Hamid Reza Heidari, Farideh Golbabaei, Shahram Arsang Jang, Ali Akbar Shamsipour,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (9-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Regarding development of several thermal indices and limitations of each, in this research applicability and validity of temperature- humidity index (Humidex) were examined against the standard heat index, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature -WBGT, as well as tympanic temperature of subjects.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was done on 163 subjects at spring and summer (2013) in outdoor jobs of arid and semi-arid climates of Iran. Environmental parameters as well as tympanic temperature of subjects were measured simultaneously and then heat indices were determined. Data were analyzed using linear correlation charts and Kappa coefficient of agreement by means of SPSS software version 20.
Result: A strong correlation was obtained between WBGT and Humidex in both arid and semi-arid regions (r>0.98), while the correlation between Humidex and tympanic temperature was moderate (r=0.5-0.8). Based on the obtained Kappa value, the agreement coefficient between Humidex and WBGT was 0.878. This value was obtained equal to 0.226 for the Humidex and tympanic temperature.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Humidex can be applied as an appropriate substitute for the WBGT index. However, if evaluation of environmental condition with low air temperature or very hot situation is considered, relying only on the Humidex results will not provide a realistic estimation of thermal strain imposed to individuals.
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.
