Could a 'perceived stigma' of construction work cost lives?

A survey of construction workers in China suggests ‘perceived occupational stigma’ could have implications for workplace safety.

The study surveyed 243 construction workers, finding that perceptions of construction work as ‘dirty’ or ‘low status’ created a sense of ‘occupational identity threat’, reducing workers’ motivation to engage in safe practices and eroding their commitment to workplace safety.

“When workers sense that society undervalues their role, it undermines their identity, erodes pride and self-esteem, and ultimately reduces their willingness to follow safety behaviours,” said Dr Zhaobiao Zong, lead author and lecturer at Huaibei Normal University.

“We need to challenge negative stereotypes about construction work and promote its social value, strengthen workers’ sense of identity through recognition and supportive workplace cultures, and incorporate wellbeing and resilience training into safety programs,” Zong said. “By doing so, we not only protect workers’ mental health but also create safer worksites.”

One of the study’s authors, Charles Darwin University Senior Lecturer in Business Dr Tianyi Long, said the findings have direct implications for Australia. “The construction sector has some of the highest accident rates in the world, including here in Australia,” Long said.

Dr Tianyi Long.

“This research shows that how workers feel about their jobs, and how they believe others see them, can directly influence safety onsite. By building a culture of respect and self-compassion, we can improve wellbeing, reduce accidents and, ultimately, save lives.”

The study, titled ‘Relationship between perceived occupational stigma and safety behavior of construction workers: moderated mediation model’, was published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.

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