The Psychology of Safety - Part Two The Role of Psychology in Safety Ownership: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

The key to workplace safety isn’t just following rules and equipment; it’s about understanding the psychology behind behaviors. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), developed by Icek Ajzen in 1985, provides a powerful framework for safety leaders to influence and enhance safety practices in their organizations. In order to promote lasting behavioral change, safety professionals can design strategies that focus on the three core elements of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control by encouraging employees to take personal responsibility for workplace safety, ensuring that it becomes a shared, organization-wide commitment.

In this article, we’ll explore the TPB, its core components, and actionable ways safety leaders can apply it to create safer workplaces.

What is The Theory of Planned Behavior?

The TPB is a psychological theory that explains how intentions drive behavior. According to the TPB, behavior is influenced by:

1. Attitudes: How positively or negatively individuals feel about performing the behavior.

2. Subjective Norms: The perceived social pressure to perform or not perform the behavior.

3. Perceived Behavioral Control: The individual’s confidence in their ability to perform the behavior, factoring in potential barriers or enablers.

   
   

TPB: People are more likely to perform a behavior if they have a positive attitude towards it, believe others approve of it, and feel confident in their ability to do it.

When team members’ feel positive about safety, are influenced by supportive workplace norms, and believe they have control over their safety actions, they are more likely to take ownership of these behaviors.

Promoting Employee Ownership Through TPB

Shaping Positive Attitudes Towards Safety Practices

Employees are more likely to take ownership of safety when they see its personal and organizational benefits. A positive attitude toward safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about commitment. For example, if workers believe wearing PPE prevents injuries and is worth the effort, they’re more likely to comply. Conversely, negative experiences, such as discomfort or inefficiency, can lead to resistance.

How Safety Professionals Can Influence Attitudes:

• Highlight the direct benefits of safety practices through training, emphasizing how these actions protect workers and their colleagues.

• Share real-life success stories and case-studies to illustrate how proactive safety behaviors prevent incidents and save lives.

• Encourage employees to share their experiences with workplace safety, fostering peer-to-peer learning.

Creating Supportive Subjective Norms

Workplace culture plays a significant role in how employees perceive safety. If safety is a shared value, employees are more likely to align their behaviors with the group’s expectations. However, if safety violations go unnoticed or are tolerated, unsafe behaviors can become normalized.

How Safety Professionals Can Influence Subjective Norms:

• Encourage team leaders to act as role models, demonstrating safe behaviors consistently and setting a standard for others to follow.

• Create an open environment where employees feel comfortable discussing safety concerns without fear of judgment. Make it a shared value rather than a mandate.

• Recognize and celebrate teams or individuals who actively contribute to improving safety practices, reinforcing a culture of collective responsibility.

Enhancing Perceived Behavioral Control Over Safety Actions

Ownership requires confidence. Perceived behavioral control reflects employees’ confidence in their ability to perform safety behaviors. This can be influenced by training, access to resources, and the removal of barriers. For instance, if workers feel they lack the time or tools to follow safety protocols, their perceived control diminishes, making non-compliance more likely.

How Safety Professionals Can Improve Perceived Control:

• Provide thorough and accessible training tailored to diverse learning needs, ensuring employees fully understand safety procedures.

• Eliminate barriers to safe behavior, such as poorly maintained equipment or unclear instructions.

• Encourage employee feedback to identify and address obstacles, showing that their voices are valued.

  
  

Why Employee Ownership Matters in Safety

When employees take ownership of safety, they become proactive rather than reactive. Ownership shifts the focus from enforcing compliance to building accountability. This approach encourages employees to identify risks, propose solutions, and support their team in maintaining a safe environment.

Employee ownership also reinforces the TPB framework:

• Attitudes improve as workers see the tangible benefits of their actions.

• Subjective norms evolve as shared values create a supportive culture.

• Perceived behavioral control increases when workers have the tools, training, and confidence to act.

  
  

Key Takeaways for Safety Leaders

1. Understand Behavioral Drivers: Utilize the TPB framework to identify attitudes, norms, and control factors that influence employee safety behaviors.

   
   

2. Promote Ownership: Encourage employees by promoting positive attitudes, creating supportive norms, and a sense of control over their safety actions. When individuals feel responsible for their safety, they are more likely to engage proactively.

   
   

3. Make Safety a Shared Value: Transition from a compliance-focused mindset to one that encourages accountability. Foster open communication, recognize safe behaviors, and provide the necessary resources to support your team in prioritizing safety.

The Theory of Planned Behavior offers a robust model for promoting employee ownership in workplace safety. By addressing attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, organizations and safety leaders can empower their teams to take responsibility for safety practices, ensuring a safer and more engaged workforce.

For more actionable insights on creating a culture of safety, follow our SafePath blog and join the conversation on our social media channels.