The Human Dynamics of Achieving an Injury-Free Workplace: Safety Directives from Psychological Science

Creating an injury-free workplace demands more than policies and procedures since it requires the engagement of every employee to actively care for their own safety and that of their colleagues. This research-based, teaching and learning workbook addresses the critical human dynamics that determine whether safety and health initiatives succeed or fail. Drawing from decades of psychological science, the authors present a systematic approach to building an actively-caring-for-people (AC4P) work culture that transforms safety from a compliance-driven requirement into an interdependent shared commitment.

This teaching/learning resource provides the scientific foundation and practical guidance necessary to achieve lasting safety improvements through interpersonal human dynamics. It contains ten distinct safety objectives, each supported by six evidence-based behavioral directives that readers can immediately implement in their workplace. These directives span multiple domains of psychological science, from behavioral principles of reinforcement and feedback to humanistic concepts of empathy and systems thinking. Each chapter includes explanatory text, practical illustrations, thought-provoking discussion questions, and relevant research references, covering essential topics such as behavior-based safety coaching, incident analysis, social influence strategies, stress management, and the cultivation of a Total Safety Culture. Readers will gain the knowledge and tools needed to optimize both individual and interpersonal dynamics for occupational health and safety.

The Human Dynamics of Achieving an Injury-Free Workplace: Safety Directives from Psychological Science is for safety professionals, managers, supervisors, team leaders, and anyone responsible for workplace safety and health. It is equally valuable for safety committees, training facilitators conducting workshops, and individual practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of safety-related psychology.

E. Scott Geller is an Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, US. Over 56 years, he taught and conducted research in the Department of Psychology, directing the Center for Applied Behavior Systems. Dr. Geller has authored or co-authored over 50 books and 700 publications focused on behavior-change interventions to enhance quality of life. He is a Fellow of multiple psychological associations and has received numerous awards, including Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Award and lifetime achievement honors.

Krista S. Geller is Safety Director at Kiewit, US. With a lifelong connection to applied behavioral science, she earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Human Development at Virginia Tech, focusing on family studies, gerontology, and pet-people relationships. Dr. Geller has worked globally as a People-Based Safety and Human Performance Improvement consultant, inspiring employees to actively care for safety. She is the President of GellerAC4P, Inc., and has authored research on behavioral safety and wellbeing. At Kiewit, she develops strategies to enhance safety, communication, and leadership through behavior analysis and feedback.