Attitudes of construction workers to occupational health and safety: A study with a mixed-method approach

BackgroundThe construction industry sector has one of the highest rates of workplace accidents and injuries. The workers are frequently exposed to hazardous working conditions including heavy physical workloads, unsafe environments, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment. These risks are exacerbated by informal employment, temporary work arrangements, and the growing number of migrant workers. A strong safety culture and positive attitudes toward occupational health and safety are crucial for preventing workplace accidents and improving working conditions.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of construction workers toward occupational health and safety at a construction site in a rural area of western Türkiye.MethodsThis study employed a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 372 workers using a safety culture scale and questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and working conditions. Qualitative data was obtained from 13 workers through in-depth interviews.ResultsMean safety culture score was 5.40 ± 0.88. Linear regression analysis revealed that having health insurance, performing heavy physical work, and using personal protective equipment were significantly associated with higher safety culture scores. The qualitative analysis revealed seven themes: perceived risks in the working environment and related risk factors, occupational health and safety training, precautions for occupational safety, individual precautions, experiences of occupational accidents, work schedules and individual factors, and motivation and rewards.ConclusionsThese findings may help guide interventions aimed at improving occupational health and safety, and reducing accidents in the construction sector.