The safety observer effect across various work conditions
by Robek, Adrienne, Ph.D., CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, 2007, 158 pages; 3278414

Abstract:

The present study was intended to expand on the existing safety observer effect literature which has found that conducting safety observations improves the safety performance of the observer (Alvero & Austin, 2004; Sasson & Austin, 2005). Two experiments were conducted and data were recorded with a hidden video camera. Four undergraduate students served as participants in each experiment (n = 8). In Experiment 1, the effects of conducting safety observations on the safety performance of the observer and the effects of the observer's awareness of observations by the experimenter were examined. In Experiment 2, the combined effects of conducting safety observations and reinforcement and feedback on the safety performance of the observer when working alongside a peer, and the effects of the observer's awareness of observations on both the peer and him/her self were examined. The experimental design used in both experiments was an ABC within-subject design and phases A and C were staggered across groups of behaviors (phase B was not staggered across behaviors). Participants' safety performance did not increase after conducting safety observations nor did their safety performance increase when they were aware that their own, or their peer's, safety performance was being observed. Nevertheless, during Experiment 2, three out of four participants' safety performance increased when reinforcement was offered for typing in a safe manner. No correlation was found between participant's percent accuracy of scoring and participant's percent safe performance. The implications of these findings as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

 
AdviserAlicia M. Alvero
SchoolCITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
SourceDAI/B 68-10, p. , Jan 2008
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsBehavioral sciences; Occupational psychology
Publication Number3278414
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