You seem to have javascript disabled. Please note that many of the page functionalities won't work as expected without javascript enabled.

Search for Articles:

Title / Keyword

Author / Affiliation / Email

Journal

Article Type

Advanced Search

Section

Special Issue

Volume

Issue

Number

Page

Logical OperatorOperator

Search Text

Search Type

A Multilevel Spatial Framework for E-Scooter Collision Risk Assessment in Urban Texas
Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) and Its Impact on Employee Satisfaction and Performance—A New HSMS Model
From FRAM Guidelines to Reality: Incorporating Stakeholder Variability in Work-as-Done in Healthcare
Dealing with High-Risk Police Activities and Enhancing Safety and Resilience: Qualitative Insights into Austrian Police Operations from a Risk and Group Dynamic Perspective
Perceived Working Conditions and Intention to Adopt Digital Safety Training in High-Risk Productive Sectors: An Exploratory Study in Manufacturing and Agriculture in Northwest Italy

Journal Description

Safety

Safety is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on industrial and human health safety published quarterly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), SafetyLit, and other databases.
Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Safety Research)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 37.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 1.7 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 2.1 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2313-576X

Latest Articles

21 pages, 1180 KB

Open AccessArticle

Disclosures of Occupational Health and Safety Performance Indicators: A Perspective from South African Listed Companies

by Oscar Rikhotso

Safety 2025, 11(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040114 - 20 Nov 2025

Employers in South Africa are mandated by labour laws to implement systems of work for the maintenance and promotion of health and safety at work. In response, companies have adopted and implemented occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs) whose effectiveness should be [...] Read more.

Employers in South Africa are mandated by labour laws to implement systems of work for the maintenance and promotion of health and safety at work. In response, companies have adopted and implemented occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs) whose effectiveness should be continuously monitored through performance measurement. However, there remains no national convention on the specific performance measurement indicators for companies to use. The objective of this study was to determine, characterise and compare lagging indicators adopted and reported by the top 150 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed companies in South Africa. This qualitative study evaluated annual reports and data books from these companies by analysing textual data through qualitative document analysis. Only 87 of the 150 case companies reported performance using lagging indicators. The basic materials, consumer goods, consumer services and industrial sectors had the most companies which reported performance metrics. Fatality count and lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) were the most commonly reported performance metrics and were reported by 64 and 41 companies, respectively. There was variation in the number, type and form of adopted lagging indicators by the case companies. Companies in the manufacturing and mining sectors were more likely to report OHS performance, in general, than those in other sectors. The observed variation across sectors emphasises the need for harmonised indicators to measure and report OHS performance in South Africa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Occupational Health and Safety in A Changing World: Realities, Challenges and Perspectives)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 291 KB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Safety and Injury Risk in Professional Football: The Portuguese Framework in Comparative Perspective

by Miguel Gouveia, Micaela Pinho and Paulo Botelho Pires

Safety 2025, 11(4), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040113 - 18 Nov 2025

Professional football players face considerable occupational hazards, with injuries posing serious challenges to player safety, club performance, and regulatory oversight. This descriptive study examines the multifaceted implications of Portugal’s Laws No. 48/2023, which formally recognises professional football as a high-risk occupation and strengthens [...] Read more.

Professional football players face considerable occupational hazards, with injuries posing serious challenges to player safety, club performance, and regulatory oversight. This descriptive study examines the multifaceted implications of Portugal’s Laws No. 48/2023, which formally recognises professional football as a high-risk occupation and strengthens the mandatory insurance regime through a major regulatory update. Adopting a qualitative approach, the analysis focuses on Portugal, where the professional football business model heavily relies on player commercialisation, and compares regulatory frameworks in Spain, Germany, England, Italy, France, and Brazil. Findings indicate that Portugal’s legal framework enhances player safety by ensuring comprehensive coverage and improved disability protections, yet also introduces financial pressures on clubs, particularly those with lower economic capacity. These pressures are exacerbated by limited market competition and high insurance concentration, increasing premium costs. Cross-country comparisons reveal persistent disparities in legal standards, insurance scope, and institutional coordination, which complicate risk allocation in an increasingly globalised football market. Notably, Portugal’s high-risk insurance model most closely aligns with France’s hybrid approach, in contrast to fully public schemes seen in countries like Germany and Italy. While complete harmonisation remains challenging, the study identifies key principles to guide policy reform and international cooperation. Overall, the findings advance understanding of occupational risk regulation in sport and offer practical insights for designing effective, equitable, and safety-oriented protection systems for professional athletes. Full article

34 pages, 380 KB

Open AccessReview

Subtractive Manufacturing of Hazardous Materials: A Review

by Leon Proud, Daniel Whitehead, Tom Slatter, Pete Crawforth and David Curtis

Safety 2025, 11(4), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040112 - 17 Nov 2025

Whilst subtractive manufacturing has been de-risked significantly over recent decades, the emergence of new unfamiliar materials is proving to be a significant challenge for social sustainability. Given this rapidly evolving landscape, this review serves to outline the current available data on the occupational [...] Read more.

