A cognitive analysis of why Chinese scaffolders do not use safety harnesses in construction

Chinese scaffolders not using safety harnesses is commonplace, despite scaffolders being constantly exposed to fall hazards on construction sites and the use of safety harnesses being required by law. The causes of Chinese scaffolders not using safety harnesses are explored through theoretical analyses and empirical tests. In theoretical analyses, based on Surry’s model, the major cause of scaffolders not using safety harnesses was identified as their personal decisions not to do so. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used to analyse why scaffolders decided not to use safety harnesses. In empirical tests, scaffolders on seven sites completed questionnaires developed based on TPB, and nine safety officers participated in a focus group meeting to collect their views on scaffolders’ use of safety harnesses. In addition, two scaffolders, one gangmaster, one safety officer, and one foreman were interviewed to verify the results of the questionnaire survey. Empirical tests results show that the inconvenience and discomfort of using safety harnesses, underestimating the risk of not using safety harnesses, negative pressures from gangmasters, foremen, and safety officers, and lack of safety lines are causes of scaffolders deciding not to use safety harnesses. Measures enhancing the use of safety harnesses are proposed based on the results of empirical tests.