김병현  어원석  이준원

Vol. 40,  No. 1, pp. 39-47, Feb.  2025
10.14341/JKOSOS.2025.40.1.39

safety behavior defense industry workers safety leadership defenseindustry safety

PDF

The defense industry has experienced rapid growth. However, individuals working in this industry are exposed to various hazards, including explosions, chemicals, and musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to examine the correlation between safety management practices and the safety behaviors of South Korean defense industry workers and provide insights regarding safety actions through an in-depth analysis of their safety management experiences. Data were collected through surveys with 279 workers and four extensive interviews. The quantitative data analysis used the PROCESS macro model to analyze the relationships among safety management practices, safety leadership, safety awareness, and safety behavior, while the qualitative data were analyzed using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method. The results revealed that safety management activities positively impact safety behavior. Safety leadership within defense organizations can significantly moderate the correlation between safety management practices and safety awareness. The defense workers’ experiences in safety management were analyzed in relation to the causes of safety incidents and perceptions of safety management. This paper advances the literature on safety management for defense industry workers; it emphasizes the need for management and supervisors to acquire and improve their knowledge and leadership skills with respect to safety as well as to establish customized external safety training for defense industry workers, thereby proactively preparing for industrial accidents. In addition, this research provides insights into the safety management activities and safety behaviors of defense industry workers.