Measuring personal protective equipment knowledge levels for employees of housing constructions in Artvin province

The construction industry is a sector that is prone to occupational accidents owing to the presence of numerous hazards and risks. The aforementioned hazards have the potential to cause physical harm, disability, fatality, financial detriment, or the onset of occupational illnesses among individuals. The construction industry is confronted with a significant issue of occupational accidents, which pose a considerable threat due to their high frequency and potential for extensive damages. As such, it is imperative that these accidents be treated with the utmost seriousness. To ensure the safety of construction workers, it is imperative that they utilize appropriate equipment that is tailored to their specific needs and the nature of their tasks. The term utilized to refer to the gear employed for safeguarding individuals from potential hazards is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This equipment serves to mitigate or prevent potential damages that may arise in the event of an accident.The objective of this thesis is to assess the extent of workers' familiarity with PPE in the context of housing construction activities in the province of Artvin. In order to achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire-based study was conducted with a sample of 70 workers in the city center of Artvin. The questionnaire consisted of 10 socio-demographic questions and 27 questions aimed at assessing the participants' level of knowledge regarding PPE. The statistical analysis of the acquired data was conducted through the utilization of SPSS 23(Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. The statistical analysis involved the examination of various measures such as frequency, mean, standard deviation, kurtosis, and skewness. The statistical techniques employed in the study included correlation analysis, comparison tests, and non-parametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The statistical analysis involved the pairwise comparison of groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. In cases where it was deemed necessary, the Bonferroni correction was applied. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that employees possess a considerable degree of understanding regarding PPE. The acquisition of knowledge, ideally derived from formal instruction, is predominantly derived from practical application. Consequently, the utilization rate of PPE is suboptimal in relation to the level of awareness. Research endeavors ought to be undertaken to enhance the degree of PPE comprehension via instructional programs while devising approaches to promote its utilization.