Safety learning among young newly employed workers in three sectors: A challenge to the assumed order of things

Regine Grytnes, Mette Lykke Nielsen, Astrid Jørgensen, Johnny Dyreborg

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Despite efforts to reduce risk by providing young workers with safety knowledge and direct them to ways of working safe, injury rates are still relatively high in this group, which point to shortcomings in the understanding of the mechanisms that are important for safety learning. Therefore, in this article we will explore the mechanisms that are involved in safety learning of young newly employed workers. We draw on data from (participant) observation with 33 young workers during their first three months at work in the metal work sector, in elderly care, and in the retail sector. The analysis point to safety learning among young newly employed workers as more than a question about giving them information about safety issues. Through experiential learning, the formal safety information they are given is at times overturned, filtered through the everyday dilemmas of the work and through normalisations of risky practices at the workplace.
Original languageEnglish
JournalSafety Science
Volume143
Pages (from-to)105417
ISSN0925-7535
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021

Keywords

  • Safety learning
  • Elderly care

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