Whilst subtractive manufacturing has been de-risked significantly over recent decades, the emergence of new unfamiliar materials is proving to be a significant challenge for social sustainability. Given this rapidly evolving landscape, this review serves to outline the current available data on the occupational health implications of various existing and emerging material species, ranging from radioactive metals to composite materials. A structured search of sources up to January 2025 was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science in addition to various authoritative occupational health reports, prioritising the literature directly pertaining or analogous to machining-related hazards. Evidence highlights the complexity of the machining environment, with occupational hazards ranging from toxicological factors to fire risks (i.e., due to swarf pyrophoricity). Case studies outline both relatively benign pathologies (e.g., dermatitis and sensitisation) and much more severe health complications (e.g., carcinogenicity, systemic organ damage and death), underscoring the need for continuous assessment and updating of exposure controls, even for materials traditionally regarded as safe. Full article

29 pages, 5727 KB

Open AccessReview

Progress in Improving Safety Performance of Battery Separators Based on MOF Materials: Mechanisms, Materials and Applications

by Tian Zhao, Yajuan Bi, Jiayao Chen, Jiangrong Yu, Shilin Peng, Fuli Luo and Yi Chen

Safety 2025, 11(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040111 - 17 Nov 2025

This comprehensive review examines the transformative role of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in advancing battery separator technology to address critical safety challenges in rechargeable lithium metal batteries. MOF-based separators leverage their highly specific surface area, tunable pore structures, and functionalized organic ligands to enable [...] Read more.

This comprehensive review examines the transformative role of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in advancing battery separator technology to address critical safety challenges in rechargeable lithium metal batteries. MOF-based separators leverage their highly specific surface area, tunable pore structures, and functionalized organic ligands to enable precise ion-sieving effects, uniform lithium-ion flux regulation, and dendrite suppression—significantly mitigating risks of internal short circuits and thermal runaway. We systematically analyze the mechanisms by which classical MOF families (e.g., ZIF, UiO, MIL series) enhance separator performance through physicochemical properties such as electrolyte wettability, thermal stability (>400 °C), and mechanical robustness. Furthermore, we highlight innovative composite strategies integrating MOFs with polymer matrices (e.g., PVDF, PAN) or traditional separators, which synergistically improve ionic conductivity while inhibiting polysulfide shuttling in lithium–sulfur batteries and side reactions in aqueous zinc-ion systems. Case studies demonstrate that functionalized MOF separators achieve exceptional electrochemical outcomes: Li–S batteries maintain >99% Coulombic efficiency over 500 cycles, while solid-state batteries exhibit 2400 h dendrite-free operation. Despite promising results, scalability challenges related to MOF synthesis costs and long-term stability under operational conditions require further research. This review underscores MOFs’ potential as multifunctional separator materials to enable safer, high-energy-density batteries and provides strategic insights for future material design. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1062 KB

Open AccessArticle

Static Rate of Failed Equipment-Related Fatal Accidents in General Aviation

by Douglas D. Boyd and Linfeng Jin

Safety 2025, 11(4), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040109 - 14 Nov 2025

General aviation (GA), comprised mainly of piston engine airplanes, has an inferior safety history compared with air carriers in the United States. Most studies addressing this safety disparity has focused on pilot deficiencies. Herein, we determined the rates/causes of equipment failure-related GA fatal [...] Read more.

