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The Predictors of Unsafe Behaviors among Nuclear Power Plant Workers: An Investigation Integrating Personality, Cognitive and Attitudinal Factors

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Listed:
  • Da Tao

    (Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Xiaofeng Diao

    (Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Xingda Qu

    (Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Xiaoting Ma

    (Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Tingru Zhang

    (Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics, College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

Abstract

Unsafe behaviors, such as violations and human errors, have long been recognized as the main causes of accidents in nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, personal factors that influence unsafe behaviors among NPP workers have not been well examined, especially in an integrated model. This study proposes an integrated contextual mediated model to examine personality, cognitive and attitudinal predictors of unsafe behaviors among commissioning workers at NPPs. The model was verified using structural equation modeling technique with survey data from 177 commissioning workers in two Chinese NPPs. Results show that personality traits (i.e., conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness and agreeableness), executive function and safety attitudes exerted significant effects on unsafe behaviors. In addition, the effects of agreeableness and executive function were partly mediated by safety attitudes. Both conscientiousness and neuroticism indirectly influenced unsafe behaviors through the mediating role of executive function. The findings shed light on the design of evidence-based interventions for safety performance in NPPs.

Suggested Citation

  • Da Tao & Xiaofeng Diao & Xingda Qu & Xiaoting Ma & Tingru Zhang, 2023. "The Predictors of Unsafe Behaviors among Nuclear Power Plant Workers: An Investigation Integrating Personality, Cognitive and Attitudinal Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-15, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:1:p:820-:d:1022367
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li-Lin Rao & Yaoshan Xu & Shu Li & Yongjuan Li & Rui Zheng, 2017. "Effect of perceived risk on nuclear power plant operators’ safety behavior and errors," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 76-84, January.
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