Industrial accidents present considerable risks to individuals, the environment, and the economy across various sectors, including chemicals, construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and mining. In response, organizations are increasingly focusing on the development of a safety culture to mitigate these risks. Research suggests that addressing the root causes of accidents, rather than only their symptoms, can lead to more effective prevention strategies.
Importance of Safety Culture
The significance of safety culture has become more prominent, particularly after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which underscored its essential role in preventing accidents. The International Nuclear Safety Advisory Board introduced the concept in its report, asserting that fostering a strong safety culture can prove more effective than depending solely on technical or administrative controls. Safety culture refers to the collective beliefs, values, and attitudes that encourage safe operations within organizations, thereby reducing the probability of accidents.
Systematic Literature Review Findings
A systematic literature review (SLR) examining published articles from 2017 to 2021 explored the role of safety culture in managing industrial safety across six key sectors. This review evaluated 34 publications from 18 different countries, yielding important insights regarding the impact of safety culture on accident reduction.
Thematic Insights on Safety Culture
The SLR identified two primary themes: the significance of safety culture in management and its effect on employee performance. Many studies emphasized the need for enhancing safety culture through improved safety training, leadership commitment, effective communication, and robust process safety management. A notable finding indicated that a well-defined safety culture is positively correlated with enhanced safety training and improved management of safety processes.
Impact on Sectors with High Accident Rates
In sectors such as manufacturing and oil and gas, where accidents frequently arise from poor communication and insufficient leadership, the cultivation of a strong safety culture has resulted in a reduction of incidents. Promoting a culture of safety across all organizational levels, from management to staff, contributes to a safer working environment and lowers the likelihood of industrial accidents.
Conclusion
In summary, the establishment of a robust safety culture is crucial for managing industrial accidents. Organizations that prioritize the development of a safety culture are better equipped to prevent incidents, improve employee performance, and maintain long-term operational safety.
Authors: Aziz Ramli and Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya
Citation: Ismail, S. N., Ramli, A., & Prasetya, T. A. E. (2024). The Important Role of Safety Culture in the Management of Major Industrial Accidents. Indonesian Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 13(2), 252-260.
