Development and testing of a tool to measure the organizational safety climate aboard US Navy ships. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Dale W.; Russell, Cristel Antonia; Lei, Zhike
• Is Part Of: Journal of safety research. Volume 80(2022)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 301
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Safety climate -- Scale development -- Accidents -- Naval forces -- Validity; Industrial safety -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Safety -- Periodicals; Accidents, Occupational -- Periodicals; Sécurité du travail -- Périodiques; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; Accidents -- Prevention; Industrial safety; Periodicals; 363.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2021.12.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4375

Abstract

Highlights: The majority of naval military incidents are attributable to human factors. The first ever safety climate measure for the Naval Forces is developed, comprised of three factors. The safety climate measure is validated in a study of 30 warships and 4, 042 sailors. Positive work environment and operational compliance are linked to fewer accidents. Perceptions of ample organizational resources are related to higher number of accidents. Abstract: Introduction: Safety climate is a critical human factor that can increase safety-related behaviors and reduce accidents. This research reports on a three-phase program of development and validation of a safety climate survey tool initiated by U.S. Naval Surface Forces after numerous accidents and near misses. Method: The initial survey was administered to 4, 042 sailors aboard 30 warships, and factor analysis supported a three-factor measure of a safety climate composed of operational compliance, positive work environment, and organizational resources. The predictive validity of the newly developed safety climate measure was tested against the number of accidents reported in the 12 months after the safety climate survey. Results : This analysis revealed that a positive work environment and operational compliance were linked to fewer accidents; surprisingly, organizational resources were linked to more accidents. Implications for future research on safety climate and occupational safety are discussed.