Structural equation modeling of safety performance based on personality traits, job and organizational-related factors

Abstract

Purpose. This study investigated the relationship between three selected personality traits and contextual factors with safety performance. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out among the operational staff of a gas refinery (n = 487) in Iran. Structural equation modeling was used to model the factors affecting safety performance based on personality traits and job and organizational-related factors including consideration of future safety consequence, safety locus of control and impulsiveness, safety climate, job insecurity and role overload, and mediator roles of safety knowledge and safety motivation. Results. Structural equation modeling results indicated that consideration of future safety consequence was directly correlated with safety performance. Impulsiveness and safety locus of control were indirectly associated with safety performance through the mediator role of safety knowledge and motivation. Furthermore, job insecurity and role overload were partially and directly correlated with safety performance. Moreover, safety climate had a significant relationship with safety performance. Conclusion. Consideration of future safety consequence is a valid personality trait for predicting safety performance. It can therefore be used as an indicator in the employee selection process. Moreover, improving employee safety performance necessitates increased safety knowledge and motivation as well as improved occupational characteristics and safety climate.