Workplace Safety Practices Research Articles

Identification of Potential Hazards in Occupational Safety and Health Among Rice Milling Workers at UD. Lestari

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is crucial for safeguarding workers' well-being and preventing workplace accidents and diseases. This study explores OHS hazards at UD Lestari, an informal sector rice milling operation in Semarang City, Indonesia. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, conducting interviews, observation, and measurements from April to May 2024. The aim of this study was to identify various OHS hazards present in UD. Lestari's rice milling operations. This research found that all respondents experienced respiratory problems (100%) and 3 people (50%) experienced hearing problems, attributed to inadequate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and smoking habits. Dust levels inside the production area exceeded permissible limits (8.04 mg/m3), posing risks of respiratory diseases. Similarly, noise levels surpassed recommended thresholds (93.26 dB), increasing the likelihood of hearing loss. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing workplace safety and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard worker health in informal sector industries. Future research should explore additional factors influencing OHS outcomes to further enhance workplace safety practices and employee well-being.

Evaluating the Protective Effectiveness of Rubber Glove Materials Against Organic Solvents Upon Repeated Exposure and Decontamination

BackgroundGlove reuse poses risks, as chemicals can persist even after cleaning. Decontamination methods like thermal aeration, recommended by US OSHA, vary in effectiveness. Some studies show promising results, while others emphasize the importance of considering both permeation and tensile strength changes. This research advocates for informed glove reuse, emphasizing optimal thermal aeration temperatures and providing evidence to guide users in maintaining protection efficiency. MethodsThe investigation evaluated Neoprene and Nitrile gloves (22 mils). Permeation tests with toluene and acetone adhered to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) F739 standards. Decontamination optimization involved aeration at various temperatures. The experiment proceeded with a maximum of 22 re-exposure cycles. Tensile strength and elongation were assessed following ASTM D 412 protocols. Breakthrough time differences were statistically analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. ResultsAt room temperature, glove residuals decreased, and standardized breakthrough time (SBT)2 was significantly lower than SBT1, indicating reduced protection. Higher temperature decontamination accelerated residual removal, with ΔSBT (SBT2/SBT1) exceeding 100%, signifying restored protection. Tensile tests showed stable neoprene properties postdecontamination. Results underscore thermal aeration's efficacy for gloves reuse, emphasizing temperature's pivotal role. Findings recommend meticulous management strategies, especially post-breakthrough, to uphold glove-protective performance. ConclusionsThermal aeration at 100°C for 1 hour proves effective, restoring protection without compromising glove strength. The study, covering twenty cycles, suggests safe glove reuse with proper decontamination, reducing costs significantly. However, limitations in chemical-glove combinations and exclusive focus on specific gloves caution against broad generalization. The absence of regulatory directives on glove reuse highlight the importance of informed selection and rigorous decontamination validation for workplace safety practices.

Safety management practices among Saudi healthcare professionals during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted organizational processes and activities. Unlike previous pandemics, COVID-19 has affected everyone directly or indirectly. To protect employees from the virus and associated risks, organizations have focused on developing occupational health and safety management systems. While safety policies and practices were already in place before the pandemic, the emergence of new physical and psychological risks has led organizations to amend their safety and health management systems. Governments have introduced health containment measures such as social distancing, working in shifts, and mandatory quarantine to enhance safety for people worldwide. Employers have also introduced safety measures to build confidence in implementation. These safety management practices have influenced employees' behaviors during the pandemic, and this study aims to examine their impact. Specifically, the study aims to determine the impact of management practices on the behavior of healthcare employees regarding their safety in a threatening environment. Additionally, the study seeks to investigate the indirect influence of management practices on employees' behavior through perceived risks and efficacy. It is important to note that there has been a lack of research on the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. This study found that management commitment did not directly influence employee safety behavior. However, management commitment towards workplace safety practices had a significant and direct influence on healthcare employees' perceived risk associated with COVID-19 and their efficacy. Consequently, management commitment was found to indirectly influence employee safety behavior through efficacy.

