METHODS

This chapter will present a methodical description of how the research will be conducted

and will discuss the information on the procedures for collecting data. This will further discuss

the research design, place of study, respondents, instruments, data collection, data analysis,

sequence, emphasis, and mixing procedures, figure of procedures, anticipated methodological

issues, trustworthiness of the study, ethical considerations and safety and health protocols.

Research Design

The researchers will be using the triangulation mixed method research design.

Triangulation is defined as measuring the same concept using multiple methods in order to gain

a more complete understanding of the phenomenon being studied. It involves using multiple

data sources and collection, observers, or theories. The research findings are strong, rich,

comprehensive, and well-developed when using this method (Haele,2013). Studies that

compare quantitative and qualitative observations which intends to best understand a

phenomenon by obtaining different but complementary data on the same topic,

allowing researchers to enhance the validity of their findings.

This study will use qualitative method which is Descriptive Survey with structured

questions for the construction personnel particularly construction workers and quantitative

method which is Interview Design-Standardized Open-Ended Interview for the safety officers.

This research method will be used in the study since this method involves both collecting and

analyzing quantitative and qualitative data. By mixing the datasets, the researcher provides a

better understanding of the problem this is to draw on the strengths of each than if either

dataset had been used alone. (Creswell,2013). This method is also used in order to cater both

the sides of the construction personnel and the safety officers and compare their results in order

to create a better conclusion for the study.

 The quantitative and qualitative methods will undergo triangulation analysis to enhance

the credibility of the proposed study. The proposed study aims to assess and determine

awareness and compliance of Davao City Construction Sites occupational safety and health in

the workplace. This may serve as a basis for the involvement of the office concerned in

enforcing DOLE Department Order No. 13.

Triangulation Mixed Methods

QUANTITATIVE DATA
ANALYSIS

COMPARISON OF
QUANTITATIVE INTERPRETATION
FINDINGS AND AND CONCLUSION
QUALITATIVE OF THE STUDY
FINDINGS

QUALITATIVE DATA
ANALYSIS

Place of the Study

The proposed study will be conducted in Davao City. It is where modernization is at

advantage in this region that makes it a destination for investments, employment, and more

possibilities. As an implication, in the center of this city, more and more structures are being

built. Because of the continuous construction of infrastructure, many construction personnel are

hired within the city. With this, it easy to find respondents within the place since proponents

resided also in the city.

 According to [Link] there are already Eighty-Three (83) Construction companies

in Davao Region and most of it were located in Davao Del Sur where Davao City belongs. In

[Link] Thirty-Eight Construction Companies were seen in the list with their contact details

including their specific location within the City.

The convenience and the easier access of the research respondents and the

suitableness of the place of the study made the goal of the researchers emphasizing primarily

on infrastructures, whether it may be a public or private construction site, that are currently

under construction. Gathering of data regarding existing construction sites shall be made in the

City Engineers Office of Davao City. Out of the list, enough sample construction sites shall be

selected. The analysis and interpretation of the data will be conducted at the Saludar’s

residence located at Purok 5, Km. 8 Barangay Tigatto, Buhangin District, Davao City. The

aforementioned address is the address of residence of the project manager of the group.

The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) is a mandatory office created in every city or

municipality. It is the engineering arm of the City Government of Davao where it was through the

RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 and its numerous functions are outlined in

Article 7, Section 477 under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code that this office

was created. It is to primarily provide engineering services to the local government unit

concerned, including investigation and survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies, and

project management.

Research Respondents

The researchers will use probability sampling which was random sampling for the

quantitative phase and purposive sampling in the qualitative phase for the selection of

respondents in six (6) different construction sites. Random sampling is a technique in which a

sample chosen is meant to have an equal probability of being chosen. This is to ensure that the
sample chosen is a representative of the whole population and that it is to avoid biased

representation of the entire population. Statistical conclusions drawn from the analysis of the

sample will be valid and can be used in the conduct of the study. (Crossman,2020) In the

qualitative phase, purposive sampling will be used since researchers will be choosing specific

people particularly safety officers that will be used in the conduct of the study. According to

Writer in 2019 purposive sampling can easily get samples of subject with specific

characteristics. It helps researchers to select a sample based on the purpose of the study and

knowledge of a population. Because of certain characteristics subjects are chosen. The primary

objective of this type of non-probability sample is to produce a sample that is representative of a

particular population.

