Developing a factor model of coal miners’ attributions on risk-taking at work

Andrew Weyman, David D Clarke, Tom Cox

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

This paper details a survey of coal miners’ views on the bases for risk-taking. While literature exists on the subject of risk-taking in mines, comparatively few studies have sought to elicit the views of mine personnel themselves. An 83-item questionnaire, grounded upon insights from an earlier qualitative study, was developed and distributed to a sample of mine personnel (N=932). Results were analysed by means of principal components, factor analysis, an iterative refinement of the data set resulting in the development of a three-factor model that was considered to reflect potentially important dispositional influences on risk-taking amongst operational staff in mines. Derived constructs, identified as time pressure, management commitment and confidence in ability to control risk, were found to possess moderate to high levels of internal consistency (α statistic) and high face validity. Findings are discussed with reference to insights from both cognitive risk research and more recent work within the safety culture/climate framework.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)306 - 320
Number of pages15
JournalWork & Stress
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Developing a factor model of coal miners’ attributions on risk-taking at work'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this