Problematic internet use and safety behavior: The moderating role of safety climate

Abstract

Problematic internet use (PIU) can cause mental and physical harm to individuals and may be an emerging factor contributing to unsafe work behavior. In this study, the relationship between PIU and safety behavior was investigated. Moreover, it was hypothesized that safety climate can moderate the relationship between PIU and safety behavior. Participants were employees from a mining industry in Iran. Three validated questionnaires were distributed to gather the required data regarding PIU, safety climate, and safety behavior. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess the moderating effect of safety climate on the relationship between PIU and safety behavior. The size of moderation effect was assessed using f2 index. Four hundred eighty-five employees participated in this study. The results demonstrated a negative relationship between PIU and safety behavior. The moderating effect of safety climate on the relationship between PIU and safety behavior was supported. The f2 index was 0.027 which demonstrates a small moderation effect. In conclusion, PIU has a significant negative effect on the safety behavior of employees. Providing a strong safety climate can be a long-term solution for reducing the negative effect of PIU on safety behavior.