Knowledge of occupational health and safety among civil engineering sector operators

Abstract

Introduction: civil works workers are constantly exposed to risks such as falls from different levels, structural collapse, electrocutions, exposure to hazardous substances, physical fatigue, constant noise, and improper handling of tools and heavy machinery. Objective: to determine the level of knowledge about occupational health and safety among civil works construction operating personnel in a company located in the Barranquilla District, Colombia. Method: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the last quarter of 2024 with 40 workers selected through convenience sampling. The survey-type methodological instrument designed by Mejia et al. in 2016 and validated for this study was used. The instrument consisted of a self-administered survey consisting of 12 questions related to the characteristics of the respondent and their work, as well as 10 multiple-choice questions about their work knowledge. Results: weaknesses were evident in the understanding and internalization of the fundamental concepts that underpin occupational risk prevention. A relevant finding was the gap between formal compliance with certain institutional processes and a lack of awareness of the rights, duties, and regulations governing occupational health and safety. Conclusions: this situation suggests the existence of a superficial preventive culture, focused on compliance based on requirements rather than on a critical understanding of the elements that guarantee safe working conditions. Furthermore, factors such as educational level, the nature of the employment relationship, and the type of occupation directly influence the appropriation of knowledge on the subject.