Contributing Factors to Non-Compliance of PPE Usage among Construction Workers

Abstract

The construction field is among the industries that are most dangerous to work in, and where workers often face risks like falling, being struck by objects and machine related accidents. Construction workers and the use of PPE despite stipulation in accordance to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Construction Works Regulation 1993 under Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994, low compliance towards the PPE among construction workers is still sensible issues for safety. The objective of the study is to explore the reasons for not compliance with PPE and its association with workers demographic factors. A cross sectional study was conducted among 132 construction workers in Kepong Kuala Lumpur using a structured bilingual questionnaire. Data were collected and analyzed by SPSS based on descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that, although workers have good knowledge of PPE and know the importance of using it, non-compliance is still present due mainly to discomfort, heat exposure, perceived difficulty in accomplishing work tasks and some practices particularly to themselves. Availability of PPE and years of work experience were the significant correlates with PPE compliance; demographic factors had no or not significantly relationship. In summary, efforts to improve PPE use not only need to provide PPE itself but also focus on promoting comfort by issuing well- fitted and adjustable PPE, intensifying safety supervision, enhancing workers safety training and a good safety climate at construction sites.