The effects of a safety educational intervention on promoting safety behavior at textile workers

Introduction: Behavioral science is an inseparable part of a comprehensive accident prevention strategy in a work place. This study reports a behavior approach used to evaluate the effects of an occupational safety training intervention on industrial textile workers. Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental based on Solomon 4-group design participatory study, which is conducted as pretest-post-test intervention. A sample of 85 workers of a textile factory participated in this study. A questionnaires and a behavior observation checklist were developed exclusively for this study. The required substantial data for intervention planning were resulted based on findings due to conducting four first phases of precede-proceed model. A combination concept of Precede-Proceed model and theory of Reasoned Action were utilized in planning and implementing the interventions. Our package consisted of training, assigned goal setting, daily verbal praise, and graphic feedback that were provided four times a week. Analysis of data was performed using Minitab software. Descriptive statistics and t-test and analysis of variance were used for comparisons between groups. Results: The mean scores on knowledge and safety practices showed significant improvement among all four groups in one month and three months post intervention with groups 1 and 2 show the highest improvement. Our findings approved the applicability of combined models on safety practices and knowledge on the safety issues in workplace. Conclusion: Our study acknowledges the idea of applying an occupational safety training intervention package for textile industry workers and implementing health education intervention to promote safety practices in other industries