THE IMPACT OF FATIGUE ON THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
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Date
2023-05-04
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Authors
Garay, Daniel Enrique
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Publisher
East Carolina University
Abstract
In the construction industry, workers are constantly exposed to hazards such as chemical exposures, falls from heights, and accidents involving large machinery. Construction sites contribute to generating threats to human life and property, making safety a priority. When safety is taken as a serious matter, accidents, fatalities, and property damage can be avoided. The performance of construction workers impacts projects and determines their quality and success in achieving project goals. In construction sites, an indicator for measuring safety performance is the safety attitude, which is understood as the individual’s attitudes and actions towards the workplace. Several factors can affect a worker's safety attitude, one of these factors is Fatigue. This study aimed to analyze the impact of fatigue on safety performance in construction workers.
To collect information, eighty workers were interviewed over eight weeks. The data collected were analyzed using a linear regression model, repeated ANOVA analysis of variance, and Friedman's rank sum test. Most significantly, the analysis revealed a correlation between the three scales used to measure fatigue (OFER, CIS, and FAS). Due to this correlation between scales, the investigation continued only with the analysis of the OFER scale. Further analysis, using linear regression models, showed a strong relationship between safety attitude and the OFER scale. As a result, Safety attitude significantly predicted fatigue levels in the construction workers. On the other hand, results showed that fatigue did not affect safety attitude, but safety attitude affected fatigue, at least for short periods.
In conclusion, a worker’s attitude in reaction to workplace safety might be influenced by a high number of variables, amongst these variables fatigue is our focus. Simultaneously, it is critical to comprehend additional aspects to build a safer workplace. The results of this study highlight the significance of encouraging a safety attitude culture at work, as this can have a big impact on workplace safety. The report also recommends that fatigue management programs must be introduced in the construction sector to enhance safety and lower the hazards related to fatigue.