The Impact of Workplace Safety Practices on Employee Intention to Stay in the RMG Sector of Bangladesh: Moderating Role of Employee Safety Training

Workplace safety practices in the RMG sector are the demand of the current time. This sector is significantly contributing to the economy is still facing safety problems in Bangladesh. It examines the impact of safety practices on employee retention, with a focus on the moderating effect of safety training. Safety practices encompass fire safety, equipment, and machinery safety. A conceptual framework has been developed to measure workplace safety practices and then its impact on employee retention and has been drawn with the moderating effect of employee safety training. The target population comprised readymade garments (RMG) employees of Dhaka city specially employed in Savar, Gazipur, and Ashulia. Data from 230 Dhaka-based RMG employees were collected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique, employing 28 self-administered questionnaires. Based on the study findings, it was evident that there was a positive and significant connection between the fire safety practices and employee intention to stay scoring .464(r=.464**). In addition, the interaction adds a significant 11.9% to the explanatory power of Fire safety practices when safety training is added with it. The study further showed a correlation value between Safety Equipment and Employee Intention to stay which was .409 (r=.409**). Additionally, in the later phase, the interaction increases the capacity for explanation of the independent variables by a statistically significant 10.2% associated with R2 change (0.102). Another independent variable that was machinery safety was found to have a positively directed relationship with employee intention to stay with a correlation coefficient of .478 (r=478**). Later on, it was evident that the explanatory power of independent variables (main variables) changed significantly by 34.9% when machinery safety practices and safety training were included as a main variable. This research offers insights for HR professionals and managers in enhancing workplace safety and employee outcomes, potentially opening new research avenues.

Enabling technologies of health and safety practices in the fourth industrial revolution: Nigerian construction industry perspective

Globally, different approaches have been applied to improve workplace safety practices due to the complexities of construction activities that pose different dangers to workers’ safety and wellbeing. This study uses Lagos, Nigeria, as a case study and investigates awareness of 4IR technologies in H&S practices among construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. A quantitative research approach was developed to retrieve a structured survey questionnaire from construction stakeholders in the study area. Retrieved data was analysed in three stages: data reliability and validity, descriptive statistics, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The descriptive analysis findings and the Kruskal–Wallis H test revealed no significant difference in professionals’ awareness of 4IR technologies in H&S practices in the construction project delivery in Lagos, Nigeria. The findings of the EFA returned four-factor components of H&S practices enabling technologies in the Era of 4IR as data and robotic technologies, process-based automation, output communication technologies, and wearable hazard detectives’ technologies. This study recommends innovative strategies from the professional bodies through academic and professional development (workshops, training, conferences, and seminars) to improve knowledge of 4IR technologies in H&S practices among professionals.

The Relationship of Occupational Safety Management Practices with Employee Performance: The Mediating Role of Organisational Justice

Purpose: The high accident rate in the oil and gas business makes it risky. Workplace safety practices reduce accidents and boost employee performance (EP). Previous studies examined workplaces in developed countries' industrial, educational, and small and medium enterprises. Organizational justice (OJ) should also have been addressed in identifying its direct and mediating role in workplace safety management practices and EP. This study examines how OJ and occupational safety management practices (OSMP) related EP. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework is based on social exchange theory and OJ theory, this study proposes that OJ (OJ) mediates the relationship between OSMP and EP in the Iraqi oil and gas sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology of this study is quantitative. A purposive sampling was deployed to collect 409 responses from employees working in Oil and Gas industry in Iraq. Smart Partial Least Square (Smart PLS) version 4 was used for data analysis. Findings: The findings showed that OSMP and OJ positively related EP. Safety investment, management commitment, and safety rewards positively related EP. OJ partially mediated the relationship between OSMP and EP. Research, practical and social Implication: The practical implications for Iraqi oil and gas companies, findings of this study can improve EP by increasing OSMP. Management should encourage and reward safety behavior and increase the level of OJ. Originality/Value: This study is original because it address the issue of occupational safety in a highly risk industry such as oil and gas in developing countries.

Building a Resilient and Sustainable Workplace: A Post-Pandemic Hazard Control and Preparedness Plan in Malaysia

