Dynamics of a culture of workplace safety in human service organizations: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Workplace cultures are an important component in creating safe work environments. In-depth qualitative interviews ( n = 85) were conducted with human service workers of a large publicly administered human service organization in Canada to learn more about the organizational and/or workplace conditions that contribute to a safety culture. Findings reveal that a safety culture within this human service workplace is defined by values or attitudes associated with safety and structured mechanisms that help promote workplace safety. Insights from respondents help to identify areas for workplace and organizational development to promote health and safety within human service workplaces.