Introduce a Tool to Assess the Understanding of the Early Warning System in High-Risk Organizations

Abstract

Background: Although early warning system processes follow precise models and scenarios, the human part is not fully understood. Most people before and during crises, act according to their interpretive plans, sometimes when the situation may not be dangerous, but can lead to dangerous reactions. The purpose of this study was to provide an indicator that can be used to assess people's understanding of early warning systems. Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in 2019 in a gas refinery in Iran. In the first step, the Perception Index questionnaire was translated into Persian with the help of English language experts. In the next step, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. The questionnaires were distributed and completed among 168 refinery personnel. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were determined by statistical tests. Results: The content validity index was 0.8, and the content validity ratio was 0.66. The general index of perception of the rapid warning system in this industry was 71.74 percent. Pearson correlation test did not show a significant correlation between age and perception index (r = 0.060), and also this test showed a positive correlation between perception index and work experience (r = 0.691). Spearman test was used to examine the relationship between two variables of education level and perception index. The results showed that there was a strong correlation between these two variables (rho = 0.746). Conclusion: The results showed that the perception index in this questionnaire has high validity and reliability and can be used in high-risk industries. The general perception index gained in this industry was in good condition, which means that people are more likely to be well aware at the time of an accident and will behave appropriately. However, it is suggested that the managers of the industry understudy hold training classes related to the early warning systems, hold emergency maneuvers, and familiarize the personnel with different scenarios.