Workers' awareness and perception of safety and risks associated with working at heights, in the construction industry

Abstract

The trend in the increasing height of buildings has implications on worker safety, equipment and work practices involved in the construction industry. Radical change in how work at heights is being implemented may arise from various perceptions of workers, as well as current health and safety recommendations and legislation. Face to face structured interviews were carried out with employers and employees. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the workers' perception of safety and awareness of risks associated with height in the construction industry. The study also strived to explore the importance given to health and safety measures taken by construction workers when working at heights. Employer concern regarding employee safety was also tapped upon mostly relating to equipment used at height, attitudes towards health and safety issues, and the perception of workers in relation to risks associated with falls from height. A convenient sample was taken, which included workers from various districts and localities around Malta and Gozo. Findings indicate workers' awareness and perception of safety and risks associated with work at heights differs considerably and a number of factors may influence worker perception. From this study it appeared to be that perception and attitudes relating to work practices, systems of work and use of adequate equipment are undergoing change. Recommendations arising from this study include sale attitudes and worker perception, safe work practice, and communication of health safety issues. Adherence to local and European legislation and a better understanding of both employers and employees working at heights in the construction industry have been suggested.