Zahra Batooli, Ali Asghar Khajevandi, Masoud Motalebi Kashani, Hossein Akbari, Iraj Mohammadfam, Rasoul Azizian Shahrivar,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Workplace safety is a critical factor for organizational success and the protection of human capital. Safe behavior among employees is influenced by various psychological and organizational factors, including safety climate and safety motivation. Considering the importance of enhancing safety motivation and the lack of standardized indigenous tools in Iran, this study aimed to culturally adapt the Self-Determination Safety Motivation Scale (SDSM) and examine its mediating role in the relationship between safety climate and employees’ safe behavior at Kavir Steel Complex in Aran and Bidgol County.
Material and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 256 production line employees. Data were collected using the Safety Climate Questionnaire, the Safe Behavior Questionnaire, and the Persian-adapted SDSM. The adaptation process included forward–backward translation, content validity evaluation by experts, and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and structural equation modeling with SmartPLS version 4.
Results: The findings indicated that safety climate had a positive and significant effect on safe behavior (β = 0.608, p < 0.001), and safety motivation significantly mediated this relationship (β = 0.388, p < 0.001). It is noteworthy that the direct relationship between safety climate and safety motivation was significantly negative. The structural model explained approximately 42% of the variance in safety behavior (R² = 0.419), indicating satisfactory predictive power. Model fit indices (NFI = 0.91, SRMR = 0.06) demonstrated a satisfactory model fit. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and construct reliability were all confirmed at acceptable levels.
Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of fostering a positive safety climate and strengthening employees’ intrinsic motivation in high-risk environments to reduce workplace accidents and promote organizational health. These findings can serve as a foundation for policy-making and training programs in the field of HSE.
