Measuring the perception of safety officers on occupational health in Indian industries

Abstract

Perceptions and understandings of risk in occupational health and safety (OHS) among employers and employees influence the control of risk at work. Critical analysis of OHS standards implementation reveals that the dimensions and the variables responsible for improving health and safety norms widely vary across industries and locations. A study of risk perceptions and understanding in OHS by safety officers have been conducted in three Indian industrial sectors, e.g. construction, refractory and steel industries. A broad-based questionnaire is prepared covering various aspects of current OHS practices in industries. The responses are analysed using factor analysis and ten factors are extracted and interpreted. Finally, identified factors again analysed using discriminant analysis to highlight statistical difference among practices existing in three sectors. Findings of the study suggest that perception of safety officers has positive influence on factors such as injury avoidance, work practices, standardisation, healthcare and risk management.