The Impact of Safety Culture on Safety Behavior in University Chemistry Laboratories

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationships between safety culture constructs and safety behaviors, and to analyze the mediating roles of safety awareness, behavioral attitudes, and subjective norms. We collected data from 499 university laboratory personnel through a combination of online and offline methods, and processed the data using descriptive statistical analysis, reliability and validity analysis, and structural equation modeling.esults show that safety values, safety attitudes, and safety perceptions significantly impact safety behavior, both directly and indirectly, with safety attitudes acting as a key mediator in translating safety culture into behavior. Safety awareness also plays a crucial role in enhancing safety behavior. Notably, the study reveals that subjective norms have a less significant role than anticipated in shaping safety behaviors, suggesting that while external social factors are relevant, internal attitudes and awareness are more influential in a laboratory setting. These findings highlight the importance of fostering a safety culture through both individual attitudes and organizational strategies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety management systems in university laboratories.