Formal Safety versus Real Safety: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Safety Culture – Evidence from Estonia

• Main Authors: Järvis Marina, Virovere Anu, Tint Piia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2016-10-01
• Series: Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B, Natural Sciences
• Subjects: occupational health and safety; social capital; safety culture; organisational values; knowlegde management
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1515/prolas-2016-0042
• ISSN: 1407-009X

This paper examines differences between formal safety and real safety in Estonian small and medium-sized enterprises. The results reveal key issues in safety culture assessment. Statistical analysis of safety culture questionnaires showed many organisations with an outstanding safety culture and positive safety attitudes. However, qualitative data indicated some important safety weaknesses and aspects that should be included in the process of evaluation of safety culture in organisations.