Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Safety Research
Publication Date
4-2003
Volume
34
Issue
2
First Page
199
Last Page
205
Publisher
Pergamon Press
Keywords
age; safety attitudes; safety performance; accident/injuries; construction workers
Abstract
Problem: Safety in the construction industry is a major issue in Hong Kong, representing about 46% of all occupational injuries in 1998. This study explored linear and curvilinear relations between age and safety performance (accident rates and occupational injuries), as well as safety attitudes, in construction workers in Hong Kong. Method: A Chinese version of the Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ by Donald & Canter) was developed and administered to a sample of Chinese construction workers (N=374, 366 males, 8 females) from 27 construction sites. Results: Accident rates were not related to age. Occupational injuries were related to age in a curvilinear manner, with injuries at first increasing with age, then decreasing. Two safety attitude scales were related to age with older workers exhibiting more positive attitudes to safety. If age and tenure are controlled, some attitude scales are predictors of safety performance. Impact on industry: Management/supervisors, team leaders, and workers are all responsible for safety, and any negative bias toward older construction workers is unfounded.
DOI
10.1016/S0022-4375(02)00072-5
Print ISSN
00224375
E-ISSN
18791247
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd and National Safety Council
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Accepted Author Manuscript
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Siu, O.-l., Phillips, D. R., Leung, T.-w. (2003). Age differences in safety attitudes and safety performance in Hong Kong construction workers. Journal of Safety Research, 34(2), 199-205. doi: 10.1016/S0022-4375(02)00072-5