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Aligning with SDGs in Construction: The Foreman as a Key Lever for Reducing Worker Risk-Taking

Author

Listed:
  • Jing Feng

    (School of Smart Construction and Energy Engineering, Hunan Engineering University, Xiangtan 411228, China)

  • Kongling Liu

    (School of Smart Construction and Energy Engineering, Hunan Engineering University, Xiangtan 411228, China)

  • Qinge Wang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China)

Abstract

Improving occupational health and safety (OHS) in the construction industry can contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Yet, workers’ risk-taking behaviors (RTBs) remain a persistent challenge. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Social Information Processing Theory, this study develops and tests a social influence model to examine how foremen’s safety attitudes (SAs) shape workers’ RTBs. Drawing on survey data from 301 construction workers in China, structural equation modeling reveals that foremen’s SAs significantly and negatively predict workers’ RTBs. However, the three dimensions of SAs—cognitive, affective, and behavioral—exert their influence through different pathways. Risk perception (RP) plays a key mediating role, particularly for the cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Furthermore, interpersonal trust (IPT) functions as a significant moderator in some of these relationships. By identifying the micro-social pathways that link foremen’s attitudes to workers’ safety behaviors, this study offers a testable theoretical framework for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly Goals 3 and 8) at the frontline workplace level. The findings provide empirical support for organizations to move beyond rule-based management and instead build more resilient OHS governance systems by systematically cultivating the multidimensional attitudes of frontline leaders.

Suggested Citation

  • Jing Feng & Kongling Liu & Qinge Wang, 2025. "Aligning with SDGs in Construction: The Foreman as a Key Lever for Reducing Worker Risk-Taking," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-23, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7000-:d:1715633
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