Exploring the Mechanism of Hazard Detection Failure of Construction Workers from a Capability-Demand Matching Perspective

Heightened global concern regarding hazard detection failure among construction workers, resulting in unsafe behaviors and potential accidents, has escalated. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the causes of hazard detection failure. To bridge the gap, this study explores the mechanism of hazard detection failure from the matching perspective of hazard detection capability and hazard detection task demand. First, 35 participants were recruited to participate in an eye-tracking experiment, during which they examined 44 photos to identify potential hazards. Second, polynomial regression with response surface analysis was used to explore how different degrees of matching between hazard detection capability and task demand impact workers’ hazard detection failure. Finally, the moderating effect of fatigue was examined through hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The results reveal that hazard detection failure is significantly negatively correlated with hazard detection capability and significantly positively correlated with task demand. Additionally, the primary causes of hazard detection failure are undermatching and high-level matching between hazard detection capability and task demand. Fatigue positively moderates the relationship between the degree of matching and hazard detection failure. Academically, this study significantly enhances the theoretical understanding of hazard detection failure and cognitive failure among construction workers. Practically, it provides safety managers with a structured process and actionable methods to address hazard detection failure among construction workers, including tools for evaluating workers’ hazard detection capabilities and task demands.