Modifying Supervisory Practices to Improve Subunit Safety

Dov Zohar

Keywords: Workplace Safety, Supervision, Safety Climate, Leadership Practices, Organizational Intervention

The Study: This experimental study tested the effects of a supervisory intervention aimed at improving safety performance in 18 industrial subunits. Supervisors were trained to consistently reinforce safe behavior through positive feedback, group discussions, and role modeling.

Main Findings: Subunits that received the intervention showed significant improvements in safety climate and self-reported safe behaviors compared to control subunits. Improvements remained stable for at least two months post-intervention. Trained supervisors became more consistent in integrating safety into daily routines.

Practical Implications: Empowering supervisors as safety leaders through targeted training can shift safety culture and reduce unsafe practices. Relatively simple changes in supervisory behavior can have lasting effects on organizational safety performance.

Reference: Zohar, D. (2002). Modifying Supervisory Practices to Improve Subunit Safety. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(1), 156–163. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.87.1.156

Zohar 2002.pdf

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