A safety culture must be built right from the beginning of a career, where occupational safety is not just about following the rules, but a way of thinking and acting. When students are included in the discussion already during their internship, they learn to take responsibility, dare to intervene in dangerous situations, and embrace safety as part of their professional identity.
Making the voices and views of construction students heard is one of the themes of the Construction Safety Week from May 4 to 8, 2026. And it's not just about hearing opinions, but about developing a safety culture in the entire industry, together with young people.
Students are particularly vulnerable because they have little experience, the work site is new, and hazard recognition is still developing. Therefore, their insights help us identify situations where guidance or orientation is not yet working and where there is room for improvement.
Learning in school and safety on construction sites go hand in hand. When students' experiences are utilized, education better reflects the reality of working life, learning deepens through practice, and safety does not remain an isolated theory. That's why it's great that we work closely with educational institutions in many different ways.
Survey shows: students in the field find occupational safety very important
We conducted a survey on occupational safety among young people studying at construction schools in Satakunta and Southwest Finland. We received 138 responses, of which about half represented vocational schools and the other half represented universities of applied sciences. The results were interesting and mostly positive.
Occupational safety in the construction industry is considered very important by 78 percent of respondents and important by 20 percent. Students believe that occupational safety is generally implemented well or very well on construction sites during summer work or internships (84 percent of respondents). What was particularly pleasing in the responses was that no one felt that occupational safety was implemented poorly.
Site orientation is important in many ways. 79 percent of respondents felt they had received sufficient orientation. Unfortunately, we still have work to do in orientation, as one in five stated that they had only received partially sufficient orientation. This alone allows for a potential occupational safety risk to materialize if there are gaps in safe operating practices on the site during the orientation.
One in ten does not dare to speak up about the security flaws they have noticed
There has been a lot of talk about psychological safety on construction sites recently. We asked whether students dare to intervene in occupational safety deficiencies they encounter or ask about safety issues that concern them. 56 percent of students said that intervening or asking questions was easy and did not feel a high threshold. On the other hand, according to the results, one in ten students does not feel that they dare to intervene in situations they see. We challenge construction companies to consider why this is the case and how interns can be supported and encouraged on the construction site.
It was worrying that 53 percent said they had sometimes seen situations on construction sites where occupational safety was not observed. Just over a tenth responded that they had seen such situations often. Only 35 percent responded that they had rarely or never seen situations where occupational safety was not observed.
The teaching at industry educational institutions reflects the reality of construction sites well.
We are in constant dialogue with educational institutions and teachers in the building construction industry to share information on what kind of skills the industry needs. That is why we also asked students how well the occupational safety taught in their studies corresponds to the reality on construction sites.
66 stated that the occupational safety education corresponded well or very well to the reality of construction sites. About a third saw the education as corresponding to reality moderately. The occupational safety themes that were most memorable in the studies were protective equipment, risk identification, and construction site safety practices.
We also used a survey to find out what should be taught more about occupational safety in construction studies. The responses revealed key themes, such as the correct use of protective equipment, including harnesses and respirators. Many wanted additional teaching on how to identify risks on a construction site, how to anticipate dangerous work phases, how to act in dangerous situations, and teaching on task-specific anticipation. Lifting, scaffolding and hoist safety were also mentioned in the responses. Regarding construction site practices and cleanliness, the following topics emerged: orientation, work ergonomics, and general order and clarity on the construction site. Students considered it important to understand how proactive maintenance and cleanliness reduce risks.
The consequences and responsibilities of negligence are thought-provoking
The students also raised a very interesting theme: the consequences and responsibilities of occupational safety negligence. The respondents wanted to be taught about concrete consequences, such as the effects of accidents on work capacity and possible career interruptions and financial losses resulting from an accident. Legal topics were also discussed, such as legislation and the division of responsibilities between, for example, employees and management. The teaching could use more real case examples of occupational accidents and the process, including how they progress to court. Several of them wisely stated that “there is no price for life”.
Practicality was desired in teaching and teaching methods. Respondents commented that the attitude and example of teachers influence learning. One student commented that too little paperwork, such as drawing up safety plans, is covered in teaching. More concrete and realistic situations from construction sites are needed in teaching. Positive views were also found, as many respondents stated that “everything has already been taught well”, which indicates the adequacy of the studies but also the variation between different schools.
Proper orientation, functional protective equipment, and cleanliness of the construction site are at the top of young people's wishes
As professionals in the field, it is important for us to consider the perspective of construction interns and summer workers, which would make the industry safer for them. The students responded that better and more consistent orientation and a review of risks and procedures would be the first thing. Many felt that good orientation is the foundation of a safe construction site.
Next, protective equipment that is proper, suitable and functional was raised. The students stated that everyone should actually wear protective equipment, including dust masks and harnesses. The quality of the equipment was also felt to be essential, as the fit of safety equipment affects both comfort and safety. Orientation and equipment were also mentioned in many open-ended responses to develop occupational safety.
Thirdly, cleanliness and order on the construction site, as well as clear and safe routes, were mentioned. Tidiness was seen as a concrete way to avoid accidents and tripping risks.
They also considered how attitude affects safety: is there a uniform way of acting on a construction site that everyone follows and how it is expressed. In addition, the students expressed the view that even “old sheep” should follow instructions. The young people hoped that they would be taken into account on the construction site and that they would be encouraged to ask questions.
Many students felt that safety would be improved if the trainee had a more experienced employee by their side, from whom they could easily ask for help and who could ask about unclear matters. It is hoped that guidance will be given in a friendly manner, not in a dismissive manner. This is related to guidance as a whole, the culture and atmosphere of the construction site.
Students think the rules are okay, but attitudes need improvement
Students were asked to say what they would like to see change in occupational safety in the construction industry. The responses particularly emphasized attitudes, culture, and the importance of following instructions.
Many students pointed out that the biggest problem is not the lack of rules but the attitude towards safety. Now some of the permanent workers on the construction site do not follow the occupational safety instructions, setting a bad example for the students. Teachers were also expected to set an example and intervene in occupational safety deficiencies. A few responses hoped for the eradication of the culture of macho and belittling and for more respectful treatment of trainees. Safety should be valued above rush and budget, one response stated.
Student insights are a valuable and strategic resource in developing occupational safety. They help identify risks, build a safety culture, and ensure that future professionals operate safely in the construction industry from the very beginning of their careers.
Thank you for your cooperation and participation. inquiryfor research: Turku University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Raseko, Rainfall, Winnova, Salo Regional Education Association, Turku Vocational Institute and Novida.
Kati Kuoksa
Regional expert
kati.kuoksa@rt.fi +358 50 438 3235Talonrakennusteollisuus ry, Turku regional office, Southwest Finland and Satakunta
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