Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Personality Traits Moderate Safety Culture and Risk Behavior

In the present paper, we examined the moderating effects of Behavioral Inhibition (BIS) and Behavioral Activation (BAS) personality traits on safety culture and risk behavior among Finnish Defense Forces personnel. Participants rated the organizational, group and individual level of safety culture, BIS and BAS, as well as work motivation and risky behavior in terms of intentions to violate norms and hazard incidents using a 144 item safety culture and personality questionnaire. As expected, personality was linked both to the safety attitudes and behavior: most notable, BIS was related to lower levels of safety attitudes and safety related fear and worry. The results may have practical implications in predicting potential personality related safety risks.