Objective - This study intends to identify the post-COVID-19 safe working practices that have been established and to investigate how the workplace's culture of safety practices has evolved due to the pandemic. Methodology/Technique - The study used a conceptual development framework that used two data sources: journal publications (secondary data) and field interviews (primary data). The secondary data analysis of the literature review revealed seven post-pandemic workplace practices that are being employed in this study. These practices include workplace hazard control factors and preparedness plan factors. Findings – Based on the interviews with the 22 companies (safety personnel and practitioners) in the various industries, it was discovered that only three aspects of post-pandemic workplace safety culture were totally actual practices and adopted by all the companies, namely: following guidance from the federal state and Ministry of Health (MOH), monitor hazard control and safe work, and introduce new methods of work. On the other hand, the remaining four elements are seen as not being as crucial to several major industrial sectors. Novelty - It is seen to have a positive significance if viewed comprehensively. Disclosing the results of a study can provide a benchmark for other companies to compare their own practices and performance against. Additionally, it is necessary to conduct more comprehensive research, particularly regarding the employees' perspectives and their involvement in implementing and improving workplace safety practices. The current study only considered the employer’s viewpoint, as the safety personnel represents their interests. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: J24, J28, J81 & Q50 Keywords: Post-Pandemic COVID-19; Workplace Safety Culture; Hazard Control; Preparedness Plan; Standards of Procedures (SOP); Resilient Workplace; Sustainable Workplace Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Hassam, S.F; Esa, M.M; Akbar, J; Hassan, N.D. (2023). Building a Resilient and Sustainable Workplace: A Post-Pandemic Hazard Control and Preparedness Plan in Malaysia, J. Mgt. Mkt. Review, 8(1), 09 – 16. https://doi.org/10.35609/jmmr.2023.8.1(2)

Assessment of Work Practices and Health Problems Among Filling Station Attendants in Ile Ife

Background: Filling Station Attendants are exposed to hazards in their workplaces, which could be physical, chemical, ergonomic, biological, mechanical, or psychosocial. The study aimed to assess the work practices and health problems among filling station attendants in Ile-Ife. Methods: This study was conducted in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria using a descriptive cross-sectional study design. There are 218 filling stations in Ile Ife. The total sampling method was used for selection and a sample size of 200 was obtained. Data was collected via Interviewer administered questionnaires with sections assessing sociodemographic characteristics, work practices, occupational hazards, and health problems using close-ended questions. An observational Checklist assessing the safety measures put in place by the management was also obtained. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and a p-value of 0.05 was found to be statistically significant. Results: Majority of the filling station attendants (74%) were not aware of workplace safety practices. Of those that were aware, 78% were aware of PPE while the commonest available PPE was working clothes (36%). One hundred and twelve attendants (56%) indicated that the PPEs available for them were not adequate. Concerning training, about 62.5% had prior safety training of which only 66% and 56% of them could use fire extinguishers and spill kits respectively. Regarding occupational hazards,74.5% of the attendants were aware of the various hazards, the commonest being fire outbreak (69.5). The commonest work-related problem was musculoskeletal disorders (60.5%) while the least common was gastro-intestinal tract problems (8%). There was a significant association between age, working durations of the respondents, and skin problems with p-values of 0.021 and 0.035 respectively. There was also a significant association between BMI and respiratory problems with a p-value of 0.029. Conclusion: This study assessed work practices and health problems among filling station attendants. There was poor availability of PPE, inadequate use of PPE as well as poor work safety practices among filling station attendants. Regarding health problems, neurological and eye problems were found to be the commonest among filling station attendants in Ile Ife. There were also significant associations between some sociodemographic characteristics and some health problems such as age and skin problems, working duration and skin problems, BMI, and respiratory problems.

The influence of pandemic-related workplace safety practices on frontline service employee wellbeing outcomes

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of frontline employee (FLEs) to infections and other hazards and highlighted the importance of workplace safety practices (WSP) for service organizations. In response to the critical issue of service safety, we developed and empirically tested a model proposing that WSPs negatively influence FLE perceptions of pandemic related threats and positively influence their perceptions of organizational supportiveness (POS). In turn, these perceptions have time-lagged effects on two aspects of FLE wellbeing—reduced emotional exhaustion and increased work engagement. Utilizing data from a two-wave (separated by a month) survey panel consisting of 310 FLEs across the United States, we found evidence for all hypothesized relationships. We discuss the practical and theoretical implications of our findings and provide suggestions for future research on service safety on the organizational frontlines.

