Perceptions of Safety at Work: A Framework for Linking Safety Climate to Safety Performance

Mark A. Griffin 

Andrew Neal 

Keywords: Safety Climate, Safety Performance, Safety Knowledge, Safety Motivation, Workplace Behavior

The Study: This study proposes and tests a theoretical model linking organizational safety climate to safety performance through two mediators: safety knowledge and safety motivation. Data were collected from 1,779 employees across 42 industrial workplaces.

Main Findings: Safety climate was positively associated with both safety knowledge and safety motivation. These two factors, in turn, predicted safety performance. The model differentiates between safety compliance (following rules and procedures) and safety participation (voluntary behaviors that enhance workplace safety). Both behavior types were influenced by cognitive and motivational mediators.

Practical Implications: Improving safety climate can enhance knowledge and motivation related to safety, ultimately leading to better safety performance. Organizations should focus on communication, learning, and value alignment to foster both compliance and proactive safety behavior.

Reference: Griffin, M. A., & Neal, A. (2000). Perceptions of Safety at Work: A Framework for Linking Safety Climate to Safety Performance. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 5(3), 347–358. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076-8998.5.3.347

Griffin & Neal 2000.pdf

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