The Psychological Contract of Safety: The Missing Link Between Safety Climate and Safety Behaviour in Construction Sites

The causal relationship between safety climate and safety behavior is examined in numerous studies, however the pathway that mediates this relationship is still unclear. Viewing safety through the lens of the `Psychological Contract' it is argued that `Psychological Contract of Safety' (PCSaf), could be a vital factor for improving safety performance. Previous research suggests that (1); safety climate is based on perception of workers regarding safety and (2); PCSaf is based on perceived mutual obligations between workers and supervisors, as a result, if PCSaf or mutual obligations between workers and supervisors are fulfilled, then safety behavior of the workers will be positively influenced. A proposed model of Psychological Contract of Safety (PCSaf) as an alternative intervention in the understanding and management of safety practice is presented. A final model will deepen understanding and reveal relationships between safety climate and safety behavior on construction sites.