Work

Beyond Compliance: Uncovering Organizational Barriers to Workplace Safety in Industrial Zones

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the organizational and behavioral barriers influencing occupational safety and health (OSH) outcomes in industrial zones, drawing on Bureaucratic Organization Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior. The primary objective is to identify key structural, cultural, and psychological factors that undermine safety performance. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing survey data from 486 employees in industrial clusters across Vietnam. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 through a 2-stage analytical process involving Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses, followed by Structural Equation Modeling. The results reveal that formalistic safety procedures, lack of operational empowerment, poor interdepartmental coordination, complex incident reporting, unsafe group norms, productivity-over-safety culture, low perceived behavioral control, and lack of safety motivation all negatively impact OSH outcomes. These findings underscore the need for participatory safety management, simplified reporting systems, and empowerment-focused interventions. The study provides both theoretical contributions and practical recommendations for developing more resilient and employee-centered OSH strategies in industrial contexts.

Source: Environmental Health Insights

DOI: 10.1177/11786302251393858

Authors: Thuy-Tien Le, Thi Thuy Hong Nguyen

Institution: Vietnam Maritime University

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety Research

Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650