Speakers - 2026

Title: Predicting safety behaviour among cement workers: Application of the precede proceed model

Abstract

Occupational stress is a major psychosocial risk in high-risk sectors such as cement production, where it may impair cognitive functioning and contribute to dangerous behaviours. Despite the link between stress and accidents, there is still little evidence on the use of theory-based interventions in this context. This study assessed the effectiveness of a stress management educational programme, structured in the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, in improving safety behaviour of cement workers. A quasi-experimental study was carried out in the cement factory in Zaveh, Iran from 2023 to 2024 with a pre-test, a post-test and a three-month follow-up. A total of 280 male volunteers were recruited and allocated to either the intervention group (n=140) or the control group (n=140). The intervention consisted of six 90-minute interactive sessions that focused on predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors. Data were collected using the validated work stress and safety behaviour questionnaire (SM&SB) and analysed using ANOVA repeated measures and structural equation modelling. The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in safety awareness, attitudes and behaviours, as well as a reduction in perceived stress relative to the control group (p<0.001). These positive effects were maintained for 3 months. An analysis of the SEM showed that the model explained 33.6 percent of the variance in safety behaviour (R2 = 0.336). The strongest predictors of safety behaviour were perceived stress management skills (beta = 0.47), coping efficiency (beta = 0.46), and support from the supervisor (beta = 0.40). A strong positive correlation between stress reduction and improved safety behaviour (r = 0.58) has been observed. The findings provide strong empirical support for the effectiveness of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in improving safety behaviour in the cement industry. The study highlights that addressing psychosocial factors - in particular through the development of skills and the strengthening of supervisors - is crucial to promote a safer work environment © 2025 Published by Public Knowledge Project (PKP).