Evaluation of the occupational hazard perception of building construction workers from a psychometric paradigm and considering sociodemographic variables

Abstract

Historically, the construction industry has presented high accident rates, and in order to get a deeper understanding and making right decisions, it is interesting to consider the risks from a worker's point of view. This research addresses the perception of risks by construction workers from a psychometric paradigm and considering some sociodemographic variables. The study considered a sample consisted of a group of workers who belong to the Chilean construction industry, particularly from the building construction sector. Relevant risks associated with a high accident rate were identified through an extensive literature review. In addition, the relative risk related to physical overexertion and that related to the exposure to physical and chemical agents are considered. Based on a psychometric approach for the evaluation of qualitative attributes, a measurement instrument was applied; results were then statistically analyzed. Additionally, the incidence of sociodemographic variables was evaluated: age, profession, experience and educational level in relation to the perceived risk level. Statistically significant differences of the perceived risk associated to noise exposure, depending on the age of the workers were obtained. On the other hand, it was determined that workers with the most experience consider that those jobs that involve uncomfortable or forced postures constitute a relevant physical risk. Meanwhile, jobs such as: rebar workers, bricklayers and concrete workers, perceive the gravity and immediacy of the effect associated to risk significantly more in activities that involve repetitive movements.