The role of perceived workplace safety practices and mindfulness in maintaining calm in employees during times of crisis

AbstractWhile prior studies in human resource management have investigated how employee outcomes have been affected in high‐risk workplaces, this study stands out by examining this issue through the role played by COVID‐19 as a specific stressor. We explained how employees' perceived health risks due to COVID‐19 (CV19PHR) and perceived workplace safety practices (PWSPs) affected job performance via burnout and how PWSPs moderated the CV19PHR–burnout and CV19PHR–JP relationships. We also examined how mindfulness moderated the direct effects of CV19PHR and PWSPs on burnout and JP and the indirect effects of CV19PHR and PWSPs on JP via burnout. We performed three studies using an explanatory sequential mixed‐method design. In study 1, a three‐phase survey with 987 respondents was conducted to test the hypotheses. In study 2, by analyzing verbatim from 22 informants, the findings of study 1 and some main points concerning mindfulness and PWSPs were explained. In study 3, using data from 12 informants, we investigated how COVID‐19 affected individuals differently compared with other high‐risk workplaces and whether the impact of COVID‐19 on individuals was curvilinear. We demonstrated that employees' CV19PHR was positively correlated with burnout, negatively influencing JP. Moreover, PWSPs reduced burnout, which adversely affected JP. Interestingly, PWSPs positively moderated the CV19PHR–burnout relationship but not the CV19PHR–JP relationship. We also found that mindfulness moderated the CV19PHR–burnout and PWSPs–burnout relationships. Furthermore, mindfulness significantly moderated the mediating effects of burnout on the CV19PHR–JP and PWSPs–JP relationships.

Occupational health hazards and use of personal protective equipment among automobile mechanics in Surulere local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria - a descriptive study

Introduction: The job of an automobile mechanic is associated with hazards, illness, and injuries, which may result in sickness, absenteeism, economic loss, disability, or even death. This study assessed the level of knowledge and workplace safety practice by automobile mechanics.
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 120 registered automobile mechanics in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demography and occupational health practices. Data entry and analysis were done with Epi-info 3.5.1(2008). Chi-square and Fischer Exact tests were used to test for significance.
 Results: The respondents were all males with a mean age of 39.9±7.5 years, the majority learned the trade through apprenticeship (95.80%) and on full-time work (98.30%). Most respondents (95.8%) were aware of at least one health problem associated with its hazards. Over 75% of respondents were aware of physical hazards. Over eighty percent (84.17%) of respondents used their own overalls, 40% of them used overalls regularly, and only 26.67% of respondents used overalls appropriately.
 Conclusion: Many respondents were aware of health problems, occupational hazards, and PPE used in the Automobile workplace but did not translate to good practice of workplace safety as seen in only 1.67%. The respondents did not deem the use of PPE necessary and lack, or inadequate training on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ PPE were identified as factors hindering PPE use. Workers' training and adherence monitoring could help improve good workplace safety practices in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Influence of Pandemic-Related Workplace Safety Practices on Frontline Service Employee Wellbeing Outcomes

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of frontline employee (FLEs) to infections and other hazards, and highlighted the importance of workplace safety practices (WSP) for service organizations. In response to the critical issue of service safety, we developed and empirically tested a model proposing that WSPs negatively influence FLE perceptions of pandemic related threats and positively influence their perceptions of organizational supportiveness (POS). In turn, these perceptions have time-lagged effects on FLE wellbeing, i.e., emotional exhaustion and work engagement. Utilizing data from a two-wave (separated by a month) survey panel consisting of 310 FLEs across the United States, we found evidence for all hypothesized relationships. We discuss the practical and theoretical implications of our findings and provide suggestions for future research on service safety on the organizational frontlines.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Occupational Health and Safety of Municipal Solid Waste Workers in Telangana, India.

Background:The occurrence of workplace hazards, occupational diseases, and deaths contribute significantly to the increase in the global burden of diseases. The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) workers experience occupational stressors throughout the process of waste management that affects their well-being and results in high rates of occupational health problems. It is vital to understand the workplace practices and occupational morbidities of the MSW workers to ensure their safety and well-being. In this context, the study aimed to explore the occupational health and safety practices at the place of work among the MSW workers in Karimnagar and Hyderabad in Telangana, India.Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted in two cities of Telangana. A total of 394 MSW workers were surveyed. The number of MSW workers in Karimnagar and Hyderabad were 152 and 194, respectively. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the MSW workers to study the occupational morbidities and workplace safety practices. Focused group discussions were conducted among the MSW workers in both cities. In-depth interviews of sanitary supervisors in Karimnagar were conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides were used with questions on sociodemographic characteristics, health status, work environment, protection strategy, and healthcare utilization. MS Excel and NVivo-12 were used for data analysis.Results:Musculoskeletal problem was the major reported morbidity among the MSW workers (76.6%). Injuries were reported more among the MSW workers in Hyderabad (39.7%) along with a fear of being hit by vehicles while working on the main roads. About 88.7% of the MSW workers had less than secondary education. There was a wage difference between the contract and permanent MSW workers. There was a lack of provision of personal protective equipment and poor working conditions, overall. Lack of basic amenities such as the provision of drinking water and toilets apart from inadequate social security and healthcare facilities was reported.Conclusion:This paper highlights the unsatisfactory working environment and high-occupational morbidities among the MSW workers in Telangana. There was a lack of basic amenities at the workplace making it difficult for the MSW workers. A comprehensive approach which focuses on the health and safety with social security for the MSW workers is required.

