Synergistic effects enhancing safety awareness and management in construction: a structural equation modeling analysis on accident reduction practices in Taiwan.

Abstract

Objectives. The construction industry reports the highest fatal accident rate. While numerous studies have explored fundamental issues such as safety awareness and in-house management, their combined impact on promoting safety within construction organizations remains underexamined. Methods. This research investigates these synergistic effects in Taiwan using a two-staged structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to assess both direct and indirect influences of safety awareness enhancement and safety management practices within construction organizations. Results. The first SEM analysis revealed that safety management, when reinforced by heightened safety awareness, exerts a stronger overall impact on the mitigation of unsafe behavior and hazardous environments, compared to safety management alone. Notably, on-site worker communication emerged as the most influential factor in elevating safety awareness. The second SEM analysis emphasized the responsibility of safety management authorities, including owners, contractors and subcontractors, to implement effective programs prioritizing safety awareness initiatives. The findings underscore the need for integrated efforts combining collaboration and awareness enhancement to foster a robust safety culture within construction organizations. Conclusions. Fostering effective communication and shared responsibility among all construction contractual parties proves fundamental for advancing safety awareness and reducing accident rates, ultimately creating safer working environments throughout the construction industry in Taiwan.