The effect of COVID-19 on construction site personnel: Psychological and physiological perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide panic, with countries implementing restriction orders to curb its widespread infection. Aside from health, the pandemic imposed adverse impacts on global economic growth and its impact extended across various sectors, including construction. This study investigated the psychological and physiological effects of COVID-19 on construction site personnel, identified the contributing factors, and explored potential mitigation strategies for such issues. The quantitative study involved the distribution of a questionnaire to 227 construction site personnel in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The data were analysed using descriptive analysis via SPSS. It was found that anger, anxiety, and depression are psychological repercussions of insomnia, hypertension, and fatigue among construction site personnel. Factors like increased workload, job insecurity, and concerns about infection or exposure to the virus prompted it. They also expressed considerable apprehension about the possibility of losing their jobs and financial difficulties during the pandemic. This study suggested pre-construction workout programmes to strengthen construction site personnel’s muscles and cardiovascular system, leading to better physiological and psychological well-being.