The Roles of Communicative Language Mechanisms in Occupational Health and Safety Milieu in Reducing Workplace Hazards

Workplace safety communication plays an integral role in the day to day running of any organisation. The policies and procedures tend to provide a worker with the highest level of performance that is expected in terms of the output. Effective communication mechanisms are highly critical to ascertain the level of safety measures in order to achieve support and cooperation in maintaining an injury-free working milieu. Hence, communicative language mechanisms are needed to complement the technical and practical safety of all the workers. Unambiguous constructive safety communication mechanisms will lead to an improvement towards knowledge and fathoming of preventative measures that would enhance workplace safety practices. Thus, this study sought to highlight the occupational health and safety communicative language mechanisms, whereby the examples to illustrate the variety of safety communication has been analysed from a case study. The output of the research states that communicative language mechanisms in occupational health and safety (OHS), health and safety environment (HSE) tend to provide a better working environment, which can be considered as a conducive tool to avoid unwanted injuries and also to comprehend complicated occupational health and safety technical jargons.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Workplace Safety Practices of Panel Beaters

Background: Human resources and their safety are central to occupational health practices. Understanding the sociodemographic characteristics and safety practices of workers helps in workplace interventions. This study aimed at comparing the sociodemographic characteristics and safety practices among roadside and organized panel beaters in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. A multistage sampling method was used to select 428 panel beaters in Enugu metropolis. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20. Comparative analysis was done using Chi-square and the level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The mean ages (standard deviation) were 31.1 ± 10.3 years and 37.9 ± 12.1 years for roadside and organized panel beaters, respectively. The majority of respondents, (70.6%) and (56.5%), from the roadside and organized sectors, respectively, had secondary education. About 59.8% of the roadside panel beaters were single compared to about two-thirds (63.1%) of organized panel beaters who were married. More than two-thirds (72.9%) of roadside workers earn more than N 35,000 monthly, while half of the organized workers earn more than N 35,000. The differences in sociodemographic characteristics and monthly income were statistically significant. Environmental sanitation was the most common safety and hygiene practices engaged by respondents. Very few respondents, more among the organized sector, noted that their workplaces were monitored or checked. The use of personal protective equipment was found to be generally deficient, in addition to poor health and safety training. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference in the sociodemographic characteristics between the roadside and organized sectors panel beaters with poor safety practices. Routine and improved health education and safety training on basic preventive measures would be necessary to prevent occupational hazards in the workplace.

Scale Development and Validation of Safety Engineering Systems in Major Hazardous Industries

Workplace safety practices are vital for the well-being of both employees and employers, particularly in hazardous industries. The present study aims to design and validate a scale to assess the Safety Engineering Systems (SES) practices in Major Hazardous Industries (MHI). Based on the primary components identified through an empirical literature review, a survey instrument was developed and distributed among the employees of sample MHI's in Karnataka. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), was conducted to measure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Using 'R' software, Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was carried out to confirm the results of EFA. The outcome emphasizes the relevance of SES prominence in risk analysis of hazardous industries.

Epidemiology of Bladder Cancer.

