“Danger—men at work”: Management influence on safety

Abstract

Research into the factors determining the safety of industrial organizations shows clearly the influence of managerial factors on the standard of the safety climate. While investigations exploring the mechanism of this process have been rather limited, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that supervisors, site managers, and senior managers all have distinctive effects. Following a short review of ongoing research into managerial behavior and leadership styles in relation to safety, it is suggested that senior management commitment to safety should be regularly measured using safety climate surveys and upward appraisal techniques.

An international review of the challenges associated with securing buy-in for water safety plans within providers of drinking water supplies

“…Likewise Flin (2003) argues that good safety management goes beyond knowing the 'safety script ' and Hopkins (2005) cautions that too often, leaders think that they can achieve safe operation by publicly stating that safety comes first, but then leaving it to others. This, he argues, inadvertently conveys a message about priorities and he then summarises several surveys which found that whilst senior managers considered they put safety first, 'coal-face' workers did not agree.…”

An injury risk model for large construction projects

“…Although consensus on defi nition and measurement issues is still lacking, there is agreement about the main dimensions of safety climate. Recent safety research clearly shows the importance of managerial factors such as management commitment to injury prevention ( Flin, 2003 ). Worker involvement in safety planning has also been identifi ed as an important factor in safety climate ( Dedobbeleer and Beland, 1991 ).…”

Leadership for safety: industrial experience

“…49 50 In relation to empirical safety research, they have been a neglected species. 51 However, legal scrutiny 4 49 52 and emerging research findings underline the important influence that senior management have on safety performance. Senior managers can demonstrate their commitment to safety by developing and providing resources for a comprehensive safety programme, showing concern for people, encouraging participatory styles in middle managers and supervisors, being clear and consistent in their support for safety, and displaying transformational behaviours.…”

“…This can be carried out across the organisation using a safety climate survey, and at a managerial level using an upward appraisal technique. Both of these techniques are used in the energy sector 51 and could easily be adapted for use in healthcare settings. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) have now identified this as a key research topic in their research and development strategy by stating the need for ''at NHS board and senior management level, research to understand how safety can best be promoted through leadership''.…”