Author

So Young Song

Date of Award

5-2013

Access Type

Thesis - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Safety Science

Department

College of Aviation

Committee Chair

Maxwell Fogleman, Ph.D., MPH, CPE

First Committee Member

Jackie Luedtke, Ph.D., MBA

Second Committee Member

Dawn Bolstad-Johnson, MPH, CIH, CSP

Abstract

Traffic related fatalities are one of the most common workplace hazards in the law enforcement community. They accounted for approximately 44% of all fatalities within the law enforcement occupational field between 2002 and 2011. Although many law enforcement officers’ deaths are due to being struck by vehicles, these could be prevented with the use of High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA). The importance of raising traffic protective behavior compliance is largely overlooked by misperceptions in the workplace. Relatively few studies have examined HVSA wearing behaviors associated with social psychological human elements. It has still remained unclear as subjective or objective experiences. Proper assessment of law enforcement officers’ attitudes and safety behaviors are imperative in efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities; andto improve the overall health and workplace safety in the law enforcement community. This study contributes to the research on law enforcement officers by providing information about what factors influence HVSA wearing decisions. It informs safety training officers and law enforcement organizations to develop successful training and practice programs that improve voluntary compliance.

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