A Study of the Foremen’s Influence on the Safety Behavior of Construction Workers Based on Cognitive Theory

Abstract

In this study, a behavioral influence model based on cognitive theory was developed to investigate foremen’s influences on construction workers’ safety behavior. In the model, three foreman behaviors were considered, such as leading by example (LE), safety teaching (ST), and safety monitoring (SM). Five cognitive stages of a worker are also considered in the model, such as situation awareness, safety knowledge, subjective norm, safety attitude, and taking action. To obtain empirical data for the model parameters, a survey was conducted on a construction site in Seoul, South Korea, where the foreman–worker behavioral interactions and workers’ unsafe behavior of taking shortcuts were observed. The model was established as Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) using AnyLogic software. Four scenarios of foremen’s behavior were simulated using the model. The result shows that LE behavior has a positive, but weak significant influence on workers’ safety behavior. ST was found to have a positive and the most significant influence on workers’ safety behavior. Moreover, it should be provided with appropriate safety monitoring to maximize its effectiveness. The research findings promote stakeholders’ understanding of the influence of foremen on workers’ safety behavior and lead to the formation of informed policies and future research directions in the study field.

Evaluation of Mobile Risk Perception Training System for Improving the Safety Awareness of Construction Workers

“…First, according to the TBM guidelines provided by KOSHA, it is recommended that the TBM should be organized with a team leader at the center, and the ideal team size is 4-10 members. Moreover, Demirkesen and Arditi [33] suggested that active worker participation in communication can reduce incidents and enhance safety awareness. Therefore, based on the analysis results presented in Section 4.1, it can be inferred that the mobile TBMs followed the TBM guidelines set by KOSHA more than the conventional TBMs.…”

Identifying Vital Factors for Enhancing Safety Communication among Foreign Construction Field Workers

“…In such a fast-paced environment, safety communication within the work crews is essential for ensuring that FCFWs are immediately made aware of hazards and safety information by their crewmates. While safety training and safety-related information from safety managers and the leadership are important [17,18], coworkers who work together are the closest and most stable working unit on the job site. Therefore, safety communication between FCFWs has a significant impact on the prevention of industrial accidents [19].…”