Qualitative findings from a safety communication and recognition program on safety awareness and teambuilding in construction

This qualitative study explored the impact of a safety communication and recognition program (“B-SAFE”) on safety attitudes and beliefs among construction workers. This study is part of a large cluster randomized control trial that is investigating the overall program's impact. B-SAFE consisted of weekly, detailed feedback to foremen and workers on safe and unsafe work practices. B-SAFE ran for approximately 5 months on two commercial construction sites in the Boston area. Sites were paired with a similar-type worksite (and same owner or general contractor), and data collection methods were identical at each site. Focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted to qualitatively assess the program's impact on workers' perception of site safety. Transcripts of focus groups and key informant interviews were coded and analyzed for thematic content using Atlas.ti(V7). At both B-SAFE intervention sites, workers noted increased levels of safety awareness, communication, and teamwork, when compared to experiences on-site before the program, and compared to past worksites. Workers attributed an increase in morale to B-SAFE, and said that the increase in feedback helped to improve safety conditions. One worker stated, “[B-SAFE] increased the level of awareness around safety conditions on-site (…) Instead of cutting corners, we'd do it right.” Workers at sites without the communication and recognition program noted that the level of safety was comparable to past worksites. Data collection at two additional sites is ongoing. Future quantitative data analysis to evaluate program effectiveness through worker surveys, safety inspections, and injury reports will augment these qualitative results.