The The Influence of Safety Behaviour and Culture on Occupational Safety Performance in High-Risk Industries: An Empirical Study in Shipyards

Shipyards are high-risk environments where establishing safe working conditions presents major challenges. Understanding factors that influence occupational safety, particularly safety culture and safety behaviour, is therefore essential. This study investigates their impact on safety performance in shipbuilding operations. A quantitative, descriptive correlational approach was applied. Instruments were developed to measure safety culture, safety behaviour, and safety performance, with validity and reliability tests conducted prior to analysis. This instrument was filled out by 150 permanent workers who had worked for at least one year in the operational department. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Validity and reliability tests confirmed acceptable reliability for safety culture and safety behaviour instruments after revision, while the safety performance instrument required further refinement due to low reliability. Regression analysis indicated that both safety culture and safety behaviour significantly affect safety performance, with safety culture exerting the stronger influence. Findings highlight the dominant role of safety culture in shaping safety performance within shipyards. Strengthening safety culture can reinforce safety behaviour and improve overall performance. The study also underscores the need for more robust measurement tools for safety performance to better capture the effectiveness of safety policies in real-world conditions.