Quantitative

In this study, a hundred (100) construction personnel shall be selected from Six (6)

different construction sites, each with equal number of representatives. Respondents that will be

selected will undergo descriptive survey with structured questions. This is because their work

environment involves hazards in the construction site and that their awareness and compliance

will help in mitigating the risk in the nature of their job. Respondents shall be selected on the

following criteria: 1. Must have a work experience as a construction worker of not less than 6

(six) months; 2. Currently working as a construction worker in an on-going project or currently

under construction project; 3. Must be 18 years old and above and is mentally and physically

good and healthy.

Qualitative

In the selection of the respondents for the interview, Six (6) safety officers, one from

each construction site will be selected. The respondents in will undergo standardized open-

ended interview since their work includes finding possible safety hazards and deciding if
processes or conditions can be improved so that workers are less likely to be injured and the

construction workers which they are accountable for a variety of on-site activities, such as

debris collection, scaffolding installation, construction supplies loading and unloading, and

heavy equipment service assistance. Respondents shall be selected based on the following

criteria: 1. Currently working as a safety officer of a construction site; 2. Undergone training in

Construction Occupational Safety and Health as minimum; 3. Worked as a safety officer for a

minimum of 2 years.

Safety officers and construction personnel mainly construction workers will be the

respondents of the proposed study. Six (6) construction sites will be chosen whether it be under

public or private companies. The construction workers and their safety officers per site will be

identified based on Slovins Formula. The researchers will be choosing the respondents in

accordance with the given criteria. It is where the site engineer and safety officers are part of the

site management team and is responsible for health, safety, and the coordination and

monitoring of materials and workers. On the other hand, Construction workers have an

important responsibility to ensure successful and secure construction. However, the value of

worker roles has not been given much attention because it is believed that the engineer already

has extensive knowledge to monitor and supervise construction workers.

Research Instruments

Quantitative

The researchers will be utilizing a researcher-made survey questionnaire for the

descriptive design. The survey questionnaire will be composed of restricted items. According to

Laura Colosi (2006), close-ended questions should be properly formed in deciding a response

since, the carefully curated response choices allow the same scope of reference for all
 participants. The responses to a close-ended question are pre-determined and, therefore, both

are more descriptive than open-ended questions and are more likely to encourage cooperation

between respondents in terms of interpreting both the question and the answers.

The survey questionnaire will consist of 45 questions that will be categorized according

to the level of compliance and level of awareness. The instrument will be subjected to

validation by the UIC-Research Ethical Review Committee and shall be tested for validity. The

respondents will answer based on a point scale where:

1– Not at all

2– Rarely Evident

3– Sometimes

4– Most of the time

5– Always

For the mean of the answered survey in terms of the level of awareness and level of

compliance, the following were the summarized ranges as shown in a table:

Point Score Rating Range Rating

Interval
5 Always 4.20-5.00 Very High
4 Most of the time 3.41-4.20 High
3 Sometimes 2.61-3.40 Average
2 Rarely Evident 1.81-2.60 Low
1 Not at all 1.00-1.80 Very low

Qualitative
 The Open-ended interview will be using a structured wording of questions, the

researcher does not provide options for the respondents to choose their answer. The

respondent can answer whatever seems best to him/her this provides greater freedom to the

respondents and in-depth data can be collected using open-ended questions both in interviews

as well as in questionnaires. (Colosi,2006) Also, respondents are more likely to encourage

cooperation in terms of interpreting both the question and the answers. The interview will be

analyzed through themes and transcriptions. The answers of the participants and their

identifications will remain confidential and the final copy of the interview transcripts and the

actual video recording will be shown for verification.