General aviation (GA), comprised mainly of piston engine airplanes, has an inferior safety history compared with air carriers in the United States. Most studies addressing this safety disparity has focused on pilot deficiencies. Herein, we determined the rates/causes of equipment failure-related GA fatal accidents for type-certificated and experimental-amateur-built airplanes. Aviation accidents/injury severity were per the NTSB Access^R database. Statistical tests employed proportion/binomial tests/a Poisson distribution. The rate of fatal accidents (1990–2019) due to equipment failure was unchanged (p > 0.026), whereas the fatal mishap rate related to other causes declined (p < 0.001). A disproportionate (2× higher) count (p < 0.001) of equipment-related fatal accidents was evident for experimental-amateur-built aircraft with type-certificated references. Propulsion system (67%) and airframe (36%) failures were the most frequent causes of fatal accidents for type-certificated and experimental-amateur-built aircraft, respectively. The components “fatigue/corrosion” and “manufacturer–builder error” resulted in 60% and 55% of powerplant and airframe failures, respectively. Most (>90%) type-certificated aircraft propulsion system failures were within the manufacturer-prescribed engine time-between-overhaul (TBO) and involved components inaccessible for examination during an annual inspection. There is little evidence for a decline in equipment failure-related fatal accident rate over three decades. Considering the fact that powerplant failures mostly occur within the TBO and involve fatigue/corrosion of one or more components inaccessible for examination, GA pilots should avoid operations where a safe off-field landing within glide-range is not assured. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 380 KB

Open AccessReview

A Multidimensional Conceptualization of Employee Safety Voice

by Andrea Bazzoli, Valentina Sommovigo, Georgia Libera Finstad, Valerio Vinciarelli and Matteo Curcuruto

Safety 2025, 11(4), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040110 - 13 Nov 2025

Previous conceptualizations of safety voice have described this construct as fundamentally unidimensional, compared to several other multidimensional models that have been outlined for the more general concept of employee voice. Drawing from previous studies in occupational safety, previous safety voice conceptualizations (challenge vs. [...] Read more.

Previous conceptualizations of safety voice have described this construct as fundamentally unidimensional, compared to several other multidimensional models that have been outlined for the more general concept of employee voice. Drawing from previous studies in occupational safety, previous safety voice conceptualizations (challenge vs. defense of safety systems), dynamic safety capability, and wise proactivity, we outline an extended conceptualization of safety voice. Adopting a functionalist approach, we identified and described promotive, preventive, prohibitive, and hostile safety voice. For each type, we discuss the definition, its function, its implications, and examples. This multidimensional conceptualization provides a conceptual structure that supports more accurate measurement, intervention design, and discussions surrounding safety-related communication. It also clarifies when and how distinct forms of safety voice emerge, identifies levers for system and leadership design, and outlines actionable implications and testable propositions for advancing prevention, learning, and research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Emerging Trends and Future Directions)

13 pages, 446 KB

Open AccessArticle

School Management Council and Disaster Preparedness: A Study of Special Needs Schools in Japan

by Hiroshi Tamura, Hiromi Kawasaki and Satoko Yamasaki

Safety 2025, 11(4), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040108 - 10 Nov 2025

Many Japanese special needs schools have adopted the School Management Council (SMC), involving residents and other stakeholders in school management. However, its influence on disaster preparedness remains unclear. We used a cross-sectional design to clarify the relationship between SMC adoption and disaster preparedness [...] Read more.

Many Japanese special needs schools have adopted the School Management Council (SMC), involving residents and other stakeholders in school management. However, its influence on disaster preparedness remains unclear. We used a cross-sectional design to clarify the relationship between SMC adoption and disaster preparedness among 537 special needs schools across Japan. Data were collected using a self-administered survey conducted between November and December 2020. Chi-square tests were carried out for each item addressing adoption and preparedness. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the overall relationship between the SMC and shelter and equipment readiness, revealing significant associations for two items: having decided the division of roles in case of disaster with the municipality’s disaster prevention department (shelter preparedness) and the presence of a stockpile warehouse on the school premises (equipment preparedness). The SMC may support three key aspects of disaster preparedness: compensating for the lack of shelter experience among school staff, strengthening support for disaster victims through local community–municipal authority collaboration, and enhancing preparedness for unforeseen events. The SMC could thus be an effective strategy for strengthening disaster preparedness in special needs schools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Complexity of Natural Hazards and Disasters: Research, Preparedness and Mitigation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1604 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study on Predicting Road Casualties Among Young Car Drivers in the Republic of Serbia Using Machine Learning

by Svetlana Bačkalić, Željko Kanović and Todor Bačkalić

Safety 2025, 11(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040107 - 10 Nov 2025

Road traffic accidents are a major global public health concern, ranking among the top three causes of death worldwide and constituting the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29. Monitoring traffic safety status and trends is a vital element of effective road [...] Read more.

