Purpose Safety behaviors among firefighters and emergency responders are critical to protecting personnel, fellow responders and the public. However, key determinants of these behaviors have not been thoroughly explored among Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) professionals. This study examined whether effective safety training was associated with safety compliance and safety participation behaviors among airport-based responders whose roles extend beyond structural firefighting to complex aviation-related emergencies. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional survey data from 241 ARFF professionals were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test relationships between effective safety training and two safety behavior outcomes, including safety compliance and safety participation. Findings Model fit was good and all hypothesized relationships were supported. Effective safety training was positively and significantly associated with both safety compliance and safety participation behaviors, confirming the distinctiveness of these behavioral constructs. These findings showed that high-quality training not only reinforced adherence to safety procedures but also promoted proactive engagement in safety-enhancing activities. Originality/value This study extended research on an under-examined occupational group and provided empirical evidence supporting the strategic role of training in ARFF operations. The results provided practical guidance for ARFF administrators, suggesting that investing in comprehensive, scenario-based, applied, risk-informative training that is continuously evaluated can strengthen both procedural compliance and proactive safety participation, ultimately improving operational readiness and reducing risk.
Smith et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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