The impact of risk perceived on construction workers' intention to use PPE (ITUP): the mediating role of attitude toward using PPE (ATUP) and the moderating role of safety climate

Purpose In the construction industry, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can effectively prevent or reduce potential injuries. However, there are few studies that quantitatively investigate the factors influencing construction workers' intentions to use PPE. Design/methodology/approach This research refers to the theory of planned behavior and trait activation theory to explore the antecedents of construction workers' intentions to use PPE from the perspective of risk perception. A total of 606 construction workers participated in this study, completing a structured questionnaire and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25 and Amos 24. Findings Risk perception (probability, severity, worry and unsafe) not only directly and positively influences intention to use PPE (ITUP) (effect = 0.125, 0.118 and 0.152), but also indirectly affects ITUP through attitude towards use of PPE (ATUP) (effect = 0.100, 0.096 and 0.095). Moreover, safety climate negatively moderates the relationship between risk perception and both ATUP and ITUP (index = −0.028, −0.035 and −0.064). During this process, safety climate plays a substitute role rather than the commonly perceived enhancing role. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to enhancing employees' intentions to use PPE through the perspectives of risk perception and safety climate, providing important reference value for improving safety in the construction industry and preventing accidents.