Major factors influencing safety knowledge-sharing behaviors of construction field workers: Worker-to-worker level safety communication

Construction projects are known for their dynamic and everchanging nature, characterized by frequent adjustments and temporary durations. Consequently, workers must be aware of evolving hazards and promptly share safety-related knowledge and information with colleagues. Despite extensive prior research conducted on knowledge-sharing behavior within the construction industry, there is a lack of studies focusing on the factors that affect the safety knowledge-sharing behaviors (SKSB) of construction field workers (CFWs) who work in the most hazardous frontline positions at construction sites. Therefore, this study aims to identify the major factors influencing SKSB among CFWs and examine their relationships. To achieve this, the study adopts the theory of reasoned action as the theoretical framework supplemented by a comprehensive literature review that identifies four influential factors. A questionnaire survey involving 252 CFWs from 16 construction sites in South Korea was conducted, and the responses of 146 participants were analyzed using social network analysis and structural equation modeling. By advancing research on SKSB of CFWs and group-level construction safety management, the findings can improve safety communication among CFWs.