The construction industry undeniably is beset with a lot of problems on safety and health.  There are fatal or very serious accidents in a number of construction sites, most of which are preventable, if only there could be better awareness on safety and health rules and regulations, good safety and health attitudes and practices.  These are essentials in ensuring that construction projects are implemented in sites where there is observance of safety and health requirements and effective implementation of safety and health programs.

While there are tripartite efforts to improve the status of safety and health in construction sites, these are traditionally training interventions and information campaign, based on the very basic assumption that there is a large gap in the knowledge and awareness of workers, supervisors and managers on the safety and health considerations in construction.  Knowledge, of course is a big issue, but the unsafe acts and conditions that lead to accidents and injuries are not only a function of knowledge but also of prevailing attitudes and practices.

The significance of this study is to be able to provide a baseline on the current levels of KAP of workers and supervisors/ managers in construction sites, which is valuable in the formulation of policies, strategies and interventions to better address the safety and health concerns.  The interplay of the three elements (knowledge, attitudes and practices) is also an important aspect to look into to have a better package of safety and health interventions for the construction industry.

 This particular survey involved a total of 362 respondent workers and supervisors/ managers in 17 construction sites in 5 areas in Metropolitan Manila (Quezon City, Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong and Manila).  It was the intention of the study to have sites representing low-rise (3 floors and below), medium-rise (4-6 floors) and high-rise (7 floors and above) construction.  Seven small, 6 medium and 4 large construction sites were visited for the survey.

The study initially prioritized workers in the following types of work:  steel works, masonry, carpentry, equipment operator.  However in the course of the study, a significant number of laborers or utility personnel and other types of work (e.g., electricians, time keepers, etc.) were involved in the survey and focused group discussions.

Relevant findings in the survey show that in relation to safety and health,  generally, 70.0% to 90.3% of supervisors and workers regardless of type of work have fair level of knowledge.  The majority of the supervisors/ managers or 77.0% and equipment operator (51.6%) have generally good attitudes, while the other groups of workers, ranging from 25.8% to 45.1%, have fair levels of attitudes.  As to practices, most supervisors/ managers (62.3%) and workers (51.7% to 58.8%) have good practices, except masonry workers and those belonging to the others group where only 42.9% ad 44.0%, respectively, have good practices.

The qualitative part of the study through the focused group discussions (FGDs) showed that the level of knowledge of the supervisors/ managers and the different groups of workers leave so much to be desired.  Even most supervisors are not aware of existing safety and health standards.  Only a few have heard about the DOLE Department Order No. 13:  Guidelines Governing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry.

Twelve FGDs were conducted involving 21 supervisors and 70 workers.  Three FGDs were for supervisors, 4 for carpentry workers, 2 each for steel workers and equipment operators and 1 for masonry workers.  In terms of construction size, the FGDs conducted were as follows:  3 for small, 3 for medium and 6 for large.

The findings of the study would provide good inputs to both government and private organizations in modifying occupational safety and health policies and programs and developing new ones to improve the overall status of safety and health in the constructions sites.  More particularly, the results of the study could give better insights to the Department of Labor and Employment in carrying out the provisions of the Department Order No. 13.