The exploration of a multi-dimensional safe behaviour model for construction workers in Hong Kong: A structural equation modelling approach

Kam, C-k C (2002) The exploration of a multi-dimensional safe behaviour model for construction workers in Hong Kong: A structural equation modelling approach. PhD thesis, University of Hull, UK.

Abstract

Safety and Health in the workplace has long been the priority work of the Hong Kong administration but the accidentstatistics in Hong Kong tell another story. No matter how sophisticated a safe system is designed, its ultimate success depends very much on the person who carries out the job. Safe behaviour has therefore become the contemporary study of safety and health at work.Since human behaviour is a multidimensional construct, its understanding requires a multiple theory approach. Inspired by this concept, this study explores a Multi-Dimensional Safe Behaviour Model in explaining Construction Workers' Safe Behaviour. The study examines its implication for management when safe behaviours are to be instilled. Nine psychological theories and models, identified under the perspective of the Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Community Level are examined. A short list of 9 variables of "Social Norm", "Management Commitment", "Safety Knowledge", "Perceived Risk", "Safety Experience", "Self Efficacy"; "Perceived Consequence", "Chance" and Intention to Behave" was constructed. Three hypothetical constructs of "Social Support", "Attitude" and "Expectance" composed of observable indicators from the nine identified variables are also formed. The variables are then put together into a hypothesised Multi-Dimensional Safe Behaviour Model with the casual relationships between variables identified. A Structural Equation Modelling procedure shows that the hypothesised Multi-Dimensional Safe Behaviour Model fits the data reflecting the necessity of adopting a holistic approach in addressing behavioural issues. "Safety Attitude" is found to impose a positive effect on the worker's "Intention to Behave Safely" indirectly via a mediating factor of "Chance Locus". The study conveys practical implications to safety management and researchers. Research limitations and areas for further study are also discussed. Safety behavioural initiatives based on the model testing results in promotion workers' safety behaviours are also addressed.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Howie, D
Uncontrolled Keywords: human behaviour; safety; construction worker; Hong Kong; structural equation modelling
Index terms: promotion, safety behaviour, commitment, model testing, holistic approach, structural equation modelling, self-efficacy, human behaviour, construction worker, Hong Kong, exploration, safety management, safety attitude
Subjects: reliability engineering, statistical analysis, environmental resource management, management, human factors and perception, Geography, practitioner, health behaviours and lifestyles, business, psychology, occupational health and safety management
Topics: Sustainability, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context, Human Resources, Health and Safety
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here