Validity of the Instrument

In addressing the validity issues of the methods and the designs that will be used in the

study, experts and research panels are consulted about the use and execution of the mixed

method design. The 45-item questionnaire and interview guide questions will be validated and

will also undergo reliability test in the UIC Research Ethics Review Committee experts to prove

that the questions prepared by the proponents are safe, not bias and the responses of the

respondents will be consistent. The sampling technique used in the selection of respondents is

based on the suggestion of research panel and adviser. In the quantitative data, a statistician

expert in this field will be referred to process the data that will be gathered. In qualitative data,

the fully furnished copy of transcriptions and actual video recording will be provided to interview

respondents to ensure nothing was altered and edited.

The content for the interview and survey questions will be from the features of DOLE

Department Order No. 13. Awareness and Compliance of their area of responsibility to features

of DOLE Department Order No. 13 in ensuring occupational safety and health in the workplace.
Data Collection

The procedures that will be followed in the conduct of the study are the following:

Permission. A letter will be written to the Dean of the College of Engineering and

Architecture duly signed by the Design Project Adviser and Design Project Instructor

asking permission to conduct the study outside the school premises. Next, a letter will

be written to concerned offices, particularly City Engineers Office in Magallanes, asking

permission to conduct the study to the respondents of the construction companies.

Then, a letter will be written to the chosen construction companies where the project

manager or the contractors are present, asking permission to survey the site

engineers, safety officers and construction workers when they will have their break

time or their most convenient time. Upon approval of the concerned offices, the

proponents used the methods for data collection as stated in the mixed method design.

The proponents will have a simultaneous visit to the construction sites to conduct

survey to the construction personnel and home-based online interview to the safety

officers.

Quantitative

The proponents will administer descriptive survey using survey questionnaires to

the construction personnel particularly construction workers and will have the site

engineer for a construction site will be the contact person of the researchers. He or she

shall be offered two methods for of data gathering procedure for the survey

questionnaires: 1. Utilization of Google Forms. A google link shall be sent to the site

ngineer which he or she can send to the concerned workers for them to fill it up. After

filling up, the filled questionnaire will directly be sent to the researcher through the
 google database; 2. Physical delivery of printed questionnaires to the construction site

to be turned over to the site engineer. The researchers will be asking the site engineer

to inform them in case all forms have been distributed and respondents have filled up

the questionnaire. The researchers will collect the questionnaire from the construction

site.

Qualitative

In the qualitative phase, the safety officers will undergo online interview in which

it is a Standardized Open-Ended Interview. The safety officers will be directly contacted

by the proponents in conducting online interview and will do it in their most preferred and

convenient time. The proponents will conduct the interview via Zoom or Google Meet

with the respondents and will be explaining the instructions, purpose and how will they

answer questions. Each participant will be interviewed one at a time at their most

convenient time.

Data Analysis

In analyzing of the data gathered for the survey, the proponents will use frequency

distribution and Pearson R. In the analysis of data for the interview, coding, thematic analysis

and triangulations will be used.

Quantitative

Frequency distribution is used in order to compute for the average value of the gathered

samples. The Pearson R will be used to measure the degree of relationship between the levels

of compliance and the level of awareness of the respondents.

Qualitative

The proponents will follow the steps according to Creswell in 2013: The data are being

organized and prepared for analysis through transcribing interviews, reading, watching and

hearing at all data, the beginning of coding all data, using a coding process in generating a

description for the thematic analysis in order to closely examine the data to identify common

themes, topics, ideas, and patterns of meaning which come up repeatedly, advancing a

qualitative narrative of themes and descriptions, and making an interpretation in a qualitative

design for the findings and results. Triangulations will be used to increase the credibility and

validity of research findings. The themes and descriptions will determine and assess the level of

awareness and compliance of Davao City Construction sites safety officers to the occupational

safety and health in the workplace and the extent on how qualitative data sill support the

quantitative data.

Sequence, Emphasis and Mixing Procedures

Sequence. The selected research design of the study will be triangulation mixed

method. The quantitative data will be collected from the survey questionnaires and statistical

analysis will be employed. The qualitative data will be collected through online interview actual

video and audio recording and transcription, thematic analysis. There will be comparison of the

results that will be gathered on the level of awareness and compliance of the respondents.

