Physical and Psychological Factors in Perceived Safety: A Macroergonomic Case Study

Abstract

This paper describes on-going efforts to reduce real and perceived safety risks in a large newspaper publisher. These risks have been traditionally treated by analysis and remediation of physical conditions exclusively. This case illustrates how psychological and organizational factors can alter perceptions of unsafe conditions. Organizational culture, attitudes and affective states appear to influence perceptions of risk and harm. A macroergonomic analysis and participatory approach have been effective in reducing complaints and costs to date.