Development and initial validation of an Aviation Safety Climate Scale

ProblemA need was identified for a consistent set of safety climate factors to provide a basis for aviation industry benchmarking.MethodSix broad safety climate themes were identified from the literature and consultations with industry safety experts. Items representing each of the themes were prepared and administered to 940 Australian commercial pilots.ResultsData from half of the sample (N = 468) were used in an exploratory factor analysis that produced a 3-factor model of Management commitment and communication, Safety training and equipment, and Maintenance. A confirmatory factor analysis on the remaining half of the sample showed the 3-factor model to be an adequate fit to the data.DiscussionThe results of this study have produced a scale of safety climate for aviation that is both reliable and valid.Impact on IndustryThis study developed a tool to assess the level of perceived safety climate, specifically of pilots, but may also, with minor modifications, be used to assess other groups' perceptions of safety climate.