Emphasis. The study will give emphasis on the results of the both the quantitative

phase and qualitative phase. The qualitative and qualitative results in the study will be

compared. There might be a chance that data might not support results in both phases but

through comparison a better conclusion will be drawn.

 Mixing Procedures. In this study, the same scope of reference will be used for both

qualitative and quantitative phases, linking of data will be done when the results and findings of

the two methods will are obtained. Results and findings shall be compared and the connection

of data will be interpreted within the scope of the study’s purpose which is to assess and

determine the level of awareness and compliance of Davao City Construction sites occupational

health and safety in the workplace.

Figures of Procedures

The figure below indicated the systematic procedure of the study. It demonstrated the

use of triangulation mixed methods approach where qualitative data findings are compared to

the quantitative data results to obtain a better conclusion on the level of awareness and

compliance of the respondents to the occupational health and safety regulations. The

quantitative and qualitative phases will be conducted separately.

 Level of Awareness Compliance of Davao City
Construction Sites Occupational Health and Safety

QUANTITATIVE FINDINGS

COMPARISON OF
QUANTITATIVE DATA AND
QUALITATIVE DATA

QUANTITATIVE FINDINGS
 Process-collection and analysis of
quantitative and qualitative data

In the quantitative phase, a 45-item researcher-made test questionnaire multiple choice

of test will be administered to the construction personnel particularly construction workers and

were chosen randomly. In the qualitative phase, data will be collected through in-depth online

interview. The questionnaires that will be used will undergo validation. The safety officers will be

chosen purposively, and the responses will be transcribed.

In analyzing the quantitative data, appropriate statistical tools such as frequency

distribution and Pearson R will be used. In the analysis of data for the qualitative phase, coding,

thematic analysis, and triangulations will be used. It is expected that data analyzed will have

significant themes and subject.

Results from both phases were compared and synthesized. The data were summarized

and the extent of how the qualitative and quantitative data findings will support or contradict

each other will be discussed thus, leading to the interpretation of the phenomenon of the study.

Methodological Issues

Design. According to Haele in 2013, with the use of triangulation data from two distinct

research methods are comparable and may or may not be of equal weight in the research

inquiry. It was a challenge to use this design and since there will be utilization of two methods

that will be separately done, there is a chance that findings will contradict each other for both

phases.

Time. Target responders are construction personnel primarily construction workers and

safety officers with very limited break time per day of work. There would be a problem on finding

the best and convenient time to conduct the interview and the survey.
 Selection of Participants. In the selection of respondents, the proponents make sure

that all construction workers and safety officers name are known before a random sampling be

conduct among workers. Participants might share the same answer while gathering data since

they have the same workplace.

Safety and Health. Because of the pandemic, researchers will have a hard time in

visiting concerned offices and sites since there are strict and standard protocols. There should

be less interaction, yet this study will require communicating with a lot of people.

Resources. In addition, financial resources will be the problem in conducting the study

whenever actual survey will be done usage of multiple papers for survey test for the participants

to clearly read and comprehend questions and answer easily. Also since it is required to travel

from one place to the other transportation fees also will be a concern in order to reach

participants and concerned offices for the proposed study.

Trustworthiness of the Study

According to Creswell in 2013, every qualitative study should establish trustworthiness,

authenticity, and credibility. Thus, connection of data is necessary (Raagas,2010). In assessing

truth for a qualitative study, credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability

should be employed to become a timeless work. (Lincoln and Guba,2015)

Credibility. Credibility in this study will be addressed through the gathering of data with

the use of questionnaire, collecting data through questionnaire, and keeping of questionnaire for

referencing. In addition, In-depth interview was recorded and transcribed to ensure that there

will be no changes and alterations in the results. Furthermore, Validation of questionnaire and

structured interview questions will be done by experts of research ethics committee.

