Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry

Safety culture is crucial for organisations aiming to enhance safety performance and is challenging in traditional sectors. This study explored the effects of a new near-miss management system (NMS) on safety culture in traditional manufacturing companies. The data collection followed a mixed-method...

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Main Authors: Maria H. Pedrosa, Ana K. Salazar, Carla Cardoso, Joana C. Guedes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Safety
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2313-576X/11/1/23
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author Maria H. Pedrosa
Ana K. Salazar
Carla Cardoso
Joana C. Guedes
author_facet Maria H. Pedrosa
Ana K. Salazar
Carla Cardoso
Joana C. Guedes
author_sort Maria H. Pedrosa
collection DOAJ
description Safety culture is crucial for organisations aiming to enhance safety performance and is challenging in traditional sectors. This study explored the effects of a new near-miss management system (NMS) on safety culture in traditional manufacturing companies. The data collection followed a mixed-methods design: quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-implementation surveys, and qualitative data were derived from focus group discussions (FGDs) developed a year after NMS implementation in two footwear companies. After that period, it is possible to infer that the NMS led to changes in the safety culture. OHS management commitment, accident and near-miss investigation, and OHS meetings and training dimensions were impacted. Employees perceived the NMS introduction as a signal of management′s commitment and the possibility of accessing training and participating in near-miss and accident investigations. In organisations that rely on intensive manual labour, ongoing training is essential to ensure that safety measures are effective and that the organisation′s safety management system (NMS) is sustainable. Although limited by the small sample size and sector focus, the results show that even a simplified NMS procedure adapted to the company and adequate training provided to the workforce significantly impacts the company′s safety culture and workers′ safety behaviour.
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spelling doaj-art-07fa3cc779b54af6aafbe5364bec3ad42025-08-20T03:43:58ZengMDPI AGSafety2313-576X2025-03-011112310.3390/safety11010023Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing IndustryMaria H. Pedrosa0Ana K. Salazar1Carla Cardoso2Joana C. Guedes3Associated Laboratory for Energy Transports and Aeronautics (PROA/LAETA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalFaculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004 Porto, PortugalCentre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto (FPCEUP), 4200-135 Porto, PortugalAssociated Laboratory for Energy Transports and Aeronautics (PROA/LAETA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalSafety culture is crucial for organisations aiming to enhance safety performance and is challenging in traditional sectors. This study explored the effects of a new near-miss management system (NMS) on safety culture in traditional manufacturing companies. The data collection followed a mixed-methods design: quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-implementation surveys, and qualitative data were derived from focus group discussions (FGDs) developed a year after NMS implementation in two footwear companies. After that period, it is possible to infer that the NMS led to changes in the safety culture. OHS management commitment, accident and near-miss investigation, and OHS meetings and training dimensions were impacted. Employees perceived the NMS introduction as a signal of management′s commitment and the possibility of accessing training and participating in near-miss and accident investigations. In organisations that rely on intensive manual labour, ongoing training is essential to ensure that safety measures are effective and that the organisation′s safety management system (NMS) is sustainable. Although limited by the small sample size and sector focus, the results show that even a simplified NMS procedure adapted to the company and adequate training provided to the workforce significantly impacts the company′s safety culture and workers′ safety behaviour.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-576X/11/1/23near-miss managementoccupational health and safetyfootwear industrysurveyfocus group
spellingShingle Maria H. Pedrosa
Ana K. Salazar
Carla Cardoso
Joana C. Guedes
Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry
Safety
near-miss management
occupational health and safety
footwear industry
survey
focus group
title Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry
title_full Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry
title_fullStr Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry
title_full_unstemmed Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry
title_short Study on Safety Culture Following the Implementation of a Near-Miss Management System in the Traditional Manufacturing Industry
title_sort study on safety culture following the implementation of a near miss management system in the traditional manufacturing industry
topic near-miss management
occupational health and safety
footwear industry
survey
focus group
url https://www.mdpi.com/2313-576X/11/1/23
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