Safety climate and its contribution to safety performance in the food delivery industry

Abstract

In the expanding food delivery sector, particularly in Asia, where motorcycles are preferred for their efficiency, there has been an alarming rise in traffic safety incidents involving delivery riders. This increase highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of safety outcomes within the industry, encompassing both organizational and personal factors. Our study, using data from 401 motorcycle delivery riders in Vietnam, addresses this gap with a conceptual model based on the Safety Climate Model. This model assesses the impact of safety climate, knowledge, and motivation on rider safety performance. Our findings reveal that factors like management values, effective safety communication, and quality safety equipment are crucial in creating a positive safety climate. This climate significantly boosts safety participation and compliance among riders. Furthermore, the study confirms that safety climate indirectly influences safety outcomes through safety knowledge and motivation. These results illustrate the dynamic between organizational practices and individual behaviors in determining safety in the food delivery industry. The study underscores the need for a holistic approach to safety, extending beyond equipment provision to include management commitment, communication, and motivational incentives. Implementing such comprehensive strategies is vital for enhancing rider safety, contributing to a safer work environment, and reducing safety–critical incidents among food delivery riders.