Road traffic accidents are a major global public health concern, ranking among the top three causes of death worldwide and constituting the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29. Monitoring traffic safety status and trends is a vital element of effective road safety management. This study investigates road traffic casualties involving young car drivers (aged 18–24) in the Republic of Serbia from 1997 to 2024, analyzing historical patterns and introducing a predictive model for casualty outcomes. The analytical framework employs machine learning techniques, specifically Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, to estimate the number of casualties (FSI = Fatal + Serious Injuries) based on various contributing factors. Accurate prediction of accident outcomes is essential for designing targeted road safety measures and reducing casualty numbers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Safe System Approach to Road Safety)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 6592 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Signal Phasing Shapes University Students’ Crossing Decisions and Confidence

by Efstathios Bouhouras, Grigorios Fountas, Socrates Basbas, Panagiotis Giapitzoglou, Stefanos Tsouggaris, Georgios Zois and Erlind Gishti

Safety 2025, 11(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040106 - 5 Nov 2025

This paper presents a comparative analysis of pedestrian behavior and perceived safety among university students at two signalized intersections near the campus premises of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Although both intersections include pedestrian crosswalks and traffic lights, one permits vehicle left [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comparative analysis of pedestrian behavior and perceived safety among university students at two signalized intersections near the campus premises of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Although both intersections include pedestrian crosswalks and traffic lights, one permits vehicle left turns during pedestrian phases via flashing yellow arrows, while the other restricts all vehicle movement. Two questionnaire-based surveys (n₁ = 304 and n₂ = 303) recorded demographic information, crossing behavior, perceived risk, and preferred safety interventions. Results indicate that the intersection permitting vehicle conflict is associated with significantly lower levels of perceived safety and higher instances of risk-taking, such as crossing “at any time”. Conversely, the vehicle-restricted intersection fosters greater compliance with pedestrian signals and a stronger sense of security. Key factors influencing crossing decisions included vehicle speed, signal duration, pedestrian group presence, and urgency. Respondents prioritized safety improvements such as pedestrian countdown timers, enhanced signage, and enforcement cameras. These findings underscore the critical role of signal phasing in shaping pedestrian behavior and safety perceptions. Evidence-based recommendations are offered to urban planners and policymakers to enhance pedestrian safety through targeted infrastructure upgrades and enforcement strategies. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 380 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Workplace Sedentary Behavior, Age, and Waist-to-Height Ratio in Spanish Male Workers: An Observational Study in a Large Occupational Cohort

by Alejandro de Arriba Santos, Gema Santamaría, Raúl Cobreros Mielgo, Luis M. Cacharro, Álvaro López-Llorente, Elena Jiménez-Callejo, Jesús Seco-Calvo and Diego Fernández-Lázaro

Safety 2025, 11(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040105 - 4 Nov 2025

Prolonged sitting (PS) in the workplace has been linked to a higher risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases. Simultaneously, an elevated waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is considered a reliable measure of increased risk for the same condition. The main objective of this research was [...] Read more.

Prolonged sitting (PS) in the workplace has been linked to a higher risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases. Simultaneously, an elevated waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is considered a reliable measure of increased risk for the same condition. The main objective of this research was to examine the relationship between workplace PS and increased WHtR among male workers from the Spanish region of Castilla y León. The secondary objective was to assess how age affects elevated WHtR in workers. This retrospective observational study was carried out in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. The sample included 85,670 male workers, categorized by job type (with or without PS) and age (<40 years or ≥40 years). Chi-square test (X²), Pearson correlation coefficients, and odd ratios (OR) were used to analyze associations. Among workers with PS, X² = 0.73 (p = 0.391) and 1.11 (p = 0.292) were reported, and among those without PS, X² = 0.86 (p = 0.354) and 1.24 (p = 0.265), for the years 2022 and 2023, respectively. Therefore, there was no significant association between workers with or without PS and an elevated WHtR, both in those younger than and older than 40 years of age. Advanced age (≥40 years) showed a significant association with increased WHtR (p < 0.01; OR = 2.6). However, no statistical association was observed between PS and elevated WHtR (p > 0.05; OR = 1.15). These findings suggest that age plays a more prominent role than occupational PS time in WHtR among male workers. Future studies should consider other factors, including physical activity and dietary habits, that could affect WHtR. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1027 KB

Open AccessArticle

Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment of Occupational Back Pain and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Electronics Assembly Workers

by Sunisa Chaiklieng and Pornnapa Suggaravetsiri

Safety 2025, 11(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040104 - 1 Nov 2025

Electronics manufacturing workers engaged in material handling are susceptible to occupational back pain. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix and evaluate ergonomic risk factors contributing to back pain among workers in this industry. A total of 354 electronics [...] Read more.

