Factors influencing unsafe acts in the automotive industry using grounded theory and fuzzy DEMATEL

Occupational accidents are recognized as the cause of numerous severe injuries and fatalities worldwide. Unsafe Acts (UAs) and unsafe conditions are the two primary origins of accidents, dentifying and prioritizing them can help prevent accidents from occurring. So, the aim of this study was to identify and prioritize the factors influencing unsafe acts in the automotive industry using grounded theory and fuzzy DEMATEL. A conceptual model using accident reports and the grounded theory approach was created. This included steps such as data collection, open coding, axial coding, selective coding, and a model saturation test. The fuzzy DEMATEL was used to determiene intensity of the relationship between influencing factors. The 'Government policies' factor, with the highest value (D + R) of 1.49, stands out as a significant influence on workplace safety. As a criterion of the 'extra-organizational level,' it refers to factors outside the direct control of the organization but still influencing its operations. This factor's importance surpasses that of other factors in contributing to unsafe practices. Other crucial factors include the economic situation, foreign policy, social situation, and work environment, with values of (D + R) equal to 1.47, 1.35, 1.34, and 1.13, respectively. Among the cause groups, 'Organizational climate' had the maximum value (D - R), indicating its significant impact on unsafe practices. The 'Foreign policy' factor, with a value (D - R) equal to 0.77, was next in importance. This study's findings provide insights and actionable strategies for safety managers in the automotive industry. By understanding the causes of workers' unsafe actions and how human factors lead to accidents, they can formulate intervention strategies to prevent and control unsafe actions, empowering them to make a real difference in workplace safety.