국내 건설 근로자와 관리자의 산업안전보건 인식 차이와 구조적 한계

Differences in Perception between Construction Workers and Managers and Structural Limitations Regarding Occupational Safety and Health in South Korea

Background: The South Korean construction industry consistently records the country’s highest rate of occupational accidents, accounting for more than half of annual work-related fatalities. Despite regulations and safety programs, serious but largely preventable accidents such as falls, collapses, and entrapments remain frequent. These recurring incidents highlight not only physical hazards and managerial shortcomings, but also gaps between workers’ and managers’ perceptions of occupational safety and health (OSH). Objectives: This study aimed to examine OSH perceptions among construction workers and managers in South Korea and to identify differences between the two groups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 89 participants from May to June 2024. The questionnaire included 48 items across five domains: safety regulations and procedures, safety education, reporting and communication, safety culture, and field application, all measured on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and importance–performance matrix analysis using SPSS 26.0. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.64 to 4.44, indicating generally positive perceptions, but with notable variation. More than half of the items (27, 56.3%) scored below 4.0, highlighting critical areas for improvement. Workers gave particularly low scores for participation in safety regulation revision (Q48, 3.64), suggestions for training improvement (Q85, 3.65), and reporting unsafe acts (Q71, 3.71). Managers rated lower on leadership and institutional support items such as performance feedback and incentive systems. Both groups consistently identified deficiencies in participation, communication, and feedback mechanisms. Conclusions: Although OSH awareness at construction sites was above moderate overall, structural gaps in participation and communication remain. Workers emphasized practical shortcomings in implementation, while managers highlighted organizational and systemic support issues. Strategies to improve safety should prioritize enhancing worker participation, strengthening reporting and feedback systems, improving training quality, and reinforcing managerial leadership to foster a participatory safety culture.