Barriers to the Improvement of Organizational Safety Culture


Speaker


Abstract

Purpose: A large portion of contemporary occupational safety research is focused on safety culture and safety climate. There is very little research that explores the barriers to the achievement of a positive safety culture or climate. This research seeks to advance our understanding of factors or barriers that prevent the achievement of a positive safety culture or climate. Method: One hundred and twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers and occupational health and safety professionals working within one organisation. A case study method was employed. These interviews focused on issues associated with barriers to the improvement of organisational safety culture and safety climate. Discussion: Three primary barriers were outlined by the respondents; the commitment of organisational members to the improvement process, the dedication of resources, and the existing organisational culture. Implications for industry: The implications of this research for industry stem from the fact that if organisations are to make long-term, sustainable improvements to organisational safety, they must understand the factors that prevent such improvement, and develop appropriate management strategies.
 
Contact information: 
Dr.ir. A. van der Wiele
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