Compliance versus Practice: An Independent Samples Analysis of Construction Safety Implementation in Camarines Sur

This study investigates the comparative compliance with construction safety codes and actual on-site safety practices between public and private projects in Camarines Sur, Philippines.Data were collected from 35 respondents, including engineers, safety officers, and workers, using the DOLE Construction Safety Checklist.Descriptive statistics and independent samples analysis were used to assess differences across safety dimensions.Results indicated moderate safety awareness across both sectors, with private projects generally outperforming public ones in areas such as personal protective equipment, safety signages, and emergency occupational health facilities.Independent samples analysis revealed no significant differences in general safety awareness, training, workplace culture, or equipment maintenance; however, significant gaps were observed in hazard identification and risk management (p = 0.020), construction safety signages (p < 0.001), and emergency preparedness (p = 0.033), favoring private projects.The findings underscore that while a baseline safety culture exists across both sectors, public projects are constrained by limited resources and inconsistent enforcement.The study concludes that stronger institutionalization of safety measures, continuous training, and systematic monitoring are essential to bridge sectoral gaps and ensure consistent safety implementation in construction projects.