Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of a questionnaire developed for The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), the Safety Perception Index on Norwegian Vessels (SPIN-V), and how different aspects of safety climate and work climate relate to safety outcomes. The aim of the questionnaire was to measure perceptions, attitudes and behavior related to safety and work environment on Norwegian vessels. The results were based on a survey carried out on seafarers in 2020 (N = 8095, 25 % response rate). A combination of exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLSSEM) resulted in a safety climate and work condition structure of seven dimensions: safe work practices, management's safety involvement, Procedure compliance, competence and training, manning, job demands and safety system. Regression analysis indicated that the identified dimensions were significantly related to subjective safety perception and whether the seafarer had been involved in an accident or near-miss the last year. All of the dimensions predicted subjective safety perception. Self-reported accident involvement was associated with three dimensions: safe work practices, competence and training and Procedure compliance. Self-reported near-miss involvement was related to all dimensions except manning and management's safety involvement. Violation of procedures was the major predictor of both accident and near-miss involvement. The study provides a basis for further validation and research with the SPIN-V data.