Electronics manufacturing workers engaged in material handling are susceptible to occupational back pain. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix and evaluate ergonomic risk factors contributing to back pain among workers in this industry. A total of 354 electronics assembly workers participated in the study. Data collection involved the use of the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ), the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and workstation lighting intensity measurements. The risk assessment matrix for back pain prediction was applied, and associated factors were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results indicated that lighting intensity at 76.52% of inspection stations was below the standard requirements. Furthermore, 57.63% of workstations exhibited high- to very high-risk postures, necessitating ergonomic intervention. The risk matrix predicted that 62.44% of workers were at moderate to very high risk of occupational back pain. Statistical analysis identified manual lifting (OR_adj = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.13–5.44), shift work (OR_adj = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.11–4.40), and inappropriate workstation design (OR_adj = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.42–8.42) as significant contributors to elevated back pain risk. These findings underscore the importance of ergonomic interventions and the application of a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix for the prevention of occupational back pain in industrial workers. Full article

24 pages, 359 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Risk Management Approach in Occupational Health and Safety Based on the Integration of a Weighted Composite Score

by Mirel Glevitzky, Maria Popa, Paul Mucea-Ștef and Doriana Maria Popa

Safety 2025, 11(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040103 - 22 Oct 2025

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is essential for protecting the life, health, and physical integrity of workers. In a complex and dynamic professional context, the prevention of occupational risks has become a priority for employers and decision-makers, going beyond legal compliance to create [...] Read more.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is essential for protecting the life, health, and physical integrity of workers. In a complex and dynamic professional context, the prevention of occupational risks has become a priority for employers and decision-makers, going beyond legal compliance to create a safe and efficient work environment. This article explores the history and the main theoretical aspects of OHS and explores the implementation of the ISO 45001 standard and introduces managing workplace health and safety (WHS) risks based on the 5M Method and a weighted composite algorithm for OHS risk assessment integrating factors such as severity, probability, frequency of exposure, number of exposed employees, organizational response capacity, and incident history. Applied in a mixed industrial case study, this approach demonstrated superior risk prioritization compared to the classic severity–probability model. The findings have practical applications: organizations can use the Weighted Composite Score to prioritize interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and prevent high-risk incidents. The approach is adaptable across industries, supporting data-driven safety decisions. The integration of this method supports ISO 45001’s principles of a systematic, proactive, and continuous improvement approach to OHS management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Emerging Trends and Future Directions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organizational Determinants of Unsafe Acts: An Exploratory Study in Refinery Maintenance Operations

by Gheorghe Dan Isbasoiu and Dana Volosevici

Safety 2025, 11(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040102 - 16 Oct 2025

Accident investigations in high-risk industries frequently focus on attributing unsafe acts to individual operators, often neglecting the organizational conditions that shape such behaviors. This study adopts an exploratory perspective to examine how communication, resource adequacy, and procedural design influence the potential for unsafe [...] Read more.

Accident investigations in high-risk industries frequently focus on attributing unsafe acts to individual operators, often neglecting the organizational conditions that shape such behaviors. This study adopts an exploratory perspective to examine how communication, resource adequacy, and procedural design influence the potential for unsafe acts in refinery maintenance operations within the oil and gas sector. Building on the HFACS-OGI framework, unsafe acts were classified into perception errors, decoding errors, model errors, decision errors, and violations. Data were collected through a survey (n = 46) and analyzed using ordinal logistic regression with 10,000 bootstrap replications, complemented by partial correlation analysis to capture indirect associations. The results provide preliminary evidence that organizational factors operate both as direct predictors of unsafe acts and as systemic pathways linking broader contextual conditions with operator behavior. In particular, deficiencies in communication emerged as a transversal determinant, partially explaining the relationship between organizational context and both perception and decision errors. While limited by sample size and exploratory design, the study contributes to safety science by extending the empirical application of HFACS-OGI beyond post-accident analysis and offering actionable insights for safety governance. The findings underscore the need for proactive organizational interventions that enhance communication systems, ensure resource adequacy, and promote the usability of procedures in order to mitigate the potential for unsafe acts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Emerging Trends and Future Directions)

25 pages, 385 KB

Open AccessReview

Industrial Safety Strategies Supporting the Zero Accident Vision in High-Risk Organizations: A Scoping Review

by Jesús Blanco-Juárez and Jorge Buele

Safety 2025, 11(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040101 - 16 Oct 2025

Industrial safety in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and offshore fishing remains a strategic global challenge due to the high incidence of occupational accidents and their human, financial, and legal consequences. Despite international standards and advancements in safety [...] Read more.

