How Can Peer Presence Cause Distraction and Error Among Construction Workers? A Virtual Reality Study

Abstract

Construction workplaces are hazard-rich environments where workers must maintain sustained attention to prevent human errors. In parallel, construction jobsites are inherently social environments that require collaborative work and peer interactions. Such interactions and peer presence may influence workers’ attention, potentially causing distraction. While previous studies have shown that distraction can impair attentional skills, there remains a paucity of research empirically examining whether peer presence contributes to distraction in construction settings. To address this gap, this study investigated the effects of peer presence on workers’ perceived distraction and attentional allocation within a virtual reality environment. Participants completed the simulated task under two conditions: with peer presence and without peer presence. The results showed that participants allocated significantly less attention to the task at hand and hazardous areas in the presence of the peer. These findings provide important insights into how peer presence may divert workers’ attentional resources and contribute to error.