17 Apr 2025
A new study by Dr Xiaoyan Liang from International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and co-workers reveals how safety leadership, combined with coworker and family support, can significantly improve construction site safety. The research has been published in the prestigious Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.
The construction industry remains one of the world's most dangerous work environments. Dr. Liang's study demonstrates that when workers trust their leaders' commitment to safety, they are more likely to follow safety protocols. Importantly, the research shows this effect is strengthened when coworkers provide mutual safety support and when family members encourage safe work practices.
Safety isn’t just about rules and regulations. The findings show that trust between workers and leaders, combined with peer and family support, creates a powerful safety culture that goes beyond traditional approaches.
The two-wave study involving 228 construction workers found that safety leadership alone isn't enough - the involvement of multiple stakeholders creates a more robust safety environment. This approach not only reduces accidents but also supports the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for worker health and well-being.
Dr Liang, an Associate Professor specializing in Sustainable HRM and business ethics, emphasizes the practical applications. Construction managers should focus on building trust through consistent communication while encouraging teamwork and family involvement in safety initiatives.
The study provides concrete recommendations for the construction industry, suggesting that companies develop training programs that engage not just supervisors but entire work teams and workers' families in safety awareness.
About the journal
The Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (ASCE) is a top-tier publication advancing research in construction safety, project management, and sustainable infrastructure. It features innovative studies on digital construction, risk mitigation, and productivity enhancement, bridging academic theory with industry practice. Recognized as a Tier 1 journal in China and indexed in SCIE/Scopus, it serves as a key knowledge hub for engineers, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. The journal maintains rigorous peer-review standards while promoting interdisciplinary solutions to global construction challenges, from smart technologies to resilient project delivery systems.
About the author
Dr Xiaoyan (Christiana) Liang is an Associate Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Her research areas include Sustainable HRM, business ethics, CSR, corporate volunteer management and leadership. She has published in journals such as Human Resource Management Review, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, International Journal of Human Resource Management, Personnel Review, Journal of Global Information Management, Nonprofit Management and Leadership and others.
17 Apr 2025