Psychological strain mediates the impact of safety climate on maintenance errors

Abstract

[Abstract]: Maintenance errors are known to be a key cause of aviation mishaps and the search for their causes is now given high priority in the aviation industry. In parallel with the search for causes, research efforts are also focusing on the ways in which various background factors link together to influence safety outcomes. The present study set out to validate a structural model wherein psychological strain is depicted as a major contributor to maintenance errors through the direct influence of strain on maintenance errors and also via its role as a mediator of the effects of safety climate on errors. The Maintenance Environment Survey (MES: Fogarty, 2004) was administered to 150 personnel responsible for maintenance of a large military helicopter fleet. Structural equation modeling was then used to test the fit of the mediation model. The findings support claims that the effect of safety climate on errors is at least partially mediated by individual level factors, such as psychological strain. In our efforts to secure better safety outcomes, we should therefore maintain a dual focus on organizational and individual level variables. Regular administration of safety climate and psychological health surveys can help to achieve this aim.