The interaction between S.A.F.E.R. leadership and safety management systems

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between safety management systems (SMSs), SAFER leadership and safety-related behaviour. In particular, this study examined whether an indirect effect of SMSs on safety-related behaviour via safety control and autonomous motivation existed and whether this indirect effect was conditional on SAFER leadership. Surveys were conducted with 400 participants. Results indicated that safety control mediated the relationship between SMSs and compliance and participation, whereas autonomous motivation did not. Although SAFER leadership moderated the relationship between SMSs and safety control, it did not moderate the entire mediation model. These results support the utility of SAFER leadership and also added novel findings to the literature on safety control. Despite these significant findings, a key limitation of this study is that it relies on cross-sectional, perceptual data. Overall, this thesis highlights the importance of SAFER leadership, SMSs, and safety control in promoting safety behaviours.