PPE compliance intentions were asked. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess the model fit and provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the survey.

Results support the internal consistency of our survey subscales (Cronbach's α coefficients > 0.90), demonstrate good model fit (χ² (104) = 24.963, χ²/df = 0.240, CFI = 1.005, TLI = 1.007, RMSEA = 0.000), and provide initial evidence for the validity of the survey by replicating past findings. COM-B factors of Physical Capability (β = 0.47, p < .01) and Psychological Capability (β = 0.69, p < .01) significantly predicted blue-collar workers' intentions to keep their full PPE on properly during their shift.

Despite Limitations resulting from the use of a testing sample from a single company, this short 14-item survey is accessible, theory-driven, and directly tested with multi-national blue-collar workers. Future work with blue-collar workers from different industries and settings can confirm the generalisability of the survey. A reliable and valid survey can lead to the development of effective and evidence-based interventions for PPE compliance among blue-collar workers that can prevent major injuries and save lives.