Safety

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

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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)

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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

Viewed by 194

Abstract

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

Viewed by 251

Abstract

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)

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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

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Abstract

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

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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

Viewed by 356

Abstract

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

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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

Viewed by 590

Abstract

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

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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

Viewed by 1033

Abstract

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)

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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

Viewed by 521

Abstract

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

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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

Viewed by 292

Abstract

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

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28 pages, 760 KB

Open AccessArticle

Expanding the Fine-Kinney Methodology Using Fuzzy Logic: A Case Study in an Energy Linemen Workshop

by Chris Mitrakas, Alexandros Xanthopoulos and Dimitrios Koulouriotis

Safety 2025, 11(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040094 - 2 Oct 2025

Viewed by 482

Abstract

This paper investigates the effectiveness and limitations of the traditional Fine-Kinney method for occupational risk assessment, emphasizing its shortcomings in addressing complex and dynamic work environments. To overcome these challenges, two advanced methodologies, Fine-Kinney10 (FK10) and Fuzzy Fine-Kinney10 (FFK10), are introduced. The FK10 [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the effectiveness and limitations of the traditional Fine-Kinney method for occupational risk assessment, emphasizing its shortcomings in addressing complex and dynamic work environments. To overcome these challenges, two advanced methodologies, Fine-Kinney10 (FK10) and Fuzzy Fine-Kinney10 (FFK10), are introduced. The FK10 employs a symmetric scaling system (1–10) for probability, frequency, and severity indicators, providing a more balanced quantification of risks. Meanwhile, FFK10 incorporates fuzzy logic to handle uncertainty and subjectivity in risk assessment, significantly enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of risk evaluation. These methodologies were applied to a linemen workshop in an energy production and distribution company, analyzing various types of accidents such as falls from heights, exposure to electric currents, slips on surfaces, and more. The applications highlighted the practical benefits of these methods in effectively assessing and mitigating risks. A significant finding includes the identification of risks related to falls from heights of <2.5 m (SH1) and road traffic accidents (SH6), where all three methods yielded different verbal outcomes. Compared to the traditional Fine-Kinney method, FK10 and FFK10 demonstrated superior ability in distinguishing risk levels and guiding targeted safety measures. The study underscores that FK10 and FFK10 represent significant advancements in occupational risk management, offering robust frameworks adaptable across various industries. Full article

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39 pages, 1420 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying a Framework for Implementing Vision Zero Approach to Road Safety in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Perspective

by Mahfooz Ulhaq Bajwa, Wafaa Saleh and Grigorios Fountas

Safety 2025, 11(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11040093 - 2 Oct 2025

Viewed by 589

Abstract

Road traffic fatalities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are continuing to rise, posing significant socio-economic and public health challenges. To prevent these road deaths and avoid the corresponding costs, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended implementing the vision zero approach to [...] Read more.

Road traffic fatalities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are continuing to rise, posing significant socio-economic and public health challenges. To prevent these road deaths and avoid the corresponding costs, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended implementing the vision zero approach to road safety. Vision Zero aims to eliminate road deaths and reduce serious injuries. It has been adopted by many developed countries, however LMICs have faced difficulties implementing this approach due to a lack of guidance. This study aims to develop a framework for implementing vision zero in LMICs by examining the processes in India and Sweden. A qualitative research approach with a multiple-case study design was utilized, selecting 16 participants through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Grounded Theory method based on Strauss and Corbin’s approach. The study identified five core implementation steps such as agenda setting, approval, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and continuous improvement. Also, a set of influencing conditions such as preconditions, objectives, strategies, intervening factors and contextual conditions were identified. Furthermore, 38 implementation proposals were suggested in the framework to guide policymakers. The proposed framework provides a road map for LMICs that is intended to act as a guide for policymakers and road safety practitioners to enhance road safety performance in LMICs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Traffic Safety Culture)

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Safety, Volume 11, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 11 articles

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