Trait anxiety and unsafe behavior among miners with moderated mediation effects

Abstract This study aims to examine the associations among trait anxiety, job anxiety, unsafe psychological states, perceived stress, and unsafe behaviors among miners, with a particular focus on the moderating role of job anxiety and the mediating roles of unsafe psychological states and perceived stress. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 267 miners to collect data on trait anxiety, job anxiety, unsafe psychological states, perceived stress, and unsafe behaviors. Data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. The results indicate that the association between trait anxiety and unsafe behaviors varies as a function of job anxiety, and that unsafe psychological states and perceived stress are statistically significant mediators in the relationship between trait anxiety and unsafe behaviors. These findings suggest that psychological factors are closely associated with unsafe behaviors among miners and highlight the potential importance of mental health–related considerations in safety management practices within the mining industry. This study provides theoretical support and practical implications for incorporating psychological perspectives into occupational safety management.