Industrial safety in high-risk sectors such as mining, construction, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and offshore fishing remains a strategic global challenge due to the high incidence of occupational accidents and their human, financial, and legal consequences. Despite international standards and advancements in safety strategies, significant barriers persist in the effective implementation of a Zero Accident culture. This scoping review, conducted under PRISMA-ScR guidelines, analyzed 11 studies selected from 232 records, focusing on documented practices in both multinational corporations from developed economies and local companies in emerging markets. The methodological synthesis validated theoretical models, practical interventions, and regulatory frameworks across diverse industrial settings. The findings led to the construction of a five-pillar model that provides the structural foundation for a comprehensive safety strategy: (1) strategic safety planning, defining long-term vision, mission, and objectives with systematic risk analysis; (2) executive leadership and commitment, expressed through decision-making, resource allocation, and on-site engagement; (3) people and competencies, emphasizing continuous training, communities of practice, and the development of safe behaviors; (4) process risk management, using validated protocols, structured methodologies, and early warning systems; and (5) performance measurement and auditing, combining reactive and proactive indicators within continuous improvement cycles. The results demonstrate that only a holistic approach, one that aligns strategy, culture, and performance, can sustain a robust safety culture. While notable reductions in incident rates were observed when these pillars were applied, the current literature is dominated by theoretical contributions and model replication from developed countries, with limited empirical evaluation in emerging contexts. This study provides a comparative, practice-oriented framework to guide the implementation and refinement of safety systems in high-risk organizations. This review was registered in Open Science Framework (OSF): 10.17605/OSF.IO/XFDPR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Emerging Trends and Future Directions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 427 KB

Open AccessReview

Ontologies and Knowledge Graphs for Railway Safety

by Marzia De Bartolomeo and Antonio De Nicola

Safety 2025, 11(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040100 - 15 Oct 2025

Semantic technologies based on ontologies and knowledge graphs are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance safety, risk, and emergency management in railway systems. This paper presents a systematic literature review aimed at identifying how ontologies, knowledge graphs, and the technologies based on [...] Read more.

Semantic technologies based on ontologies and knowledge graphs are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance safety, risk, and emergency management in railway systems. This paper presents a systematic literature review aimed at identifying how ontologies, knowledge graphs, and the technologies based on them are applied within the domain of railway safety and assessing their contributions. A total of 53 relevant papers were analyzed using a structured review process, covering four main areas: risk management, safety management, emergency management, and accident analysis. The results reveal that ontologies and knowledge graphs support proactive hazard identification, formalization of safety knowledge, intelligent emergency response, and detailed accident causation modeling. Moreover, they enable semantic interoperability, reasoning, and automation across complex socio-technical railway systems. Despite their benefits, challenges remain regarding data heterogeneity, scalability, and the lack of semantic standardization. This study identifies the most relevant models and technologies, such as SRAC, SRI-Onto, and transformer-based graph neural networks, highlighting their role in advancing intelligent railway safety solutions. This work contributes a detailed map of the current state of semantic applications in railway safety and offers insight into emerging opportunities for future development. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 503 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leadership Style and Safety Culture in Commuter Railroads

by Patrick Sherry

Safety 2025, 11(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040099 - 9 Oct 2025

Previous research has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of both safety culture and leadership in promoting workplace safety. Several studies and reviews have identified transformational leadership style as an important contributor to a strong safety culture. However, a transformational leadership style may not be [...] Read more.

Previous research has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of both safety culture and leadership in promoting workplace safety. Several studies and reviews have identified transformational leadership style as an important contributor to a strong safety culture. However, a transformational leadership style may not be sufficient to establish an effective safety culture in a high-risk rail transportation environment. The present study investigated the role of democratic and authoritative leadership styles and behaviors and their association with the perceived effectiveness of safety culture. Employees of a mid-sized rail transportation company in the Eastern US completed a survey assessing leadership behaviors and safety culture. Correlational analyses revealed strong associations between leadership practices and behaviors, and employees’ perceptions of an effective organizational safety culture. Strong senior management commitment and a focus on educating employees to behave in accordance with predetermined safety procedures were also significantly associated with a perceived effective safety culture. Authoritative leadership behaviors were highly positively correlated with effectiveness, while democratic leadership behaviors were less strongly correlated. Moreover, the odds of the safety culture being perceived as effective were increased if authoritative rather than democratic leadership behaviors were exhibited. The results of the present study are both expected and unexpected considering the previous literature, adding to prior work by clarifying the leadership style most effective in a high-risk rail transportation work environment. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

