Association between risk-taking behaviors and safety culture in construction workers

Background: Risk-taking behaviors and improper attitude toward occupational health and safety are the core of many occupational accidents and disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between level of risk taking and level of safety culture in construction workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on 38 construction workers. Demographic characteristics, risktaking level (risky decision-making), and level of safety culture measured using specific questionnaires. Results: The mean score of safety culture was 245 across the research population. Overall, 13 participants had a safety culture score lower than 225 (coded as a negative safety culture), and 25 subjects had a safety culture score of over 225 (with a positive safety culture). Safety culture was significantly different among married and single subjects. However, there was no significant association between age, background, and level of education with the safety culture. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the level of education, age, and working background have no effect on safety culture. Effective measures should be taken to enhance safety culture in industrial environments.