Based on the latest GLOBOCAN data, bladder cancer accounts for 3% of global cancer diagnoses and is especially prevalent in the developed world. In the United States, bladder cancer is the sixth most incident neoplasm. A total of 90% of bladder cancer diagnoses are made in those 55 years of age and older, and the disease is four times more common in men than women. While the average 5-year survival in the US is 77%, the 5-year survival for those with metastatic disease is a measly 5%. The strongest risk factor for bladder cancer is tobacco smoking, which accounts for 50–65% of all cases. Occupational or environmental toxins likewise greatly contribute to disease burden (accounting for an estimated 20% of all cases), though the precise proportion can be obscured by the fact bladder cancer develops decades after exposure, even if the exposure only lasted several years. Schistosomiasis infection is the common cause of bladder cancer in regions of Africa and the Middle East and is considered the second most onerous tropical pathogen after malaria. With 81% of cases attributable to known risk factors (and only 7% to heritable mutations), bladder cancer is a prime candidate for prevention strategies. Smoking cessation, workplace safety practices, weight loss, exercise and schistosomiasis prevention (via water disinfection and mass drug administration) have all been shown to significantly decrease the risk of bladder cancer, which poses a growing burden around the world.

The global diffusion of environmental clubs: how pressure from importing countries supports the chemical industry’s Responsible Care® program

Abstract Environmental clubs have proliferated across sectors and issue areas. We examine the diffusion of the chemical industry’s Responsible Care® (RC) program. Much of the work on the diffusion of clubs has focused on the demand side: why firms join these clubs despite the costs of doing so. There is some work focusing on the supply side: why actors establish or create a new club. However, there is virtually no work examining why national-level industry associations decide to subscribe to an existing global environmental club in order to make it available to their members. Industry organizations in 17 lower and middle-income countries have joined RC, comprising 25 percent of RC members. We ask, in the context of developing countries, what motivates national associations to join RC? Drawing on an original dataset of RC global diffusion in 195 countries (1985–2017), we estimate a Cox proportional hazards model of the risk of joining RC. We find that RC adoption is more likely when a country exports chemicals to other countries that have joined RC (the California effect) and is unaffected by the total volume of its chemical trade. Thus, while exposure to global markets per se may not influence RC adoption, incentives change considerably when countries’ key importers signal their support for these environmental practices. This is because importing firms often realize that because they have joined Responsible Care, NGOs and stakeholders expect them to demand that their overseas suppliers adopt the same sort of environmental policies and work place safety practices. In addition, peer pressure and learning matter: RC adoption is more likely when countries in close physical vicinity (e.g., within 500 miles) have joined the club. Finally, domestic factors play a role as well: both the level of democracy and the size of the economy encourage national associations to join RC.

Employee Work Place Safety, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment

The purpose of this study was to determine workplace safety, employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment of Ambo mineral factory employees. The research design was descriptive survey research design and a structured questionnaire, observation and interview were used to collect data. The instruments were pilot tested and the reliability results were above 0.7 which is acceptable and have adequate internal consistency. Out of the targeted 241 respondents, 171 employees completed the questionnaires and participated in the study representing a response rate of 71%. The sampling technique used was census sampling technique. The results of the study showed that from the three behavioral dimensions of work place safety, indicated by respondents showed that their coworkers highly practice safe work behaviors, their supervisors were highly practicing safety at the work place and the management of organization also highly applies work place safety practices. This study has identified high level of perception of workplace safety dimensions among the employees in Coworker safety, Supervisor safety, management’s safety and Safety Program components. There were moderate and positive relationship between workplace safety and job satisfaction which was statistically significant. There was statistically significant relationship between work place safety and organizational commitment. Work place safety accounted for 45.3 per cent of the variance in the job satisfaction of employees which were statistically significant as well as work place safety accounted for 17.4 per cent variance in the organizational commitment which were significant. Therefore, since workplace safety has positive relationship and significant influence on job satisfaction and organizational commitment, it is recommended that employee safety management should be given due attention to enhance employee job satisfaction and commitment to their organization. Keywords: employee workplace safety, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. DOI : 10.7176/RHSS/9-5-07 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Associations between safety climate and safety management practices in the construction industry.

Safety climate, a group-level measure of workers' perceptions regarding management's safety priorities, has been suggested as a key predictor of safety outcomes. However, its relationship with actual injury rates is inconsistent. We posit that safety climate may instead be a parallel outcome of workplace safety practices, rather than a determinant of workers' safety behaviors or outcomes. Using a sample of 25 commercial construction companies in Colombia, selected by injury rate stratum (high, medium, low), we examined the relationship between workers' safety climate perceptions and safety management practices (SMPs) reported by safety officers. Workers' perceptions of safety climate were independent of their own company's implementation of SMPs, as measured here, and its injury rates. However, injury rates were negatively related to the implementation of SMPs. Safety management practices may be more important than workers' perceptions of safety climate as direct predictors of injury rates.