The perception of educational institutions as inherently safe environments is increasingly questioned due to rising safety incidents worldwide. The 2003 dormitory fire at the People’s Friendship University of Russia which killed 41 students and a 2015 lab explosion at China University of Mining and Technology which resulted in one fatality and several injuries are among the many examples. These incidents emphasize the need for educational institutions like universities to instill safety practices among students as well as promote a safety-conscious culture. While safety culture research has traditionally focused on high-risk industries, recent studies have begun to explore this concept within educational institutions in countries like the United States, China, Vietnam, and Brazil. However, a comprehensive review of safety culture in education remains scarce. To address this gap, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to examine trends and contributing factors in safety culture within educational institutions from 2019 to 2023. The SLR, conducted using the PRISMA method, identified 17 relevant articles from both Science Direct and SCOPUS databases, leading to the development of 15 subthemes through thematic analysis. The study revealed that behavioural factors such as safety training, awareness, knowledge, commitment, and communication were the most influential in fostering a positive safety culture, accounting for 87% of the findings. Public universities were the most frequently studied, followed by elementary schools and private universities. Established safety culture models like the Reason Safety Culture Model and Guldenmund’s Three-Layered Organizational Culture were commonly referenced, highlighting the importance of psychological (attitudes toward safety), situational (environmental factors), and behavioural (safety practice) dimensions in creating safer educational environments.
The study emphasized that safety training is a critical component of a robust safety culture, particularly in laboratory settings where students must handle hazardous materials. Integrating safety education into curricula and employing innovative methods such as safety videos and reward systems were found to enhance student engagement and safety awareness. Additionally, psychological factors such as student’s attitudes toward safety were influenced by their educational levels. Higher levels of education correlate with better safety practices. Situational factors such as the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clear safety signage also played a vital role in reducing accidents. The findings also suggest that educational institutions should adopt safety practices from industrial sectors to strengthen their safety culture, ensuring a safer learning environment for all stakeholders.
Author: Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya, S.Kep., M.KKK., Ph.D.
Referensi: Ismail, S. N., Ramli, A., Prasetya, T. A. E., & Rosanti, E. (2025). Contributing Factors of Safety Culture in the Education Sector: A Systematic Review. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 52(2), 164-175. https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.52.2.164175
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