This study explores the reasons behind hard hat non-compliance among Filipino site workers and introduces a technological concept to improve safety compliance at construction sites. A qualitative approach is used through in-depth interviews with project managers, safety officers, and site workers within Metro Manila, all of whom regularly use hard hats. The researcher follows the six steps of systematic thematic analysis to identify common patterns and themes. Findings indicate that workers often remove or fail to properly wear their hard hats due to discomfort caused by heat, poor fit, strap irritation, and low-quality materials (i.e., ergonomic factors). Other reasons include lack of safety training, weak enforcement of safety rules, and complacency, as many workers wear helmets only when supervisors are nearby (i.e., behavioral factors and management factors). These actions increase the risk of head injuries, cause work stoppages, and lead to delays in operations. Both ergonomic, behavioral, and management factors therefore influence non-compliance. To address these issues, the study proposes the anti-strip belt technology, an engineering control designed to monitor and prevent the removal of hard hats while workers are at work. The participants express support for this concept, recognizing its potential to strengthen safety monitoring and compliance. The study concludes that combining proper training, strict supervision, and technology-driven safety systems can reduce non-compliance and improve worker safety. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on human factors, ergonomics, and workplace safety management.

Keywords

In-depth Interview, Overall Site Safety, Project Officers, Qualitative Research, and Thematic Analysis