Level of occupational stress and quality of life among construction workers in Malaysia

The construction industry is among the most hazardous work sectors, exposing workers to multiple physical, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial stressors that can compromise overall well-being. Despite its economic importance in Malaysia, limited empirical evidence exists on the interplay between occupational stress and quality of life among construction workers. This cross-sectional survey involved 85 workers from three purposively selected residential construction sites in Peninsular Malaysia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Occupational Stress Index (OSI) and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression were performed, with significance set at p < 0.05. High occupational stress was reported by 48.2% of respondents, while 55.3% had low quality of life. Significant differences in both outcomes were observed across household income, work hours, rest duration, and job tenure (p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation was found between OSI and WHOQOL-BREF scores (r = − 0.622, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified household income (β = − 0.352, p < 0.001) and working days per month (β = 0.495, p < 0.001) as key predictors of stress, while quality of life was positively influenced by income (β = 0.511, p < 0.001) and break duration (β = 0.235, p = 0.019), and negatively by working days (β = − 0.327, p < 0.001). Elevated stress significantly reduces quality of life among Malaysian construction workers, particularly those facing financial strain, excessive work hours and limited rest. These findings support the Job Demand–Resource model and underscore the need for targeted practical program such as climate-adapted rest schedules, multilingual mental health support and structured fatigue management. Integrating psychosocial risk monitoring into occupational safety systems could enhance well-being and productivity in this high-risk sector.