Disparities in perceived safety communication factors on multicultural construction sites: a comparative study of local and ethnic minority workers

Purpose While construction sites are experiencing an increasingly diverse workforce, safety communication poses a significant challenge for safety management. This study aims to address the existing ambiguity pertaining to disparities in perceptions of safety communication factors (SCFs) between local workers and migrant or ethnic minority (EM) workers. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was conducted on multicultural construction sites in Australia and Hong Kong to assess the perspectives of both local and EM construction workers. A total of 202 valid questionnaires were collected from local workers, while 134 were obtained from EM workers. The data collected were analyzed utilizing mean score ranking, Kendall’s concordance test, Spearman’s rank correlation test and Mann–Whitney U test. Findings The results revealed substantial differences in how local and EM workers perceived the importance of SCFs. While 18 out of 36 SCFs were commonly identified as critical by both groups, notable divergence emerged in their prioritization. Kendall’s χ² tests confirmed strong internal agreement within each group, whereas Spearman’s rank correlation indicated significant disagreement between local and EM groups. Mann–Whitney U tests further showed statistically significant differences in 30 SCFs, with EM workers placing greater emphasis on worker-related and culturally sensitive factors. In contrast, local workers prioritized organizational and managerial SCFs. These findings highlight the need for differentiated and culturally responsive communication strategies on multicultural construction sites. Originality/value This research enhances understanding of safety communication on multicultural construction sites, providing practical insights for safety professionals and government agencies. Moreover, the findings facilitate the dissemination of safety knowledge among diverse construction workers, promoting upward communication, eliminating barriers and ultimately improving overall safety performance.