 Transferability: The transferability of the study will be addressed by making sure that

results of the study will be beneficial to construction workers, safety officers, project engineers

to promote safety and secure health at work. For occupational health and safety regulation

offices, this will baseline reference for intervention and mitigation. Moreover, research

procedure stated will be for future researches basis and data are presented for easy referencing

on how conclusions will be made.

Dependability. The dependability of the proposed study will be addressed through

theoretical lens which serves as the basis of the study. Literature review will help in filling in the

research gaps and that theoretical lens and literature review will help in guiding proponents in

gathering data and applications in the study. Furthermore, the procedure stated will be for

references of future studies.

Confirmability. The confirmability of the study will be addressed through securing that

survey test and interview answers shall be kept and be recorded. Results presented in the

Results and interpretation can be compared to kept copies of questionnaire, transcribed record

of interviews, etc.

Ethical Considerations

It is clearly stated in the National Ethical Guidelines for Health and Health Research

2017 that studies will follow the elements of ethics. In this study ethical considerations will be

the following: social value; informed consent; vulnerability of research participants; risks,

benefits, and safety; privacy and confidentiality of information; justice; transparency;

qualifications of the researcher; adequacy of facilities; and community involvement.

Social Value. This study will aim to address social problems pertaining to occupational

health and safety of construction workers. With the aid of this study, proponents will be testing

the level of awareness and compliances of safety officers and construction workers to the
occupational health and safety protocol. The study will help construction workers and safety

officers to increase their level of awareness and compliance to ensure their safety and well-

being in the workplace. Results from the proposed study will be presented to the respondents

and especially to the Occupational Health and Safety regulation office for basis of investigation

to help construction workers avoid fatal accidents and mitigating risk in construction sites.

Informed Consent. Since the proposed study will be needing participants which are

construction workers and safety officers, a letter of consent informing respondents and

concerned offices will be secured. The consent information should have the names and

affiliations of the proponents, clear, simple and concise content for respondents to easily

understand as an invitation to participate in the study; monetary amount or other forms of

material goods will be given to the respondents as a token of appreciation for their participation;

benefits of the proposed study will be expected by the community as well as the whole

humanity; or it will also contribute to scientific knowledge and conclusions; Participants identity

will be kept confidential as to respect their privacy; Participants will not be forced and are free to

withdraw from the research at any time without having to give any reason. Moreover, an

informed consent forms together with the letter will be given to the research respondents to sign

which will serve as their guidelines throughout the conduct of the study.

Vulnerability of the Research Participants. Since respondents in the study were all in

the legal age, an informed consent will be accomplished by the researchers. All respondents

shall be informed of the content and details of the study and they will be aware that they will be

part of the study. The respondents will not be forced and will be free to choose whether they

would like to participate in the study or not. The proponents will only conduct their study during

the participants free time or break time or their most convenient time.
 Risk, Benefits and Safety. In the conduct of the test survey using google forms, if

gadgets and internet connection will not be viable for construction workers, hard copy of

questionnaire will be used. Researchers will be separated and will be assigned in different

construction sites to lessen interaction. Test questionnaires and writing materials will be

provided and distributed in the workplace and will be done in a safe area in the construction site.

Respondents will not be surveyed at once. They shall be group depending also in the size of the

area to ensure proper social distancing of 1-meter and they will be required to wear face mask

and skull guards during the test survey. Researchers will also be required to wear safety

equipment, face mask, face shield and will provide alcohol or hand sanitizers for themselves

and the workers. Writing materials will be sanitized once used by respondents. After the survey,

again materials used will be sanitized. In the interview, researcher will conduct the study home-

based in where safety officers will only be contacted online. Online interview will be done via

google meet or zoom, whatever form of application the respondents will conveniently choose. A

link for the online interview will be given by the proponents. This study hopefully provided

significant contribution in helping construction workers lessen risk and hazards in the workplace

and that casualties for the companies for accidents will also lessen. This also will help the public

avoid hazards in passing through construction areas because of the proper implementation of

protocols. It will also be beneficial to the Occupational Health and Safety regulations office to

always strictly implement safety protocols to help the workers and the public as well as

companies in avoiding hazards, engaging into danger, and spending a lot for casualties.

