Risk perception and risk-taking behavior of construction site dumper drivers

In the UK construction site dumpers cause more serious accidents than any other type of construction plant. Previous research has indicated that driver behavior plays a pivotal role in the vast majority of these accidents. This study used a paired comparison technique to explore dumper drivers’ and subject matter experts’ (SMEs’) risk perception and its relationship to risk-taking behavior. It was found that driver risk perception significantly differed from measures of “objective risk”, derived from accident data and also from SMEs ‘ risk perception. Furthermore, drivers still engaged in undertaking perceived high risk behaviors. The results suggest that driver risk perception was linked to the “perceived dread” of an accident, rather than its likelihood and that risk-taking behavior was often driven by situational factors, such as site safety rules or the behavior of other personnel on the site, together with an overarching culture that prioritizes production over safety.