Exploring Determinants of Safety Behavior in Malaysian SMEs Manufacturing Firms: An Extended Conceptual Model

Abstract

Occupational accidents have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries across industrialized and developing nations. Every year, millions of workers lose their lives and suffer from non-fatal injuries due to occupational accidents. Inadequate documentation and notification systems, particularly in developing countries, have resulted in ineffective measures to address occupational accidents, leading to the absence of globally recognized standards for addressing occupational accidents. Organizations still rely on baseline occupational safety measures statistics to enhance worker safety, despite the underreporting of accident data. This study aimed to develop an extended safety model to investigate the effects of safety behavior in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing in Malaysia. Research priorities and questions on determinants of workplace safety behavior can be explored by utilizing the model, resulting in a more focused and efficient approach to improving workplace safety. This model serves as a valuable tool for informing policies and practices necessary to protect and enhance workplace safety and workers' well-being.