Empirical Decision-Making Model of Intentional Unsafe Behavior of Construction Workers

This study aimed to develop a decision-making model for construction workers with regard to intentional unsafe behavior based on the theory of planned behavior. Unsafe behavior of workers is acknowledged as a major cause of accidents. It can be categorized based on intentionality. Intentional unsafe behavior can undermine accident prevention strategies, and thus become a critical cause of accidents at construction sites. Based on insights from interviews with construction workers, researchers, and managers and a literature review, a hypothetical model and questionnaire were developed. A survey was conducted at eight construction sites, and 444 responses were collected from construction workers. Structural equation modeling was employed to validate the proposed model. The results indicate that managers’ attitudes influence workers’ attitudes toward behavior, which directly predicts their intention to engage in unsafe behavior. Perceived behavioral control moderates the relationship between attitude and intention, whereas actual behavioral control moderates the relationship between intention and actual behavior. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in construction safety research because the current understanding of mechanisms underlying construction workers’ intentional unsafe behavior is limited. Furthermore, the findings of this study can serve as a foundation for developing practical intervention strategies aimed at mitigating intentionally unsafe behaviors in the construction industry.