Predictors of safety behaviors among cement factory workers

Objectives. Risk perception can affect safety behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between safety behaviors and risk perception among cement factory workers. Methods. The study was conducted on all 236 workers of a cement factory in Bijar, Iran. Three valid questionnaires were used: a sociodemographic and job-related questionnaire, a risk perception questionnaire and a safety behavior questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the χ² test and multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The mean age of participants was 38.1 (±8.4) years. The level of risk perception was high among 60.6% of participants and moderate among 33.1% of them. Additionally, 67.8% of participants had diligent engagement in safety behaviors. The results of the study revealed that job type, experience with workplace events and engagement in safety behaviors had a significant positive relationship with risk perception. Conclusions. This study shows that risk perception, safety training and supervision have a significant positive relationship with the engagement in safety behaviors. The findings of this study can be used in designing workplace interventions to reduce occupational dangers. Motivational strategies are suggested to encourage workers to use personal protection equipment.