Privacy and Confidentiality of Information. Proponents will be utilizing codes to keep

the identity of the participants of the study. Participants will not be forced to disclose information

out of his or her willingness. Video and audio recording from the online interview will be

transcribed by the proponents themselves. It is the researcher’s obligation and responsibility to

secure data that will be gathered and will be used only for the purpose of the study. The
researchers will also comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in making sure that data will not

leak and be traced and to protect every participant and their identity.

Justice. Justice will be achieved as to making sure that the right respondents will be

involved in the study. Each respondent will be given token and snacks as thanksgiving and

appreciation for their honest and willing participation in the study. The specific answers of the

respondents will not be disclosed and will be kept confidential.

Transparency. This study will observe principle of transparency through fully informing

respondents that this study will only focus on the level of awareness and compliance of Davao

City construction sites in the occupational health and safety in the workplace. The researchers

will present the results of the study during their Final Defense. The respondents will be

encouraged to attend whenever there will be a conference and will be informed that this study

was not sponsored nor funded by any group or organization.

Qualification of the Researcher. The researchers were credible to conduct the study

for the Level of Awareness and Compliance of Davao City Construction Sites occupational

health and safety in the workplace since they are undergraduates currently taking up Bachelor

of Science in Civil Engineering. Interpretation of statistical data for the quantitative phase will be

reliable as researchers have taken Data Analysis and Statistics and that a Statistician will be

consulted. The local of the study is chosen since most of the researchers resides in Davao City

and that researchers also study in this place. The place has already a lot of constructions on-

going as per observed by the researchers. However, with the mixed methods approach, experts

as well as the research adviser will be consulted.

Adequacy of Facilities. Adequacy of facilities is addressed as materials that are readily

available and accessible to the researcher especially in implementing the study. In this study,

materials needed for survey will be provided by the researchers. In the online interview gadgets
such as laptops, cellphones and wifi or internet connection will be used. Researchers as well as

safety officers can do online interview since they have all the materials and facilities needed.

Community Involvement. There will be six (6) construction sites that has an on-going

project in Davao City will be chosen in the study. Construction sites will be identified in the City

Engineers Office. A hundred construction personnel from different construction sites will be the

respondents for the survey and six safety officers will be the participants for the interview.

The research adviser, research panelist, technical committee and research ethics

experts will contribute to the development and improvement of the study through sharing their

knowledge, expertise, experiences, and constant encouragement to the researchers to follow

standards of research ethics. Likewise, statistician and grammarians who are proficient in their

field will critically examine the study before being published.

Technical Flow Chart

The figure below presented a systematic procedure of the proposed study. This will be

the standard protocol in conducting the study to the respondents:

Submission, ethical review and validation of the survey

questionnaire and interview questions in the UIC-
Research Ethical Review Committee

Letter to the Dean of the College Engineering and

Architecture

Letter to the City Engineers Office

 Letter to the Construction Companies

Validated Questions and Approved of Letters

Conduct of the survey to the construction personnel

primarily construction workers.

Conduct of the online interview to safety officers.

Gathering, Analysis and Interpretation of Results

Safety Health Protocol

During the conduct of the experimentation, the following health and safety protocol and

procedures will be followed by the researchers:

1. Wearing at the field at all times of skull guard (hard hat), work gloves, and closed shoes.
2. Wearing at all times of face mask approved by the Department of Health.

3. Wearing at all times of face shield which shall cover the entire face from the forehead to the

mouth.

4. Regular handwashing with the use of water and soap, or if absent, with the use of 70%

alcohol.

5. Compliance to the minimum social distancing of 1 meter.

6. Avoiding direct contact with personnel from the testing laboratory or facility through the use of

trays.

7. Bringing at all times a valid school ID of the University of the Immaculate Conception for

proper identification at checkpoints. If deemed necessary, bringing at all times a signed letter by

the Project Adviser, Design Project Instructor, Dean of College, and other concerned offices as

proof of experimentation and reason for going out of the premises of the home.