Quantifying the Mediating Effect of Frontline Supervisors on Workers’ Safety Actions: A Construction Safety Culture Focus

Abstract

Ensuring the safety of construction sites is a pivotal aspect in the field of construction engineering and management. Frontline supervisors, acting as a central link between upper management, safety personnel, and field workers, play a vital role in this regard. Despite their significance, their role remains largely unexplored and underinvestigated. This study utilized a blend of survey methodology and literature review to assess the mediating impact of frontline supervisors on the behavior of field workers and to identify factors contributing to the enhancement of their overall contribution to site safety. According to the study findings, frontline supervisors play a significant role in mediating workers’ behavior. Consequently, the accountability of frontline supervisors emerges as vital for elevating construction site safety. Moreover, seven factors contributing to the safety performance and overall contribution of frontline supervisors were identified in the reviewed literature. The factors are safety management system, management commitment, safety training, experience, safety knowledge, safety attitude, and leadership skills. As a result, this research enriches the existing body of knowledge and provides practical insights for the industry, enhancing our understanding of the role of frontline supervisors and the necessary resources required to empower them. Industry professionals and practitioners can utilize this study’s findings to make decisions that positively impact safety conditions on their construction sites.