JESK Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea

A Comparative Study on Safety Awareness among Subcontractor Employees in the Power Generation Industry: Focusing on 'A' Thermal Power Plant

Dae Sung Kim , Kwang Tae Jung , Ye Ram Yang
10.5143/JESK.2026.45.3.239 Epub 2026 July 05

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to empirically analyze the differences in safety awareness among subcontractor workers in the domestic power generation industry and to provide a foundational basis for the establishment of a robust safety culture.

Background: Internalizing a safety culture tailored to specific workplace characteristics is essential for effectively reducing industrial accidents. In the power generation sector, where complex contracting structures exist, the safety awareness of subcontractor workers serves as a critical determinant of overall operational safety and accident prevention.

Method: A safety awareness survey was conducted with 831 workers from eight subcontractor organizations affiliated with the 'T' Power Plant Headquarters of Power Company 'A'. The measurement scale comprised 47 items across six dimensions: safety knowledge, safety belief, safety behavior, safety management, perceived safety management, and safety orientation. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA to identify differences based on demographic and organizational characteristics.

Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in all six safety awareness factors depending on the specific subcontractor organization. Individual characteristics, including gender, age, and job type, significantly influenced safety awareness levels. Notably, female workers and older age groups (50s) exhibited higher awareness in several dimensions. Conversely, hierarchical organizational factors such as job position and tenure showed only limited effects on safety awareness.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the safety culture within subcontractor organizations is formed independently, influenced by unique organizational environments and individual-contextual factors rather than mere hierarchical structures. This highlights the necessity of recognizing subcontractors as autonomous entities with distinct safety climates.

Application: These results suggest that when establishing safety management policies in the power generation industry, a "one-size-fits-all" approach should be avoided. Instead, a segmented strategy that accounts for the specific characteristics of each subcontractor and individual demographic groups is required to enhance the practical efficacy of safety management systems.

Keywords

Safety awareness Subcontractors Contracting structure Power generation industry Industrial accident prevention

1. Introduction

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