How Industrial-Organizational Psychologists can Contribute to Workplace Safety in High-Reliability Organizations

Abstract

This literature review describes how Industrial-Organizational (I-O) psychologists can contribute to workplace safety in high-reliability organizations (HROs) through various human resource practices. HROs are organizations that have the obligation to avoid incidents as much as possible due to the significant consequences those events would cause to various stakeholders. Fifty-seven peer-reviewed journal articles, popular press articles, and book chapters were reviewed and are referenced within. Several suggestions are offered on how I-O psychology professionals can contribute to HRO safety through job analysis, recruitment, selection, training, performance management, climate and culture, teamwork and leadership. This thesis also reviews other common psychological concepts and theories used extensively within HROs.