Workplace Safety: A Meta-Analysis of the Roles of Person and Situation Factors

Michael S. Christian

 Jason C. Bradley

 J. Craig Wallace

 M. Jonathon Burke

Workplace safety is a critical concern, yet the combined influence of personal and situational factors on safety performance and outcomes remains underexplored. A meta-analysis by Christian et al. (2009) in the Journal of Applied Psychology sought to integrate existing research by examining how individual characteristics and organizational climate interact to predict safety behaviors, accidents, and injuries.

Keywords: Occupational safety, Safety performance, Safety climate, Accidents, Psychosocial risks

The Study: The study analyzed data from 90 primary studies, encompassing diverse industries and methodologies. It applied meta-analytic techniques to estimate relationships between safety knowledge, motivation, climate, and performance, addressing both individual and group-level factors.

Main Findings: Results demonstrated that safety knowledge and motivation were the strongest predictors of safety performance behaviors. Group safety climate showed the most substantial association with reduced accidents and injuries. Meta-analytic path modeling supported a theoretical framework linking personal and situational antecedents to safety outcomes.

Practical Implications: These findings underscore the importance of fostering a positive safety climate and enhancing safety knowledge and motivation through targeted training and management practices. Organizations should adopt comprehensive strategies to mitigate workplace risks and promote overall safety.

Reference: Christian, M. S., Bradley, J. C., Wallace, J. C., & Burke, M. J. (2009). Workplace safety: A meta-analysis of the roles of person and situation factors. Journal of Applied Psychology, 94(5), 1103–1127. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016172

Christian et al, 2009.pdf

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