34 pages, 768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Mechanism Through Which Safety Management Systems Influence Safety Performance in Nigerian Power and Electricity Distribution Companies

by Victor Olabode Otitolaiye and Fadzli Shah Abd Aziz

Safety 2025, 11(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040098 - 8 Oct 2025

The power and electricity (P & E) sector experiences a substantial number of occupational accidents, including in Nigeria. The implementation of a safety management system (SMS) to promote safety performance and mitigate occupational risks in this sector remains underreported. Therefore, we aimed to [...] Read more.

The power and electricity (P & E) sector experiences a substantial number of occupational accidents, including in Nigeria. The implementation of a safety management system (SMS) to promote safety performance and mitigate occupational risks in this sector remains underreported. Therefore, we aimed to explore the factors influencing the safety performance of Nigeria’s P & E distribution companies by applying McGrath’s input–process–output model as a theoretical framework. We used SmartPLS 3.0 for structural equation modelling and SPSS Version 23 for preliminary data analysis. We included a sample of 222 organizations and found that management commitment to safety, safety communication, safety champions, and government regulations influence working conditions and safety performance to varying degrees. Employee involvement, safety training, and working conditions were significant factors affecting safety performance. Management commitment, employee involvement, safety communication, safety champions, and government regulations had significant indirect effects on safety performance through their influence on working conditions. Organizational and regulatory elements played a crucial role in shaping safety performance in high-risk environments. The results highlight vital areas to be considered when developing interventions to address P & E occupational accidents. The results can aid stakeholders in developing and implementing measures to improve workplace safety, including examining current SMSs and considering working conditions when implementing safety interventions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1271 KB

Open AccessReview

Occupational Risk Prevention in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the State of the Art

by Mayly Torres Alvarez and Estela Peralta

Safety 2025, 11(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040097 - 8 Oct 2025

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant barriers to accessing and maintaining employment, many of which stem from work environments that fail to accommodate their neurological diversity. This article aims to analyze the occupational risks faced by autistic individuals in the workplace. [...] Read more.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant barriers to accessing and maintaining employment, many of which stem from work environments that fail to accommodate their neurological diversity. This article aims to analyze the occupational risks faced by autistic individuals in the workplace. A total of 39 scientific studies were reviewed, and the results identified nine predominant thematic categories of occupational risks. Particularly prominent were deficient communication, lack of structured support, cognitive overload, and difficulties coping with change. The reported situations were examined in detail, with attention paid to their specific contexts. A clear predominance of psychosocial risks over ergonomic ones was observed. The review also highlights several underexplored yet equally relevant risk factors, such as discontinuity in supported employment programs, difficulties in requesting reasonable accommodations, discrimination, a lack of professional recognition, and the negative effects of digital or remote environments, such as isolation. This study underscores the importance of recognizing unsafe conditions arising from the lack of neurodiversity-informed adjustments as a necessary step toward implementing organizational and social adaptations in the workplace. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Research in Work-Related Diseases, Safety and Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emergency Management in Coal Mining: Developing a Capability-Based Model in Indonesia

by Ajeng Puspitaning Pramayu, Fatma Lestari, Dadan Erwandi and Besral Besral

Safety 2025, 11(4), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040096 - 4 Oct 2025

The coal mining sector in Indonesia faces a high level of risk of disasters; however, to date, there is no specific evaluation framework to measure Emergency Management Capability. This research aims to develop a conceptual model of EMC that applies to the context [...] Read more.

The coal mining sector in Indonesia faces a high level of risk of disasters; however, to date, there is no specific evaluation framework to measure Emergency Management Capability. This research aims to develop a conceptual model of EMC that applies to the context of the coal mining industry. Using an exploratory qualitative approach, this study employed regulatory analysis and in-depth interviews, which were then thematically analyzed using the NVivo application. The results identified four challenges to EMC implementation, namely the absence of a minimum index standard for assessment, policy and implementation gaps, illegal mining activities, and risk dynamics. In response to these challenges, three strategic approaches were proposed: utilizing the InaRISK platform, adapting the IKD model, and developing standardized EMC instruments. Furthermore, this research formulates seven main components in the mining sector EMC framework, namely (1) risk and threat identification, (2) physical capacity, (3) human resource capacity, (4) prevention, (5) emergency response capability, (6) evaluation and improvement, and (7) recovery and restoration. This framework is expected to serve as a reference for evaluating the preparedness of mining organizations in a systematic, adaptive, and integrated manner within the national safety management system. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 497 KB

