A moderated-mediated model of youth safety

Purpose: Workplace injury and death of young persons are important concerns. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the mediating role of safety behaviours underpinning the relationship between perceived safety climate (PSC) and injuries, and the moderating roles of safety-specific transformational leadership (SSTL), general transformational leadership (GTL) and training in influencing the mediation, for young workers. Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory, online questionnaire was completed by 367 university students employed in various industries. Data were analysed using moderated mediation. Findings: Safety behaviours mediated the relationship between PSC and injuries. SSTL moderated the relationship between PSC and safety behaviours, but GTL did not. Training did not positively moderate the relationship between safety behaviour and injuries, yet may still inform us on the training by referent others since safety behaviour mediated the relationship between PSC and injuries when SSTL, GTL and training were high. Research limitations/implications: A student sample was utilised, but was appropriate in this context as it is representative of the type of workers being studied. Longitudinal data with larger diverse data sets should be incorporated. Practical implications: Business owners must utilise both forms of leadership to promote a safe workplace. HR and H&S professionals must continue to encourage this promotion. Social implications: Safety training and leadership are important for policy makers and regulators to reduce workplace injuries for youth workers. Originality/value: This study is the first to test youth H&S using moderated mediation. Safety specific and general forms of leadership and training are important predictors.