Human and Workplace Factors Contributing to PPE Non-Compliance: A Critical Assessment

Construction workers face many occupational hazards, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in protecting them. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that a significant percentage of injured workers did not use or adequately use the required PPE during incidents. The aim of the study is to examine the human and workplace factors contributing to PPE non-compliance to manage these factors more efficiently. A survey was conducted between February and April 2022 to collect opinions from construction professionals. A total of 184 valid responses were obtained. The study found that workers' attitudes and capabilities were among the most frequently cited human factors, while a lack of leadership and safety training were among the most frequently cited workplace factors. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing these factors to improve PPE utilization and reduce fatal and non-fatal injuries among construction workers, making it an important aspect of construction safety management. Finally, the findings can be utilized to develop an investigation learning program that identifies the underlying reasons behind PPE noncompliance.