Open AccessArticle

Factor-Based Analysis of Certification Validity in Engineering Safety

by Samat Baigereyev, Zhadyra Konurbayeva, Monika Kulisz, Saule Rakhmetullina and Assiya Mashekenova

Safety 2025, 11(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040095 - 2 Oct 2025

Professional certification of engineers plays a crucial role in verifying competencies and ensuring the safety and quality of engineering outputs. However, most existing certification systems assign fixed validity periods (e.g., 3–5 years) without considering individual engineer characteristics or the intensity of technological progress [...] Read more.

Professional certification of engineers plays a crucial role in verifying competencies and ensuring the safety and quality of engineering outputs. However, most existing certification systems assign fixed validity periods (e.g., 3–5 years) without considering individual engineer characteristics or the intensity of technological progress in specific fields. This study examines the key factors influencing the optimal validity period of engineering certifications and proposes it as a measurable indicator to support safety in engineering practice. A new model is introduced that integrates expert judgment, fuzzy set theory, and bibliometric analysis of Q1/Q2 Scopus-indexed publications. The model incorporates three main factors: competence level, professional experience, and the technological intensity of the discipline. A case study from the engineering certification system of Kazakhstan demonstrates the model’s practical applicability. Certification bodies, policymakers, and engineering organizations can use these findings to establish more flexible certification validity periods, thereby ensuring timely reassessment of competencies and reducing safety risks. For example, for mechanical engineers, the optimal validity period is 3 years rather than the statutory 5 years; in other words, the model recommends a 40% reduction in certification validity. This reduction reflects the combined effects of competency level, professional experience, and technology intensity on certification renewal schedules. Overall, the proposed factorial approach supports a more personalized and safety-oriented certification process and offers insights into improving national qualification systems. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

More Articles...

Submit to Safety Review for Safety

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

View More...

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

E-Mail Alert

News

6 November 2025
MDPI Launches the Michele Parrinello Award for Pioneering Contributions in Computational Physical Science

1 October 2025
2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers

4 November 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #28 - WSF11, Nobel Laureates, Proofig AI, Romania Summit, STM and FBF

More News & Announcements...

Topics

Propose a Topic

Topic in Designs, Energies, Processes, Safety, Sustainability

Environmental and Workplace Sustainability of the Industrial Processes Topic Editors: Elisabetta Sieni, Sabrina Copelli, Barozzi Marco
Deadline: 31 December 2025

Topic in Buildings, Safety, Sustainability, World, Administrative Sciences

Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce, 2nd Edition Topic Editors: Hongyang Li, Beibei Zhang, Yingmiao Qian, Su Yang, Baoquan Cheng
Deadline: 31 March 2026

Topic in Foods, Materials, Polymers, Safety, Sensors, Toxics, Micromachines

Development of Rapid Detection Methods for Foodborne Micro/Trace Hazardous Substances Topic Editors: Bo Zhang, Yukun Yang
Deadline: 30 July 2026

Topic in Applied Sciences, Buildings, CivilEng, Infrastructures, Safety, Systems

Advancing Construction Safety and Health: Innovations and Strategies Topic Editors: Hadi Sarvari, David J. Edwards, Timothy Olawumi, Frank Ghansah
Deadline: 15 August 2026

More Topics

Conferences

Propose a Conference Collaboration

More Conferences...

Special Issues

Propose a Special Issue

Special Issue in Safety

Safety Performance Assessment and Management in Construction Guest Editor: Ahmed Jalil Al-Bayati
Deadline: 10 December 2025

Special Issue in Safety

Cyber–Physical Attacks and Their Impacts on the Safety of Industrial Control Systems Guest Editors: Shuaiqi Yuan, Matteo Iaiani, Rioshar Yarveisy
Deadline: 20 December 2025

Special Issue in Safety

Women’s Issues in Safety Guest Editors: Francisco Alonso, Sergio A. Useche, Sjaan Koppel
Deadline: 10 January 2026

Special Issue in Safety

Farm Safety, 2nd Edition Guest Editor: John McNamara
Deadline: 10 February 2026

More Special Issues

Topical Collections

Topical Collection in Safety

Terrain and Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Collection Editor: Raphael Grzebieta

Topical Collection in Safety

Occupational Health and Safety in A Changing World: Realities, Challenges and Perspectives Collection Editor: Adel Badri

Back to TopTop